Historic and distinguished UK school, Sherborne, launched its new Doha-based campus, Sherborne Qatar, today at a press conference at Four Seasons Hotel. Sherborne Qatar is a joint venture between Sherborne and Qatar Supreme Education Council's Education for a New Era's Outstanding Schools Program. The event featured appearances by Sherborne VIPs, Professor Richard Hodder-Williams, Chairman of Governors; Dr. Colin Niven, OBE, Founding Principal, Sherborne Qatar and Nick Prowse, Headmaster, Junior School, Sherborne Qatar. Dr. Ibrahim al-Naimi of the Supreme Education Council (SEC) and Chairman of the Outstanding School Program will be in attendance.
Sherborne Qatar is the fruition of the vision of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad bin Abdullah al-Thani, who desired to found a new school in Doha which would exemplify the ideas and traditions of an historic British independent school matched by the far-sighted initiatives of the SEC Outstanding Schools Program.
Sherborne Qatar is delighted to announce it will welcome 340 primary students to its west Nasiriyah area facilities for the first day of school on September 27th. Primary classes are co-educational and have a maximum of 20 pupils. Reception through Year 6 students will study the English National Curriculum which recognizes diversity in both ability and interest and encourages each student, whatever his capabilities, to achieve to the best of his abilities and provides a rounded education to prepare him for more exciting challenges.
Sherborne has a very clear vision of what a modern, civilized education should be. Sherborne provides a contemporary and comprehensive education experience; one which focuses equally on the intellectual, creative, emotional and practical talents of each student. The school's curriculum develops each student's talents while supporting and challenging him or her to develop the emotional and practical strengths necessary to compete in today's increasingly demanding and varied society.
The class offerings will grow as the student body grows, with Sherborne Qatar soon to offer classes seeing students through the IGCSE's, A Levels and the International Baccalaureate. All classes above Year 7 will be single sex. All non-Arab children will learn basic Arabic and learn about local culture, history and environment, providing valuable, life-enriching knowledge. Arab children will learn more advanced Arabic and, as required by Qatar law, be instructed about Islam. Conversely, non-Arab children will have Personal, Health and Social Education. In addition, it is Sherborne's goal to ensure its students learn the value of kindness, respect, concern for others and service to their community.
Sherborne's history is long and distinguished. The school originated in 705 and, over centuries, has acquired an outstanding reputation. Sherborne was re-founded and given its Coat of Arms in 1550 under a royal charter granted by Edward VI. For over 458 years, Sherborne has educated pupils from around the world. These Shirburnians, as they are called, have followed a diverse range of careers at the highest levels and include actors, poets, diplomats, bishops, politicians, government heads, philosophers, architects, journalists and sports stars to name a few. Sherborne is one of England's oldest and most respected schools, with 10 -15 students per year admitted to Cambridge and Oxford.
Round one of Sherborne Qatar applications are currently being accepted and will be tested at the end of the first week of June 2009.
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© Press Release 2009
