Primary School in Doha, Qatar

English Language Arts

Exploring language and imagination

Students discover a variety of genres, learning how to write for different purposes and audiences through a focus on spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The Immerse, Analyse, and Write approach ensures in-depth comprehension and the final Big Write test serves as a demonstration of acquired skills.

Exploration of fiction and non-fiction texts, reading sessions, phonics and comprehension lessons, and weekly library opportunities contribute to develop a love for reading.

Oral communication is emphasized as well, with dedicated sessions that teach students essential public-speaking and listening skills in a variety of contexts.

Students advance with the Read Write Inc (RWI) Phonics scheme, which includes both reading and writing training.

For Upper Primary students, the Fresh Start scheme is available as an intervention to address any gaps.

Guided Reading

Discovering new worlds

In Lower Primary, students participate in guided reading sessions 3 - 5 times a week, while in Upper Primary, these sessions occur every morning. They focus on specific reading skills, including vocabulary, inference, prediction, explanation, retrieval, and summarizing.

Each class teacher plans guided reading tailored to their class, creating new overviews each semester. Students read at least once a week, with topics that become progressively more challenging as students advance from Lower to Upper Primary.

Handwriting

Learning written communication

Students from KG2 to Grade 5 use the PENPAL Handwriting scheme to master this key literacy skill.

Each grade has a dedicated teacher’s guide and practice book, and every student completes their own handwriting book. Teachers focus on spelling and handwriting regularly, incorporating these activities into early morning sessions and Basic Skills lessons.

Arabic Language

Immersing in Arabic cultural heritage

Arabic passport holders study Arabic with specialized Arabic teachers consolidating key skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing through storytelling and real-life contexts, with a focus on national values and Qatari identity.

To ensure complete embracing of local cultural identity, Arabic students start enjoying Qatar History classes as well.

During these sessions, students who do not participate in Arabic studies engage in basic skills sessions.

Muslim students continue their learning of Islamic values and traditions.

Music

Expressing through music

Students learn to play a variety of instruments including recorder, ukulele, keyboard, and a wide range of percussion. They also explore musical styles from classical and pop to traditional and world music, developing a broad appreciation for global sound and culture.

Storytelling through music is also woven into the curriculum, allowing pupils to express ideas using voice, instruments, movement, and gesture. Makaton signing is embedded into selected songs to support communication and inclusion, ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to shine.

Languages

Opening up to an international future

Primary School students in Qatar with Arabic passports are required to study Arabic according to the Ministry of Education guidelines. Other students have the option to choose between Arabic B, French, or Spanish. Arabic passport holders are also encouraged to join French or Spanish extracurricular activities to enhance their language skills.

Lessons cover speaking, listening, reading, and writing, supported by various resources, books, and technology.

Students requiring English as an Additional Language support use their language time to develop fluency and competency in English, the main language of instruction.

Physical Education & Swimming

Staying fit and healthy

Students approach Physical Education with the SHAPE America National Standards. They enjoy two 50-minute PE lessons each week and benefit from a dedicated six-week swimming block.

In Upper Primary, students refine their skills and deepen their understanding of game tactics, fitness concepts, and personal goal-setting. They take on more independent roles, learning to lead warm-ups, analyze performance, and collaborate effectively with peers. The curriculum promotes lifelong physical activity habits by integrating components of health-related fitness, skill acquisition, and personal and social development.

Information & Communication Technology

Taking ownership of the digital world

Students begin their ICT journey by exploring safe device usage and simple digital actions like using a mouse, touchscreens, and basic apps for drawing and storytelling. They recognize common digital devices, use basic functions like typing and saving work, and create pictures and text while learning online safety.

As they progress, learners use simple programs to create content, explore basic coding, and understand passwords and online safety. They discover email and internet searches, develop presentation skills, and begin coding with platforms like Scratch Jr. They create interactive presentations, animations, and databases, explore logical reasoning, and use loops and conditions in coding.

Finally, they design web pages, use spreadsheets to solve problems, write code with loops, variables, and events, and learn about digital footprints and responsible online behavior.

Science

Discovering through experimentation

Our Primary Science curriculum is guided by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which promote a dynamic, inquiry-based approach to learning. Students engage with core scientific concepts, hands-on practices, and crosscutting themes that connect ideas across physics, life, earth sciences, and engineering.

Through real-world investigations, experiments, and problem-solving tasks, students are encouraged to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, develop a strong sense of curiosity, and learn how to draw evidence-based conclusions.

Art

Freeing the inner self

Students explore a variety of materials and techniques including drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture, while developing their creativity, fine motor skills, and ability to express themselves visually.

Through engaging, age-appropriate projects, students learn the elements of art (line, color, shape, texture, space, and form) and are introduced to the works of artists from diverse cultures and time periods.

Each lesson encourages curiosity, imagination, and personal expression, while also supporting cross-curricular learning in areas such as math, science, and social studies.