The 10 Best International Schools in Qatar 2018

have elective classes in physical education, music, art,
Arabic language for native and non-native speakers, Islamic
education for Muslims, library, and IT.
Middle School: Grades 6 to 8
The school realizes that children in this age group are
transitioning into adolescence and exploring the essential
questions of identity, purpose, and meaning more deeply
than before. Therefore, GAAQ complements the core
curriculum by including a variety of exploratory classes that
make the middle-school experience special. Students are
given a choice of which classes to take while exploring
personal interests and possible career choices. The classes
offered have been specifically designed by inspired,
credentialed teachers to engage students in learning
opportunities that focus on creating, connecting, and
collaborating. The institute has grouped the learning skills
in three strands: Literacies, Competencies, and Character
Qualities.
High School: Grades 9 to 12
GAAQ believes that the recipe for excellence in
high-school classrooms consists of knowledgeable adults, a
focus on classroom culture, and a passion for the
development of self and others. Within this framework, it is
moving forward in its pursuit to get every student to and
through college. For high school, the institute offers a
dynamic college and career preparatory education and
support system that encourages student achievement,
maturity, and independence. Its classrooms have fewer than
25 students and it follows the norms of team and
discussion-based learning. Alongside, all the teachers utilize
technology to support and enhance their lessons and each
classroom is equipped with CTouch technology.
In addition to this, GAAQ hosts various annual events
including United Nations Day, Qatar National Day, and
Spring Festival. To motivate its students, it also conducts a
bevy of extra-curricular activities including sports, music,
athletic initiatives, tutoring, and enrichment clubs.
Life at GAAQ
At GAAQ, students enjoy an enriching student life
experience through several outlets. The school has after
school activity offerings such as sports, reading, art, yoga,
chess, math, music and theater performances, service
learning trips, girl scouts, volunteering, honors classes, AP
coursework, and many more. Additionally, it has various
student-led initiatives such as QINOCON, Yearbook Club,
and monthly school spirit activities.
Students also benefit from the diverse school culture.
GAAQ is home to over 80 different nationalities. It is a
representative of various multi-linguistic, multiethnic and
multicultural parents, students, and school community
members. In addition, GAAQ’s teachers have a similar
diverse background, so students and teachers develop a
trusting and genuine relationship. This international vibe at
the school ultimately improves the quality of education,
helps students feel safer, reflects the world, and challenges
school administration to implement diversity programs that
positively impact parents, students, and staff.
Making the Students Future-Ready
GEMS American Academy Qatar believes that all people
have unconditional worth and potential. So, one of its goals
is to cultivate a lifelong and engaged learning environment
where students, parents, and teachers pursue learning
long-term and appreciate curiosity and imagination.
Moreover, the school teaches in diversified learning styles,
where students learn through various approaches such as
visual, auditory, and tactile instructions. Also, students are
encouraged to participate in global academic programs such
as Model United Nations or the International History Bee to
explore their passions. Owing to the same, one of GAAQ’s
students created his own youth business conference in Qatar
called ‘QINOCON’ and recently did a TEDx talk on
‘7 Precepts of Successful Event Organization’. The institute
also supports student-led, teacher-supported initiatives, such
as its AP Environmental Science class taking the charge on
GAAQ becoming an eco-friendly, green school in 2019.
Ultimately, the school aims for its students to learn in the
classroom and apply the knowledge through real-life
applications so that they can understand and remember the
experience.
Career Opportunities for Students
This academic year marks the first graduating class at
GAAQ. In fact, history was recently made as one of
GAAQ’s seniors was recently accepted as an early
applicant to George Mason University in Virginia, U.S.A!
Prior to graduation, the senior students at the school have
been encouraged to take up internships outside of the
school. This has helped them explore various career options
and become more informed about possible career pathways
that will influence their collegiate course of study. At the
conclusion of the school’s internship program, students
create a presentation on leadership skills needed in today’s
workforce and offer an honest reflection of their internship
experience. T R
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| December 2018 |
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Education. Innovation. Success