INFORMATION BOOKLET 2021–22

01 READY F R THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.

We created this brochure to answer common questions about ACS – everything from “what curriculum options do you offer?” to “where are you located?”

Of course, no brochure could possibly say everything about such a vibrant, international school environment. To find out more, including how our distinctive approach to ensures our students are ready for the rest of their lives, we encourage you to visit us – either for an individual tour or as part of one of our regular Open Houses.

To arrange your visit, just email our Admissions department at [email protected] or call us on +974 3026 6800

*Some of the activities outlined in this brochure may be subject to change as a result of any further Covid-19 restrictions.

02 ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA 03 ABOUT OUR SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

ACS Doha is a co-educational day school for Application procedure students aged 3–18, from over 70 countries We operate a rolling admissions process around the world. We offer a rigorous, that enables students to join us at any time highly-regarded international curriculum that of the academic year, subject to acceptance includes the IB, Advanced Placement and US and availability. High School Diploma. In addition to our strong academic credentials, we are recognised for our Our online application process takes a holistic exceptional co-curricular and sports programmes. approach, assessing each candidate individually by reviewing previous school records, references, We invite you to visit us and see ACS Doha student questionnaire answers and standardised for yourself, where we can take you on test scores. This helps us understand the a tour of our landmark new campus. complete student, giving us a real insight into who they are today and how we can make them ready for tomorrow.

Offer and acceptance of place We ask that each application is accompanied by a non-refundable application fee, paid online. If your application is successful, we will contact you with an offer of a place for your child. To secure the place, we require a non-refundable enrolment deposit, which we set against the second semester tuition fees. For more details of application fees, deposits and tuition costs, see the School Fees section of our website.

Practicalities for international families We have many years’ experience guiding international families through the application process and the practicalities of moving to Doha. Our experienced Admissions team is available to provide advice on your move and put you in touch with third-party agencies who can help with relocation services.

04 ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA SCHOOL STRUCTURE

Divisions Grade placement ACS Doha is organised into four divisions: Early Children come to our school from a wide range Childhood for our youngest students aged 3 to 6, of countries and schools. This table shows Lower School for 6 to 11-year-olds, Middle School for the equivalent class age and curriculum for those aged 11 to 14, and High School for our oldest different education systems. students aged 14 to 18. Each division is run by a highly experienced principal, ably assisted by superb teaching staff and support specialists.

AGE US / ACS DOHA GRADES UK YEARS GRADES

3 PK3 – KG1

4 PK4 Reception KG2

5 KG Year 1 1

6 1 Year 2 2

7 2 Year 3 3

8 3 Year 4 4

9 4 Year 5 5

10 5 Year 6 6

11 6 Year 7 7

12 7 Year 8 8

13 8 Year 9 9

14 9 Year 10 10

15 10 Year 11 11

16 11 Year 12 12

17 12 Year 13 13

05 PASTORAL ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

We believe that social and emotional American heritage, global perspective development is just as important as academic All ACS schools offer a unique educational achievement. We focus on the whole child, experience, characterised by a bold international enabling us to create resilient, well-rounded, approach that builds on our proud American high achieving individuals – ready to face heritage. At the heart of this experience is a whatever the future has in store for them. commitment to providing exactly the right support Our team of experienced social counsellors for each student, so they thrive within our culture is available to students from Early Childhood of high expectations. As part of our commitment through to High School. Our aim is to provide to diversity and inclusion, we support a wide our students with the tools to develop their range of student interests and abilities. social and emotional learning, in order for them to achieve academic success. Another distinctive feature of ACS culture is our attitude to exams. We focus on assessment for We approach this in a holistic way, using a learning, rather than simply preparing for tests. wellness model that highlights and encourages We use high quality data and feedback on each students’ strengths and abilities. Building a positive student’s achievement, to adjust our teaching relationship with each student and being able to strategies, improve individual performance support them in their daily lives is what makes and celebrate learning. our work worthwhile. From their first day with us, you child will become part of a caring classroom The result is a flexible system that works for each community, where everyone is valued. student, regardless of ability. At the heart of this is our rigorous academic programme, designed To support this, we offer a proactive counselling to help highly ambitious learners excel in widely- programme designed to recognise and prevent respected international qualifications. This supports issues before they cause difficulties. Our social strong applications to the world’s top counsellors work closely with parents and – including ’s , Ivy teachers to identify and address the needs League and the Russell Group. At the same time, of each student, offering as much or as little we encourage all our students to pursue individual support as students feel they need. passions and explore personal interests, with a particular emphasis on sport, the creative Our pastoral programme extends into every industries, business and enterprise. subject our students study through the IB learner profile and their approach to learning. Put all this together and ACS schools deliver what In addition, we offer co-curricular activities, we call transformational learning: we help students such as our Model United Nations club, where help themselves, by teaching them how to learn. students are encouraged to develop their skills. We help them to become effective learners, confident individuals and caring contributors, ready for success in a changing world.

06 ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA Premier academic programmes The IBDP’s broad and balanced curriculum The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a requires students to study six subjects during suite of integrated international educational their final two years of school – three at higher and programmes for students aged 3 to 18. three at standard level. The curriculum includes The IB’s four individual programmes encourage languages, science, history, social sciences, business both personal and academic achievement, management, mathematics and the arts. IBDP challenging students to excel in their studies results are based on a combination of end-of-course and in their personal interests. examinations and externally marked coursework.

Developed independently of national standards, In the IBDP’s signature Theory of Knowledge the IB incorporates best practice drawn from course, students examine the nature of knowing research and a global community of more than and deepen their understanding of knowledge as 4,000 top-performing schools. It encourages a human construct. IBDP students also complete a students of all ages to think critically, challenge major independent research project in the form of an assumptions and adopt a global perspective – Extended Essay, in which they conduct an in-depth with some students choosing multilingual learning. study of one of their IBDP subjects.

Well-respected national and The IBDP also encourages self-directed learning international standards through its Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) element. Based on the idea of reciprocal service, The curriculum at ACS schools is informed by CAS involves students participating in a range of established standards that provide students activities alongside their academic studies, helping with clear milestones, to guide their academic promote healthy lifestyles, original thinking and development. Our standards are evidence- active participation in local and global communities. based, to prepare students for the demands of , career and civic life. Importantly, the IBDP helps students gain offers from prestigious universities around the world. By identifying and prioritising significant content, Higher education institutions in more than 90 these standards promote deep learning that countries accept students based on their IBDP enhances the individual student’s knowledge credentials, while many US public and private and skills. Standards also provide a common colleges and universities offer credit or accelerated language for parents, teachers and students to courses of study in the light of strong IBDP results. discuss education topics, and enable students to transfer to other schools – national or The IBDP is ACS Doha’s most demanding and international – with the minimum of disruption. frequently-chosen academic programme. It requires commitment, resilience, excellent time management High School curriculum and determination. In return, a growing body of International Baccalaureate Programme evidence shows the IBDP is excellent preparation for university, ensuring students are ready for advanced The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an study and helping them achieve results that go academically challenging programme that beyond anything they thought possible. ensures students aged 16 to 18 are ready for success at university and beyond. It addresses students’ intellectual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing, and has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.

IBDP students take responsibility for their own learning, developing critical and creative thinking as well as collaboration, research, self-management and communication skills.

07 IB Career-related Programme • The US College Board offers college-level courses The IBCP incorporates the vision and to academically-prepared High School students educational principles of the IB into a stand- • One-year courses are modelled on first-year out programme specifically developed for university curriculum students who wish to engage in career-related • Courses culminate in a standardised exam each learning while gaining transferable and lifelong May; successful scores can earn college credit skills in applied knowledge, critical thinking, • Students specialise, choosing subjects of communication, and cross-cultural engagement. personal interest and academic strength.

Importantly, the IBCP prepares students for an ever-changing world of work, asking them to ACS High School Diploma consider new perspectives, engage in learning All ACS students who successfully complete that makes a positive difference, develop both the relevant studies receive an accredited academic and practical skills, think creatively High School Diploma. As part of this, students and critically, communicate effectively, work choose from an extensive range of traditional independently and in collaboration, and and contemporary subjects, to create stimulating become self-confident, resilient, and flexible. programmes of study that reflect their interests. Importantly for our American students, the The programme’s three-part framework comprises ACS High School Diploma meets the admission career-related work, the study of two IB Diploma requirements of US colleges and universities. courses, and the IBCP Core that connects the chosen Diploma courses directly with career- À la carte DP and AP courses offer advanced related studies. The IBCP prepares students for academic rigor in many subjects. Students businesses and industries that require workers can choose courses of study that specialise in with self-confidence, community interactions, particular areas of interest and ability, or meet accomplished personal and professional skills, the admission requirements of more narrowly- an understanding of global languages, and focused national education systems. the ability to make ethical decisions. Middle School curriculum • Diploma Programme courses provide the Our approach to learning in the middle years theoretical underpinning and academic rigour emphasises intellectual curiosity, encouraging • Career-related studies further support the students to look for connections between what programme’s academic strength and provide they learn in school and the world beyond the practical, real-world approaches to learning classroom. We develop communication, intercultural • The IBCP core helps them to develop skills and understanding and global engagement – essential competencies required for lifelong learning knowledge for future global leaders. As students develop from childhood into adolescence, our Middle Advanced Placement (College Board) School offers a caring and supportive environment that prepares them for High School, and establishes AP courses give students a first taste of good habits of mind to encourage lifelong learning. demanding university-level work. AP students build confidence and learn the essential time Our Middle School curriculum framework is management and study skills needed for college made up of eight subject groups, known as the and career success. Importantly, higher learning Middle Year Programme (MYP). Service in Action institutions value the rigour of AP courses, giving is an integral part of this. In the final year of the applicants a competitive advantage for admission. programme, students complete in-depth research for a personal project, through which they apply From 2022, 12 AP courses and a full range of what they’ve learned and develop new skills, AP rewards and recognition will be available. researching a globally-significant topic of interest.

08 ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA The MYP builds upon the knowledge, skills ISLAMIC STUDIES AND and attitudes developed in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and prepares students ARABIC LANGUAGE to meet the academic challenges of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and other Arabic Language advanced academic courses of study. Arabic is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world. It’s a core subject at ACS Doha, IB MYP Certificate where the curriculum respects the cultural At the end of Year 11/Grade 10, optional and social context, with a focus on global and eAssessments provide opportunities for Doha intercultural understanding. Arabic is part of students to attain prestigious IB awards and the International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and externally validate learning outcomes. The MYP DP programmes, following the Ministry of certificate requires students to successfully complete Education’s guidelines. We offer Arabic language a two-hour on-screen examination in four subjects. to native students from to Students will undertake interdisciplinary learning Grade 12 as an integral part of their studies, and submit ePortfolios – in language acquisition and to non-native students as a language choice. and either design, arts or physical and health Our Arabic department organises extracurricular education. They will also complete an externally- activities and special events to enrich the moderated personal project, and meet learning learning experience. These include field trips, objectives for service as action (sometimes writing competitions, Qatar , known as community service). The result is Islamic celebrations and poetry evenings. an internationally-recognised celebration of achievement, to support university admissions. Islamic Studies Islamic Studies is a mandatory subject for all Lower School and Early Childhood curriculum Muslim students from Grade 1 to Grade 12 The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) nurtures at ACS Doha. We offer our Islamic Studies and develops students aged 3 to 11, creating programme for native and non-native Arabic caring, active individuals committed to a lifelong speakers, following the Ministry of Education’s journey of learning. Through an inquiry-led, guidelines. We deliver this through two main transdisciplinary framework, the PYP challenges resources: Ministry of Education textbooks for students to think for themselves. We encourage native Arabic speakers, and the ‘Dar Al Salam’ them to explore who we are and how we express textbook for non-native Arabic speakers. Our ourselves – to discover where we are in space programme is designed to educate students and time, how the world works and how we about the fundamentals of Islamic knowledge can all share the planet. and to enable them to properly implement that knowledge in their life. Fundamental aspects PYP studies are based on six subject areas: include Akeedah, Fikh, Islamic morals, Seerah, language, social studies, mathematics, arts, reciting the Holy Quran, Tajweed and Tafseer. science and personal/social/. Students also work and play with specialists Qatar History to explore language, culture, art, music and Qatar History is a mandatory subject for all physical education. students from Grade 1 to Grade 9 at ACS Doha. Qatar History gives learners the opportunity to The whole school community – especially explore the vast history, rich culture and beautiful parents – are viewed as valued partners heritage of Qatar. Learners study the history of in learning, actively contributing to a Qatar and recognise the fundamental role that well-rounded educational experience. Qatar plays in the Middle East and the world.

09 LEARNING SUPPORT AND During the MYP years, students increase their level of knowledge of the target language by developing ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL their receptive skills (listening and reading LANGUAGE (EAL) comprehension) and productive skills (speaking and writing). Students also become more aware of their role as part of an international community. Our Student Support Services department helps students with learning needs and those By the time students reach their last two years of who need a little extra English language tuition. school, the Language Acquisition programme offers Teachers provide support in a number of ways a variety of pathways: The Diploma Programme – including “push in” support where they team- (DP) Language B programme and the High School teach a class with a content or homeroom teacher, Languages programme which are connected to the and “pull out” support, where teachers work with students’ future academic or professional interests. students in small groups to reinforce foundational skills. English language learners are identified during the admissions process and are given the WIDA English language proficiency assessment. VISUAL ARTS AND DESIGN Depending on the results, they then receive appropriate “push in” or “pull out” support. Visual Arts provide students with an opportunity The student support service team uses a multi- to express themselves in a variety of methods. tiered system of support (MTSS) as an entrance Our programme encompasses different forms of and exit criteria for learning support students. visual arts from the early years through to Grade Through the MTSS student progress is monitored 12. As part of the International Baccalaureate regularly and support is modified as needed. PYP, MYP, and DP learning, the Visual Arts explore global and intercultural concepts through a range of media and techniques. The Visual Arts help to develop skills in communication, critical LANGUAGE ACQUISITION thinking, growth mindset and self-confidence.

Our Visual Arts department strives to create an At ACS Doha, students from KG to Grade 12 are enriched programme that provides the opportunity offered the choice to study French, Spanish or Arabic. for students to experience hands-on investigations, extracurricular activities and special events. During the Primary Years Programme students These include school exhibitions, field trips, start becoming acquainted with foreign languages museum visits, workshops and visiting artists. by exploring them in a fun and interactive way, allowing them to appreciate the culture of the In Design and Technology, Middle High School foreign language studied by learning simple aspects students use the design cycle by creating a range of it through games, songs and meaningful and of products that will help develop them into critical communicative activities. This is the age when thinkers and problem solvers. We examine real-life students start becoming aware of the importance problems with an open mind - this helps them look of being part of a diverse and multicultural school. for solutions with a reflection on their experiences as a tool to create wonderful ideas. We balance In the Middle Years Programme learners have their understanding of architectural, digital and the opportunity to choose a language pathway product design to make students appreciate the according to their proficiency level of the target subject even more. language and their specific interest. Languages are offered at different levels: Emergent (beginner), Our new campus features design labs fully Capable (intermediate) and Proficient (Advanced). equipped with state-of-the-art equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters.

10 ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA PERFORMING ARTS SPORT

Drama Our new campus features state-of-the-art modern In Lower School, students develop their facilities which can facilitate team and individual imaginative skills and creativity and apply them athlete preparation in multiple disciplines. in drama situations and performances. They also learn about technical aspects like script writing These facilities include: and the use of props. Drama includes verbal and • Maximum standard dimensions, floodlit, non-verbal expression where students can express FIFA standard 3G football pitch themselves, reflect on their performance, and • Climate-controlled 25m indoor pool to show appreciation for other people’s ideas and the aid preparation in all aquatic disciplines awareness of other cultures and perspectives. • Functional studios for community and parent In Middle-High School we offer students the classes - yoga, crossfit, wellbeing, HIIT opportunity to participate in weekly drama • Fitness suite to aid strength and clubs, creating their own performances and conditioning in athlete preparation open-mic nights that are presented to the whole • Double sized multi-functional sports hall school community. These drama activities build which can accommodate multiple matches invaluable skills and qualities such as teamwork, simultaneously in volleyball, basketball and creative thinking and self-confidence. badminton – a competition-ready space with multiple dynamic viewing options for spectators The new ACS Doha campus features a state-of-the- • A communal relaxation area with art theatre, with a flexible seating capacity of up to sports cafe for spectators and visitors 300 people, and professional technical facilities. In addition, we have developed partnerships Music with some of Qatar’s leading sports providers, PYP students gain an awareness and appreciation including BE Basketball, who will operate at of music in all its forms from a range of times, our campus from August 2021. Our aquatic places, and cultures. Through singing songs and programme includes our own successful playing instruments, students develop the ability Learn-to-Swim classes and after-school swim to perform accurately and confidently, making lessons. We also offer an extensive range expressive use of musical elements. They control of co-curricular and after-school activities, and develop musical ideas in composition and which enhance our students’ experience and use notation as an aid to storing and refining give them the opportunity to learn new skills. their ideas. Our Lower School students also have the opportunity to become members of the ACS choir, performing at a range of school events and external competitions. CO-CURRICULAR

In Middle High School, students are offered an instrumental programme with the Co-curricular activities are a key part of our well- opportunity to play a variety of instruments, balanced educational programme, giving students as well percussion. Our aim of the programme the opportunity to socialise, learn new skills and is to have every student develop the skills have fun as part of after-school (typically 2:30 to necessary in order to read and perform music. 3:30pm) and Saturday activities. Our programme includes sailing, horse riding, eSports, robotics In addition to performance skills, the MYP and gymnastics. music programme aims to develop students’ ability to work within digital-audio workstations. Use of these programmes allows students to expand their composition and theory skills, as well as expressing themselves through music.

11 PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAMME ACS Doha is creating relationships with a wide range of prestigious institutions to support our We partner with Blue Pearl Camps to run a series students, connecting them and their families of outdoor adventures for our students. Led by with an array of opportunities to expand their qualified camp leaders, our camping trips are horizons. Part of our education strategy is to hugely popular with both students and parents. recognise personal and workplace skills through The programme is available to students from 6 and learning beyond the classroom. Our connections 7 years old and starts with overnight camping on with universities, government ministries, and the beach at one of Qatar’s resorts – where team businesses provide challenge, inspiration, and games, bonfire storytelling and bushcraft take personalised learning with special speakers, place. Our 9 and 10 year olds get the opportunity courses, educational visits, expert advice, to camp for three nights, with more advanced competitions and school holiday activities. activities like fire building, trap making, kayaking and bouldering. These are some of the organisations with which ACS Doha has developed partnerships: Our aim is to raise awareness of the amazing variety of nature here in Qatar – from our • Paragon One mangroves and amazing beaches, to our incredible • Qatar Cool variety of flora and fauna. Spending time with • Ministry of Transport and nature really invigorates our students, giving them Communications, Qatar an opportunity to experience the great outdoors • Virginia Commonwealth with full support from our wilderness experts. University of the Arts, Qatar • University of Calgary, Qatar • HSBC Qatar UNIFORM • Millie Group • Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Our students do not wear a uniform. We believe College of Law in the importance of independent thinking and • Qatar creativity, and encourage our students to make • Qatar Foundation International good choices for themselves. There is a dress code, which all ACS students are expected to follow. • Environmental Science Center, University of Qatar

12 ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE COUNSELLING

Our experienced and well-resourced counselling team comprises two full-time guidance counsellors, who help students choose a university course that fits their aspirations; one that reflects their academic, emotional, geographical and financial needs. Their advice covers researching university options, personal statement writing, career selection and standardised test skills as appropriate, ensuring a successful transition to university. This attention to detail significantly improves each student’s university experience and career options.

ACADEMIC RESULTS

Our latest academic results can be found on our website www.acs-schools.com/doha or requested from our Admissions team.

HIGHER EDUCATION DESTINATIONS AND DEGREES

We are proud to say that ACS Doha students have a long tradition of achieving excellent exam scores in the International Baccalaureate.

Many of our graduates go on to attend some of the most prestigious universities in the world, with the majority gaining places at their first-choice institution, including Russell Group and Ivy League colleges.

Popular degrees for ACS Doha graduates include:

• Accounting • Environmental science • Aeronautical • Law engineering • Mathematics • Architecture • Medical sciences • Art • Modern language • Drama • Philosophy • Economics • Physiology • English and creative writing

13 OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Salvadorean Panamanian

Uruguayan Costa Rican

Colombian

Mexican

New Zealander

Bahraini Bhutan

Australian

South African Tanzanian Brazilian Chilean Sudanese Tunisian

Moroccan

Azerbaijani United Kingdom Filipino KenyanLibyan Indonesia Indian Japanese

Egyptian Jordanian Cameroonian SwedishSwiss Spanish Kuwaiti Russian Algerian PortugueseRomanian

Lebanese Polish MoldovanNorway Omani Latvian Italian Pakistani

GermanIrish French Palestinian Finnish Dutch BulgarianCzech

British

Belgian Austrian Dominican

Canadian

Barbadian

Qatari

American

Turkish

South Korean South

Singapore Saudi

14 ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA ACCREDITATION CAMPUS TOURS

ACS Doha is accredited by the New England You can book a place through our Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) website, email our Admissions team on and is authorised by the International [email protected] Baccalaureate to offer the three International or call us on +974 3026 6800 Baccalaureate Programmes (PYP/MYP/DP), to arrange an individual tour. Western Association of Schools and Colleges and The Ministry of Education in Qatar.

Accredited

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Location ACS International School Doha Building No 10, Street No 161, Zone 70 PO Box. 200568, Al Kheesa Doha, Qatar

Busing ACS Doha has partnered with Yalla Transportation to provide students with a safe and reliable bus service to transport them to and from school.

The service currently serves the following areas: • The Pearl, Lusail, Westbay and Al-Dafna • Gharrafa, Qatar Foundation, Al-Rayyan • Um Salal Mohammad, Um Salal Ali, Al-Kheesa

15 ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA Building No 10, Street No 161, Zone 70 PO Box. 200568, Al Kheesa Doha, Qatar

+974 4474 9000 [email protected]

Accredited