Training Programme Further Advances QF Mission To Contribute To Human Development Nationally, Regionally And Internationally By Sharing Educational Expertise

Doha, 21 January 2015

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) has signed an agreement with International Baccalaureate (IB) to provide a series of teacher training workshops.

In supporting Qatar on its journey from a carbon economy to a knowledge-based economy, QF is furthering the mission by building on its core education pillar in becoming an approved provider of IB Professional Development workshops for educators, with the first scheduled to take place  this month.

Qatar Foundation currently develops skilled graduates and first-class teachers through an innovative and multidisciplinary education model. And in keeping with its objectives to enhance educational standards, the IB workshops will further develop teacher training skills.

The workshops for the internationally-recognised IB programme will be conducted in both English and Arabic.

Following the first workshop, a further series will be held in March. They are designed and developed by IB, and delivered by experienced IB educators from around the world. Every IB workshop is evaluated against a rigorous global quality assurance framework.

IB is a non-profit educational foundation that works with over 4,000 schools in more than 140 countries to develop and offer four challenging programmes to over 1.2 million youngsters up to the age of 19.

Qatar Foundation serves the people of Qatar by supporting and operating programmes in three core mission areas: education, science and research, and community development, with a wide range of world-class education, work experience and career opportunities so that young people can develop the attitudes, knowledge and skills required in a knowledge-based economy.

By sharing its vast experience with educators, Qatar Foundation also contributes to human development nationally, regionally, and internationally. Educators will share their knowledge with teachers in Qatar, across the region and globally reflecting the importance of teaching and learning.

IB professional development helps educators develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be an internationally-minded and effective teacher.

Commenting on the workshops, Noof Ahmed Al Thani, Qatar Foundation Director of Academic Outreach in the Pre-University Education Office, said: "The IB workshops present a wonderful opportunity in which Qatar Foundation can act as a leader in providing premier training for educators in Qatar.

"Qatar Foundation believes that professional development should be on-going for all educators, irrespective of experience ̶ not only for continuous professional and personal growth, but also to ensure that educators keep improving the learning experiences and outcomes of all their students," she added.

IB's Regional Director Adrian Kearney said: "This agreement represents an important step for the International Baccalaureate in Qatar, and enables greater access to the professional development workshops for which IB is renowned. We hope this will lead to further collaboration with the educational authorities in Qatar."

Members of IB's regional office management team have accompanied Adrian Kearney on several visits to Qatar Foundation schools, and met with educators to discuss their needs.

At present, 11 schools in Qatar offer one or more of the IB's four programmes which are becoming increasingly popular in several countries in the region. The IB is committed to improving access to an IB education across the Middle East.

For more information about Qatar Foundation's IB workshops, please visit: www.edi.qa/index.php/workshop/qf-ib

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Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF) is a private, non-profit organisation that is supporting Qatar on its journey from a carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential, for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world.  Qatar Foundation was co-founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, its Chairperson.

QF's work encompasses education, research and community development.  World-class universities are brought to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. At the same time, QF builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences.  The Foundation also works to foster a progressive society while enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar's heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, visit http://www.qf.org.qa

About the International Baccalaureate
Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a not-for profit foundation, which offers four high quality and challenging education programmes for a worldwide community of schools. For more than 45 years, the IB programmes have gained a reputation for rigour and high academic standards, for preparing students for life in a globalized 21st century and for helping to develop citizens who will create a better, more peaceful world. Currently, more than one million IB students attend over 4,000 schools in 147 countries. www.ibo.org

© Press Release 2015