Prep School
All year groups in the Prep School (Reception to Year 6) consist of three to five classes and the year group staff work closely together to ensure that a rich and varied programme is in place to nurture and develop the children in that year group. Consequently, although most teaching takes place within class groups, pupils can be placed in sets for Maths and English from Year 3. They also operate as a whole year group for big projects, such as year group productions.
Classes have a maximum of 18 children per class in Reception and Year 1, 20 in Years 2-4, 22 in Years 5-6 and 24 in Years 7-10. In Prep School specialist staff develop the children's skills in Music, Physical Education, Islamic Studies (Muslim pupils) and Languages. Sherborne's academic tradition and the ethos of the school depend on the encouragement of hard work and the creation of a caring community. Each class is staffed by a qualified teacher. In addition every Reception class has a classroom assistant, ensuring a high degree of personal care. Years 1-6 share classroom assistants. Children are based in their own classroom with their own teacher but make full use of the school facilities and specialist staff for Music, P.E and Games, Arabic, Islamic Studies and French.
Pupils in Reception follow the UK Foundation Stage Curriculum which covers the areas of Communication and Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Expressive Arts and Design, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. This year sets the foundation both pastorally and academically to ensure that all pupils develop the skills and knowledge for a positive contribution within Sherborne and the wider world. Pupils have specialist lessons for P.E. and Music. All pupils have lessons in Arabic together. Muslim pupils have an Islamic Studies lesson while non-Muslims follow our own programme of World Studies (covering global issues, current affairs and world religions). Children have ready access to their own outdoor play area and learn predominantly through play.
In Years 1-6 planning and teaching methods are based on the English National Curriculum for Key Stage 1(Years 1 and 2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) and are parallel for classes within each year. Children learn through a variety of 'hands on' and practical activities and acquire and develop skills across curriculum areas. Key Stage 2 use strategies which will add to the traditional British curriculum already offered using the Independent Curriculum approach, as all three areas of discovering, applying and communicating are given equal emphasis within the classroom. Within comparatively small classes with this level of support the children are able to work in a secure and stimulating learning environment, where the needs of every child are assessed and provided for. Pupils have lessons in English, Maths, Science, Geography, History (including Qatari History), Art, Desighn Technology and Personal, Social and Health Education. Pupils have specialist lessons for P.E./Games and Music. Native Arabic speakers have Arabic lessons while non-Arabic speakers have lessons in French and Arabic as an additional language. Muslim pupils have Islamic Studies lessons (taught in English or Arabic depending on the pupil's native language) while non-Muslims follow our own programme of World Studies (covering global issues, current affairs and world religions).
The classrooms and play areas are well equipped and cheerful, reflecting the current topics of learning while displaying the activities completed by the children. Every classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard to enhance learning throughout the curriculum. The classrooms are planned to be vibrant and stimulating areas with great emphasis on displaying the children's own work through various media. ICT is through a cross-curricular approach, with pupils having access to desktop computers, laptops and iPads in different lessons.
The school day runs from 7.30am to 2.15pm, with the opportunity to stay for after school activities until 3.30pm on some days if it is appropriate for the child. Pupils should arrive at school between 7.00-7.20 ready for registration at 7:20. We believe that it is important to give the pupils a half hour break and an hour break during the school day to allow children time to eat together and play with other children. Unlike many communities in other countries, many children travel a fair distance to school and do not have many opportunities to play with other children of their own age near where they live.
Sherborne Qatar seeks to bring out the best in every pupil, to develop skills and talents, and to encourage good manners and behaviour. Above all we aim to promote self-confidence and a respect for others through a happy, secure and disciplined environment. We encourage the children to develop a positive attitude to learning. We provide opportunities which inspire children to discover and cultivate their talents and foster excellence and quality in all areas of the curriculum. Pupils develop independence through social and academic awareness ready for Senior School.
