Featured School

Over the years , educators have laid down roots in a number of GCC countries , where they thrive in harmony with the citizens , while making valuable contributions to education in the region .

In a recent issue of Teach Middle East Magazine , we highlighted the good practice that is happening in one of the outstanding schools in Kuwait . In this issue , we shine the spotlight on the Al Jazeera Academy – Secondary School ( AJA ) in Qatar and give you greater insight into the good practice that is taking place in this school .

Al Jazeera Academy – Secondary School belongs to the reputable Ta ’ allum Group of schools in Qatar . As one of the three schools belonging to the group , AJA shares their vision of “… being a progressive institution of learning experiences by offering a quality education based on an Islamic ethos that aims to serve humanity .”

Ta ’ allum Group ’ s Secondary Consultant , Sheila Thompson who works closely with the school shared that AJA is a lively , happy and purposeful school . The students are described as academic leaders who possess strong Islamic values .

All of the school ’ s programmes are designed to prepare students to

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become productive and progressive global citizens .

There is an extensive Tarbeya programme that promotes positive , universal Islamic values , which underpin all the goals that the school plans to accomplish with the students . Deputy Headteacher ( Pastoral ) Marcus Hamlin and Saad Hayajneh , Head of Tarbeya coordinate aspects of the ‘ Culture of Respect ’ project . This project includes a tutorial programme , international enrichment trips and the incorporation of the Islamic values in all lessons .

Today , rapidly evolving digital technologies continue to shape the world and present students with vital learning opportunities .

Ta ’ allum CEO , Ahmed Al Mannai recognised the central significance of technology and spearheaded the introduction of an electronic tablet for each student with associated development of E-learning content and virtual learning environment . The school is a Microsoft partner and staff have benefitted through worldwide training opportunities .

Another noteworthy programme is the Art Programme at AJA . The school ’ s Art programme is led by Subject Coordinator Shahida Ahmed and provides a creative outlet for students . Shahida is an internationally renowned and inspirational Islamic artist . The evidence in pupils ’ work is both civilising and highly visible around the school . The growth of interest in boys ’ Art has been a particularly strong feature with students now following GCSE and Advanced courses .

Language learning presents an enduring challenge for Qatar in its development . Al Jazeera ’ s curriculum programmes seek to balance and preserve Qatari culture and Arabic language . This is done alongside English language learning in order to give students a competitive edge in international employment .

Students are said to be dual linguists , and there is a rich array of programmes and competitions , such as the ‘ Spelling Bee ,’ public speaking competitions and Arabic Story writing to engage students in language development .

In keeping with our Special Education Needs ( SEN ) theme for this issue , focus was given to the school ’ s Knowledge Centre and the innovative programmes that are in place to assist SEN and Gifted and Talented students , as well as other programmes that result in academic success for the school .

AJA takes a progressive , supportive and enlightened view of its provision for the needs of students with Special Educational Needs . Neelam Bhatti , SEN Coordinator at AJA , leads the department .

• At the AJA Knowledge Centre , pupils access the powerful online reading recovery resource LEXIA