Secondary School
Best International secondary schools in Doha Qatar
At the Best International Secondary Schools in Doha, Qatar, our curriculum is tailored to equip students with the academic foundation to achieve IGCSE qualifications from the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board (CIE). Regarded as ‘the world’s most sought-after international qualification for 14 to 16-year-olds’ by CIE, the IGCSE holds recognition from esteemed universities and employers globally, serving as a universal gateway to advancement and accomplishment.
Secondary School Curriculum of Cambridge International School – Doha, Qatar
We aim to help our students leave CIS with an awareness of tradition, valuing the importance of leadership and world citizenship and having a strong sense of community. We trust that they will all carry a vision for the future, becoming productive and worthwhile members of society.
The teaching style at CIS is interactive, placing responsibility on the student to be an active learner through participating in class, asking and answering questions, carrying out tasks individually or within a pair or group, and carrying out independent work at home through homework activities. Through differentiated teaching approaches, we aim to ensure that students of all abilities have the best opportunities to learn and achieve their potential.
Lower Secondary School (Years 7 to 9)
The curriculum is based mainly on the National Curriculum for England, building upon the learning that has taken place throughout the primary phase. The National Curriculum for England provides a broad and balanced academic curriculum, enhanced and enriched by field trips, events, competitions, activities and participation in the Extra Curricular Activities programme. The medium of teaching at CIS is English, with Arabic as the language of instruction in Arabic, Qatar History and English and Arabic in Islamic Studies lessons.
The curriculum throughout the secondary phase prepares students for the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), culminating in students taking a focused two-year examination course in Years 10 and 11, leading to IGCSE qualifications (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), and then an option to take international AS Level programmes in year 12.
The curriculum includes Maths, Arabic, English, Science, ICT, Social Studies, Islamic Studies and Qatar History. Subsidiary compulsory subjects may include Music, PE, and Art. Students also benefit from taking part in field trips, cultural events, competitions, and other activities and events that enrich their academic learning.
Specialists in all subjects teach years 5-9. The subjects included in the curriculum are: Arabic, Islamic Studies, Qatar History, English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Social Studies and ECA Student’s progress is monitored and assessed against age-appropriate standards through Continuous Assessment tests, which take place regularly throughout each term. In addition, there is termly and end of year school examinations.
Secondary School
Curriculum Years 10 and 11 – IGCSE
The curriculum prepares students to gain IGCSE qualifications from the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board (CIE). Cambridge IGCSE is described by CIE as ‘the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16-year-olds.’ The IGCSE is ‘recognised by all leading universities and employers worldwide, and is an international passport to progression and success. In Years 10 and 11, students study Cambridge IGCSE courses (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), taking a range of normally eight subjects at this level and aiming to attain their individual best grade. IGCSE is a qualification designed for students of all abilities, with pass grades ranging from A* to G. At CIS, we aim for students to attain the highest grades possible depending upon their individual ability. Grade C is considered the minimum ‘good’ pass.
Cambridge Advanced Curriculum Years 12 (AS level) & 13 (A Level)
Students who choose to do so, can study CIE International AS Level and A Level classes at CIS that will prepare them for entry into Universities around the world. CIS offers many subjects, such as the sciences of Chemistry, Physics and Biology, as well as Mathematics, ICT, Business Studies, and more. As an international school, CIS is proud that so many of the School’s students aim to avail of the many post-18 educational opportunities open to them in Qatar, for example, with Qatar University, and also that other students aim to gain entry to universities in Qatar and internationally to study for careers in medicine, business or engineering. The School is equally proud to make students aware of the high-quality provision in Qatar to study at internationally renowned universities.
IGCSE Examinations
The externally set CIE examinations take place in May and June of Years 11 and 12, for which the Cambridge International Examinations Board sets the examination timetable. Our Examinations Officer coordinates all information for students and parents about these examinations.
Cambridge Assessment of International Education – CAIE Formally known as CIE.
CIE qualifications are globally recognised qualifications that enable tens of thousands of students every year to gain places at top universities worldwide. IGCSE qualifications from CIE prepare students well for their next step in education. CIE qualifications share common principles underpinned by the best educational and assessment practice. Students develop knowledge as well as problem-solving, investigative and analytical skills. The qualifications have guaranteed assessment standards. Students who achieve highly at IGCSE in their chosen AS level subjects, with a minimum requirement in other subjects at IGCSE, may progress to studying AS-level subjects to meet entry requirements at our school and in other educational establishments in Qatar. These qualifications enable students to aim for a place at University.
