Frequently Asked Questions about SEK International School Qatar in Doha

Question 1

What is the total number of students in SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

535

Question 2

How many different nationalities are represented at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

58

Question 3

What is the most common nationality at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

Qatari

Question 4

What is the ratio of local students to international students at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

23% Qatari students

Question 5

Are the teachers at SEK International School Qatar native speakers of the language in which they instruct students?

Accepted Answer

Mostly

Question 6

For students who are not fluent in English, does SEK International School Qatar offer extra classes for that language?

Accepted Answer

The child must be, at least competent, but preferably fluent in the English language, especially as from Primary.
The school provides support to students for whom English is a second or foreign language. Students requiring support are admitted when adequate support resources are available to address the student’s language learning needs at the time of admission.

Question 7

What additional language classes does SEK International School Qatar offer?

Accepted Answer

Arabic, Spanish

Question 8

What is the maximum number of students in each classroom at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

22

Question 9

What is the average number of students in each classroom at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

20

Question 10

Does SEK International School Qatar employ teaching assistants?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 11

How does SEK International School Qatar use technology in the classroom?

Accepted Answer

Technology and innovation are vibrant at SEK International Schools. SEK combines the most up-to-date learning resources and the latest technology, such as iPads, robotics or smart boards, with the innovative Smart Classroom methodology to deliver state-of-the-art student-centred education.

Question 12

Does SEK International School Qatar use, or is ready to use, virtual classroom technologies? For example, offering school lessons through online video conferencing in times of emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SEK-Qatar is prepared to face any possible scenario and continue with classes as normal under any circumstances. We adapt our methods and tools to face-to-face or digital formats depending on the pedagogical purpose, in motivating and enriching physical or virtual spaces, allowing us to create personal development experiences for each student. We have had smooth transitions from face-to-face to online learning, to hybrid-blended learning.

Question 13

Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?

Accepted Answer

Muslim students have the opportunity to attend Islamic Studies in English or in Arabic.

Question 14

How does SEK International School Qatar accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion?

Accepted Answer

Non-muslim students devote this time to social-emotional lessons or work on Passion Pursuits time.

Question 15

What external examinations or assessments do students complete at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

Our students sit the PISA, TIMSS and PIRLS exams as well as IB Diploma exams at the end of grade 12.

Question 16

What are the student results in external examinations or assessments completed at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

Our results in the exams show that our school is above world average in PISA, TIMSS and PIRLS. The results of the IBDP exams are also good.

Question 17

Do teachers assign homework to their students?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially MYP and DP students are expected to continue working at home on some of the tasks.

Question 18

What is the suggested amount of time that students need to complete their homework?

Accepted Answer

It varies depending on grade level.

Question 19

What percentage of students attend a higher educational institution after graduating from SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

100% of our graduates attend a higher educational institution

Question 20

Does SEK International School Qatar have specialized staff or specialized programs to support children with special learning needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 21

What kind of support does SEK International School Qatar offer for students with special learning needs?

Accepted Answer

Support is provided to address educational needs, attending to students’ strengths while helping them to learn compensation strategies in order to independently meet academic demands.
All students are integrated into regular classes and all teachers have a role to play in supporting students with their learning. The school recognises that successful strategies will vary dependent upon the student and situation, whilst remaining committed to our belief in classroom inclusion; differentiated instruction is the most powerful tool when accommodating individual differences.

Question 22

How does SEK International School Qatar support gifted, able and talented students?

Accepted Answer

These are students who demonstrate outstanding ability or aptitude in one or more areas of creative or academic achievement. These students are on regular basis given differentiated learning instruction which is still within their grade level requirements.

Question 23

Are students provided access to an educational psychologist?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 24

Does SEK International School Qatar perform an evaluation (such as entry exams, assessments or screenings) before enrolling new students?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is an interview process that applicants have to go through, it involves an entry exam and an interview with student and parents.

Question 25

What kind of evaluation before accepting new students does SEK International School Qatar perform?

Accepted Answer

Our primary and secondary students sit a CAT4 exam, to predict student success through the evaluation of verbal, non-verbal, mathematical, and spatial reasoning.

Question 26

Is there a waiting list to attend SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially in lower grades (preschool and lower primary)

Question 27

What is the deadline for registration in a new academic year at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

30th March

Question 28

Does SEK International School Qatar allow students to join an academic year that has already started?

Accepted Answer

Yes, up to 31st January

Question 29

What time does SEK International School Qatar start?

Accepted Answer

07:20h

Question 30

What time does SEK International School Qatar finish?

Accepted Answer

14:30h

Question 31

Does SEK International School Qatar provide supervised care to students before or after the school day?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 32

Does SEK International School Qatar have a school bus service available to students?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 33

Are lunches offered at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a cafeteria where our students can buy food.

Question 34

Does SEK International School Qatar offer alternative food items for students with special diets (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our food is halal and there are options for vegetarian as well as for allergies.

Question 35

Are students required to wear a uniform?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 36

Which extracurricular activities or clubs does SEK International School Qatar offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities for our students such as Ballet, Football, Basketball, MUN, Fencing, Archery, Taekwondo, Dance, Choir, Dodgeball, Drama, Yoga, Badminton, Chess, Robotics, Qu´ran Club, Yearbook, Photography, English support, maths support and Arabic support among others

Question 37

What physical activities and sports are included in the school curriculum?

Accepted Answer

All our PYP and MYP students attend physical education lessons, these lessons embed a wide variety of sports in the curriculum.

Question 38

Does SEK International School Qatar have sports teams or sport competitions for your students to participate in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our students take part in local sports competitions.

Question 39

What facilities (other than sports) are available for students at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

The building includes three laboratories (Biology lab, Chemistry lab and Physics lab), an auditorium, a library, a multimedia room, a large multi-purpose hall, two music rooms, an arts studio, a design work room, a gymnasium and external sports courts, an outside playground for Preschool and an outside playground for primary and secondary, a nurse clinic and a cafeteria.

Question 40

What sports facilities are at SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

There is a gymnasium, a football pitch, a basketball court and a volleyball court.

Question 41

What qualities and characteristics define SEK International School Qatar?

Accepted Answer

SEK International School Qatar was established in 2013 as part of the Qatari Ministry of Education's Outstanding Schools Programme.
SEK-Qatar is an outstanding international school with students and families from nearly 60 different nationalities. SEK-Qatar is an international learning community that enjoys a holistic and skills-based approach to learning, where students are challenged and develop as global citizens and international leaders. 
As part of SEK Education Group, established in 1892, there are 10 schools in total (Spain, France, Ireland, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) including its own forward-looking university (Camilo José Cela University in Madrid, Spain).

Question 42

How can the teaching approach at SEK International School Qatar be described?

Accepted Answer

SEK-Qatar is a learning community that is centered on developing thinking, research, communication, social and self-management skills. The school offers an academic approach, where students explore and develop their talents in arts, physical health, programming, robotics, sciences, mathematics, humanities and languages (English, Spanish and Arabic).
SEK-Qatar is an IB World School authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The three programmes develop students' intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills that they crucially need to thrive and serve others in today's challenging world. SEK-Qatar is also a recognised Microsoft Showcase School, accredited by NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges).
The PYP caters for students from PreK-grade 5 and the MYP for grades 6-10, whilst the DP is offered for students in grades 11-12. Our teaching approaches and whole school community culture is geared towards learning and attitudes that are centred on developing an internationally minded community made up of students who are inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers and are balanced and reflective.
We inspire all students to be creative thinkers, problem solvers, active learners and global citizens who make positive contributions towards a better world. The IB programmes at SEK-Qatar are combined with a family-oriented approach, which involves a culture of care, growth and inspiration whilst developing each student’s talents, interests and dreams. Students learn through the understanding that serving and caring for others brings the highest rewards in life, while ensuring that they become skilled, balanced, productive and creative 21st century global citizens.

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Leaving qualifications		IB Diploma
Language of instruction		English
Native English teachers
Extra languages (other than English)
Class sizes	Average	20 students / class
Class sizes	Maximum	22 students / class
Extracurricular activities
School bus

SEK International School Qatar
IB curriculum

Ages 3 to 18

SEK International School Qatar

SEK International School Qatar

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Quick summary of key school information

School details

SEK International School Qatar IB curriculum Ages 3 to 18

SEK International School Qatar

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Quick summary of key school information

School details

SEK International School Qatar
IB curriculum

Ages 3 to 18