primary admissions pack

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NEW PARENTS GUIDE PRIMARY

Welcome to the Doha College Community

Issued: September 2016

To enable personal growth, instil a passion for learning and create aspirational minds.

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CONTENTS PRIMARY SCHOOL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 3

School Week ............................................................................................................................................... 3

Delivery and Collection ............................................................................................................................... 3

Primary School Information ........................................................................................................................ 3

Food and Drink ........................................................................................................................................... 4

Appointments ............................................................................................................................................. 4

CURRICULUM .................................................................................................................................................. 5

2016 / 2017 FEE SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................................ 9

HEALTHY EATING AND NO NUT POLICY ....................................................................................................... 10

TERM DATES 2016 - 2017 .............................................................................................................................. 14

UNIFORM CODE & SUPPLIERS....................................................................................................................... 15

AL WAAB CAMPUS – DROP OFF & PICK UP PLAN ......................................................................................... 18

WEST BAY CAMPUS – DROP OFF & PICK UP PLAN........................................................................................ 19


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PRIMARY SCHOOL INFORMATION Primary education is a critical stage in every child’s development – it shapes them for life. As well as giving them the essential tools for learning, primary education is about children experiencing the joy of discovery, developing their self-confidence as learners, solving problems, being creative in writing, art and music and maturing both socially and emotionally.

Excellence in teaching and the enjoyment of learning is at the heart of what we are doing at DC Primary. English and maths remain vital, but we are also committed to offering our students a rich and exciting curriculum, in which every subject is taught at an outstanding level.

Doha College Primary follows the National Curriculum for England, providing an education for children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old covering Pre-School to Year 6.

As our curriculum is taught in English, priority is given to children whose first language is English.

Doha College Primary has approximately 900 students. We have two Primary campuses, one at Al Waab which occupies the same compound as the Secondary College and the other at West Bay. In total DC Primary has 6 forms of entry from Pre-School to Year 6. (2 x each year group at Al Waab and 4 x each year group at West Bay). The College is sponsored by the British Embassy. It has a Board of Governors and is non-profit making.

Doha College has established a reputation for high educational standards. It provides a broad and balanced curriculum which enables all students to achieve their full potential and ensures an excellent basis for skills required in later life. All students, therefore, are required to participate fully in every aspect of the curriculum including Physical Education and swimming.

School Week The school week is Sunday to Thursday. The school times are:

Pre-School : 7.20 am to 12.00 noon Reception : 7:20 am to 1:10 pm Years 1 to 6 : 7:20 am to 1:10 pm Break Times : All students are given 2 x 30 minute breaks each day.

Delivery and Collection Parents must ensure that students are always accompanied by a responsible adult when they are delivered to, or collected from the school. School begins promptly at 7:20am. The Primary entrance will be opened at 7.20 am every morning and students should proceed to their classroom. School cannot accept responsibility for children who are brought to the school earlier and children who arrive earlier must be supervised by an appropriate adult until the start of school. Primary School Information Children who arrive after the start of school at 7.20am must be accompanied to the Primary Reception by an adult who should ensure they are signed into school. School finishes at 1:10pm for Reception to Year 6. Students should be collected promptly at that time.


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Food and Drink

It is important that children bring something healthy to eat during break times and 2 drinks in unbreakable containers. No glass bottles or fizzy drinks are allowed.

Appointments All aspects of learning are important. We ask parents to inform the school or send a note/e-mail if your child has an appointment which necessitates them leaving during the school day. We can therefore have your child ready for collection at the specified times. We ask parents to endeavour to make appointments out of school time where possible to minimise the impact on learning. Toys Please do not allow your children to bring toys from home. Exceptions will occasionally be made by the class teacher. Many hours can be wasted either looking for lost possessions, or comforting children if their toys get broken. Regretfully, Doha College will not accept responsibility for the loss or damage of personal items brought into the school. Parents’ Evening/Reports Parents’ meetings take place in the Autumn and Spring Terms. These are valuable opportunities for parents and teachers to meet to discuss their children, their achievements, or their problems. Parents receive a written report at the end of each academic year. Teachers are always available to meet with parents, at pre-arranged times, should parents have any issues that they would like to discuss.

After School Activities These are offered to pupils in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (Years 1 to 6). Activities have included choir, rounders, swimming, athletics and languages. Depending on the expertise available, these will be subject to change.


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CURRICULUM

At Doha College we pride ourselves on providing a friendly, happy environment in which to introduce the youngest members of our school community to new challenges and new friends,

providing an environment in which they will flourish, learn independence, social skills, build a foundation for learning and thrive.

Curriculum Information All children warrant the finest imaginable start in life together with the encouragement that enables them to realise their potential. A child’s experience between birth and age five has a key bearing on their future life chances. A childhood that embraces security, safety, and a smile is the right of all children. Parents and teachers working together, with high quality early learning offer the groundwork children need to make the maximum of their abilities and talents as they grow up.

Four guiding principles are central to the Doha College Pre-School ethos. These are:

1. Each child is unique continuously absorbing information.

2. Positive relationships encourage children to be strong and independent

3. Appropriate enabling environments are central to a child’s learning and development.

4. Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.

Areas of Learning The areas of learning are now partitioned into three prime areas and four specific areas. It is envisaged that the three prime areas are more child led and as a child moves through the early years setting the four specific areas an introduction to adult led activities takes place. The prime areas are: Communication and language Communication is a fundamental characteristic that we all share. Babies prefer their mother’s voice over all others quickly becoming ‘fine-tuned ’to each other through facial expressions, conversation and gestures. Communicating relies as much on non-verbal means as on spoken communication. Our enabling environment offer children an experience of rich language development helping to develop skills in expressing themselves, speaking and comprehension.


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Physical development & Nutrition Increasingly, studies suggest that being more physically active is positively related to improved social interactions and academic performance in children. Doha College Pre-School has enabling environments to help develop children’s co-ordination, control, and movement. We also emphasise the importance of physical activity in our daily routines. We also believe in the importance, through age-appropriate activities, of educating children to make

healthy choices in relation to food. Personal, social and emotional development Personal, Social and Emotional Development is acknowledged as a foundation of success in life. It helps children’s growth by facilitating effective interactions and the development of positive mind-sets to themselves and others. Together with parents and family, we provide positive feedback and role model suitable behaviour. In doing so, self-confidence and self-awareness; management of feelings and behaviour & making relationships are all supported. The four specific areas are:

Literacy Progress encompasses linking sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. An interest in literacy is ignited in children at Doha College by experiencing both verbal and non-verbal communication in a variety of language rich environments that include action songs, stories, theatre and dance.

Mathematics Enabling environments present great demonstrations of mathematical literacy and our children take every occasion to use their knowledge and

skills in a literate way. These environments provide children with opportunities to

develop and skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.


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Understanding the world Involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

Expressive arts and design Involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their feelings, ideas and opinions through a range of programmes in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

We hope that our environments reflect the learning styles of children. With careful observation, our teachers will determine what type of learner your child is and then introduce enabling activities that reflect this style of learning. We focus on:

visual learners;

kinesthetic learners;

auditory learners and

logical learners.

As a School, we are implementing the 'Read Write Inc.' scheme to help support our emerging

readers into becoming fluent readers, confident speakers and willing writers. This approach

provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching literacy. The scheme meets the higher

expectations of the New Curriculum in the UK and uses effective assessment to accelerate every

child’s progress.

We all know that reading opens the door to all learning.

A child who reads a lot will become a good reader.

A good reader will be able to read challenging material.

A child who reads challenging material is a child who will learn.

The more a child learns the more a child wants to find out.

The Read Write Inc. approach provides our children with the essential skills needed to recognise

letters and combinations of letters as sounds. The children therefore have the ability to sound

out and blend these sounds together in order to read words and sentences with confidence.


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This enables every child to become a confident and fluent reader at the first attempt. Every child

who completes Read Write Inc. learns to read fluently and confidently.

The approach we use is a proven synthetic phonic approach. It combines 5 clear steps to ensure

real success in literacy:

1. A systematic and dynamic whole-school approach

2. High quality literacy teaching

3. Inspiring whole-school literacy training

4. Effective assessment and grouping

5. Keeps parents fully informed and supported.


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2016 / 2017 FEE SCHEDULE

SECONDARY SCHOOL

TUITION FEES PER TERM

Secondary (Years 7 to 11) QR 20,992.00

6th Form (Years 12 to 13) QR 22,397.00

CAPITAL CHARGE: Payable per student each year with the autumn term fees or the term in which the student starts.

Secondary (Years 7-11) QR 5,000.00

6th Form (Years 12 to 13) QR 5,000.00

Registration Fee: A non-refundable one-off fee for every child enrolling.

QR 3,650.00

Refundable Deposit The "Refundable Deposit" is applicable to every new student offered a place at Doha College. This will be fully refunded on leaving, providing that all fees and other charges due to Doha College are paid at that time and 5 weeks’ notice of withdrawal are given prior to the end of the last academic term attended by the student (excluding holidays).

QR 10,000.00

PRIMARY SCHOOL

TUITION FEES PER TERM

Pre School to Year 6 QR 12,325.00

CAPITAL CHARGE: Payable per student each year with the autumn term fees or the term in which the student starts.

Pre School to Year 6 QR 8,000.00

Registration Fee: A non-refundable one-off fee for every child enrolling.

QR 3,650.00

Refundable Deposit The "Refundable Deposit" is applicable to every new student offered a place at Doha College. This will be fully refunded on leaving, providing that all fees and other charges due to Doha College are paid at that time and 5 weeks’ notice of withdrawal are given prior to the end of the last academic term attended by the student (excluding holidays).

QR 10,000.00

Additional Notes: The above tuition fees are quoted per term. Doha College has 3 terms per academic year. Tuition fees for the following term are payable before the last day of school of the previous term. Once you have accepted a place at Doha College, payment of the non‐refundable registration fee or advance tuition fee must be paid by the date given by the admissions office. Tuition fees are inclusive of exercise books, paper as deemed necessary by staff plus the loan of standard textbooks. There are no extra charges other than for breakages, loss of/or damage to books, external examination fees, trips, extracurricular activities and/or for materials required in practical classes. All external examination fees (applicable to Years 10, 11, 12 and 13), are in addition to the tuition fees quoted above and are payable to Doha College by the parent/guardian. All enquiries regarding external examination fees should be directed to the Examinations Officer via [email protected].


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P5_PRIMARY

HEALTHY EATING AND NO NUT POLICY

Doha College PO Box 7506

Doha, State of Qatar (+974) 4407 6777


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Contents Policy 3 Further information 1 Food 4 2 Drinks 4 3 Treats 4


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Policy To encourage children to eat a healthy, balanced diet. To educate the children about healthy lifestyle, e.g. diet, fitness and personal hygiene, and the importance of a good night’s sleep. To give the children a better understanding of how healthy living can benefit their learning. To promote healthy snacks but still allow treats, so that the children understand the concept of ‘everything in moderation’. With the introduction of this policy, we hope to encourage a healthier lifestyle for all our children. We truly believe that with a good breakfast, regular exercise and a balanced diet the children will be better equipped to succeed within the rest of the curriculum. Increased energy levels will help the children academically as their concentration levels will rise. With an increase in child obesity and diabetes in the world today, we believe strongly that we need to work in partnership with parents and children to make this policy a success. Important: We have a no nut policy in school. No nuts or nut products are allowed under any

circumstances. Some children are highly allergic to nuts.


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1 Food 1.1 Children should eat a filling breakfast before they come to school. 1.2 Children need to be provided with balanced nutritious snacks 1.3 Pre-School children are given an optional breakfast of toast at school and they snack once

more after this. 1.4 Reception – Year 6 children snack twice throughout the day. They need to bring enough

food to last them two snack times. If they have an after school activity they should bring an additional snack.

1.5 Chocolate bars, sweets, and branded fast food are not allowed as part of the children’s

snacks. 1.6 The children should be encouraged to eat a range of fruit and vegetables throughout the

day. 1.7 Children will not be allowed to swap food from their snack boxes with other children. 2 Drinks 2.1 The children should bring a water bottle to school every day. They can refill this from any

of the water coolers in school. 2.2 The children are allowed to bring juice, water or milk as part of their snack. Flavoured milk

is discouraged and fizzy drinks are not allowed. 3 Treats 3.1 Although sweets, etc. are not allowed as part of the children’s snack, they will not be

banned from school completely. Treats will still be allowed e.g. on party days, or bake sales. We want the children to realise that treats are acceptable in moderation.


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TERM DATES 2016 - 2017


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UNIFORM CODE & SUPPLIERS

Students are expected to maintain a clean and tidy appearance at all times. All students must wear full and correct school uniform when attending school. The correct kit must be worn for all PE or sports activities. Trainers with velcro straps with non‐marking soles (no laces unless children can tie

themselves) Shirts should not be tucked in and any vests worn should be low necked and not visible. Please ensure all items of uniform, PE kits and bags have your child’s name on them

The following items must be purchased from the uniform suppliers:

Reception

Boys Girls

Light blue 2 button shirt Light blue 2 button shirt

Navy blue elasticated waist shorts Navy blue skort/skirt

(Trousers are optional for Winter) (Trousers are optional for Winter)

Navy blue legionnaires cap Navy blue legionnaires cap

Zipped front fleece (Winter) Zipped front fleece (Winter)

DC Book bag/School bag DC Book bag/School bag

DC Swim Bag/goggles/flip flops DC Swim Bag/goggles/flip flops

Black swim shorts – no baggy board shorts

Navy blue swim suit (Y‐shaped)

DC branded Blue & Navy air-cool t-shirt * DC branded Blue & Navy air-cool t-shirt *

DC Navy blue PE shorts DC Navy blue PE shorts

Years 1 & 2

Boys Girls

Light blue shirt Light blue oxford shirt

Navy blue Bermuda shorts Navy blue skirt

Navy blue trousers Navy blue trousers

Navy blue cap Navy blue cap


DC Book bag/School bag DC Book bag/School bag

DC Swim Bag/Goggles/Flip Flops DC Swim Bag/Goggles/Flip Flops

Black swim shorts – no baggy board shorts

Navy blue swim suit (Y shaped)

DC branded Blue & Navy air-cool t-shirt * DC branded Blue & Navy air-cool t-shirt *

DC Navy blue PE shorts * DC Navy blue PE shorts *


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Years 3 - 6

Boys Girls

Light blue shirt in 2 sizes Light blue shirt in 2 sizes

Navy blue Bermuda shorts Navy blue skort/skirt

Navy blue trousers Navy blue trousers

Navy blue cap Navy blue cap


DC Book bag/School bag DC Swim Bag/Goggles/Flip Flops

DC Swim Bag DC Book bag/School bag

Black swim shorts/Goggles/Flip Flops – no baggy board shorts

Navy blue swim suit (Y shaped)

DC branded Blue & Navy air-cool t-shirt DC branded Blue & Navy air-cool t-shirt

DC Navy blue PE shorts DC Navy blue PE shorts

Black or navy blue shoes/sandals and socks for boys and girls from Pre‐School to Y6 and white socks for PE

Black or navy blue shoes/sandals and socks for boys and girls from Pre‐School to Y6 and white

UNIFORM SUPPLIERS ZAKS UNIFORM STORE

Industrial Area Road +974 445 06939 [email protected]

tel:0097444506939

mailto:[email protected]


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UNIFORM MART

T: +974 44115925 / +974 44691459

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AL WAAB CAMPUS – DROP OFF & PICK UP PLAN


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WEST BAY CAMPUS – DROP OFF & PICK UP PLAN

The front entrance is to be used as a dropping off and picking up area only, please do not drop your children at the back entrance

When driving around the school zone, especially when entering the main gate, please be aware of pedestrians

The internal road is a one way system, under no circumstances should anyone attempt to go against the flow of traffic

Parking spaces are provided under shading, please be cautious when entering and leaving parking spaces, only reverse parking is permitted

When the internal car park is full security will not allow cars to enter the car park, please use the ‘Additional Parking’ outside the boundary wall – Please see

map overleaf.

Children and parents must use the pavements where possible

Children and parents must use the designated crossings

Under no circumstances should cars stop and wait on the road directly outside gates, this creates a real danger for all pedestrians.

Double parking, forming more than one lane of traffic is strictly forbidden

When walking to and from college premises, always stay close to your children.

Always take direction from the security guards.

Due care and attention must be taken when driving in the ‘School Zone’, paying particular attention to pedestrians and other road users. This area has signage to indicate the location.

Driving speeds must be restricted to 10kmh around the ‘School Zone’.

Please do not perform U turns in the road.


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WEST BAY CAMPUS – DROP OFF & PICK UP PLAN

primary admissions pack

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