Schools in Qatar

• I am moving to Qatar in Sept. I have 2 children ages 10 and 8. I am looking for a school which offeres the british cirriculum. I have looked on the internet at Qatar Academy and Qatar International School. Does anyone know what these schools are like??

  09 Aug 2007, 12:42 Lisa

Replies

• TEACHER REQUIRING INFORMATION ABOUT NEWTON SCHOOLS in DOHA!!! URGENT!!

  Hello I have been offered a position in one of the Newton International Schools.I HAVE NOT SIGNED ANYTHING YET so please send me all the information you can ASAP. This year I have been working in Cairo, and It has been a NIGHTMARE.....in every sense, I do not want to make the same mistake. PLease HELP!!
  [email removed]

  Lola G-R 17 Jun 2009, 08:02 - Report

• Information Request

  In my opinion as an x teacher do not touch this school with a 10ft barge pole!! This is just my opinion so do get others.
  
  Good luck, you'll need it if you do go.

  X Teacher 18 Jun 2009, 06:33 - Report

• lola G-R

  Do not take the job. You will be going from the frying pan to the cooking pot. The owners of Newton International School are a bunch of unethical, unprofessional people who has no regard for their staff and their needs. The new principal at Westbay is the worst of the lot. She dismissed the year 6 teacher and promptly slid her friend into the position.
  She is generally a disgusting human being who sanctions many decisions that hurts the staff there. STAY AWAY. Get a job at any other school in Doha. NOT NIS

  Unhappy parent 19 Jun 2009, 01:54 - Report

• Reply to Blazing Light

  No idea how you can get in touch with her but they recently sacked 5 teachers because they were pregnant.
  
  So much for human rights. Doesn't exist at Newton International School.
  
  Beware.

  Aurelie 20 Jun 2009, 12:20 - Report

• Lola GR

  If Cairo was a nightmare, NIS will surely be your hell. Please (PLEASE) do not even consider the idea of working there unless you are looking to work in a gulag. I am being serious because its not fair to westerners who come over with the belief that its a proper school. You'll end up depressed and feeling like a slave like the others.
  
  Also if you take the job and want to quit after your 3 month probation you won't be able to get a job at another school in Qatar because the sponsor won't give you a letter of objection.
  
  Consider American School, Doha Academy, Doha English Speaking School but stay away from this one.

  Diego Reyes-Borda 22 Jun 2009, 09:50 - Report

• amrican school

  there is new school. its name is elite internation school.its curriculam is amarican.
  new building.

  star 23 Jun 2009, 08:03 - Report

• Lola and other prospective int'l teachers

  Your first question should be: Is it a not for profit school run by competent board of directors. If the answer is no, then be warned that the school WILL be dodgy and full of problems. That is not saying the others don't have problems, but from experience they are far less.

  Seed of truth 23 Jun 2009, 06:22 - Report

• One man's meat is another man's poison

  Half truths are worst than lies - find out the facts for yourself and I would suggest that this would not be the place to do that.

  Boy Racer 25 Jun 2009, 06:45 - Report

• Diego Reyes-Borda

  Perhaps you should clearly state your problem with NIS so that the facts can be sorted out from the fiction. You are obviously a disgruntled ex teacher so if that is the case maybe this is the reason for your opinion.

  Porky Pies 25 Jun 2009, 06:49 - Report

• Dear Porky Pies

  It's just amazing how many disgruntled
  ex teachers are actually posting comments on this site.
  
  Does that not tell you anything?
  
  Here are two choices for you:
  
  Option 1: We are all wrong (maybe).
  Option 2: We are all trying to help fellow professionals avoid the same mistake we made by going to NIS in the first place!

  X Teacher (Disgruntled in the extreme!!!!) 25 Jun 2009, 09:41 - Report

• Porky pies

  Is sour grapes the only reason you could find to justify the horrendous treatment staff has been getting at Newton International Schools??

  Enigma 25 Jun 2009, 08:06 - Report

• Porky pies

  Here are some FACTS for you to ponder on.
  Newton has underpaid almost all of its staff that has reached the end of their contracts, contrary to Law.
  Newton has fired 5 teachers for being pregnant.
  Newton has had several salary/reimbursement cheques bounce this month.
  Newton's payment scale is not based on years of experience but rather on the basis of which country you come from.
  Newton Westbay's academic excellent awards was decided not on merit but by the Principal's bright idea to draw the names from a hat. Verrrry Professional.
  Please do not hesitate to ask should you need further clarification with regards to Fact or Fiction.
  
  
  Newton has an incident

  Enigma 25 Jun 2009, 08:17 - Report

• Dear Porky Pie

  I was told of one teacher who after submitting Notice to end his Contract of Employment early then had his full summer vacation salary payment withheld.
  
  The teacher was put into a position whereby he then had to work (at his request) for an additional three weeks at the school into the summer vacation period (which was paid).
  
  It should be noted this teacher worked from January to July without any days of absence.
  
  His wife who was working at the school also had her full summer vacation pay withheld even though she too submitted Notice to end her Contract early.
  
  It is no wonder that so many teaching staff at NIS decide not to submit any Notice and just not appear at the start of a new Term.
  
  Believe me when I say this all teachers are professionals trying to give the best education possible to the children under their charge but when faced with this "style" of ownership at NIS (D Ring) I believe they are forced to act in a way which they would not normally dream of.
  
  If any X Teachers of NIS have experiences which they would like to share I would strongly urge you to post your comments on this site both good and bad so prospective teachers can make an informed decision.

  Another Ex Teacher 26 Jun 2009, 02:17 - Report

• Fact or Fiction

  Always two sides to every story - be careful of your intepretation of the what you believe to be fact - name your source if it is so reliable. I work there and will confirm the truth!
  Salary cheques only issued two days ago and none have bounced - check your source I believe she may have made a mistake.
  There are only two members of staff who are leaving due to pregnancy and I believe if you speak to them you will find they have not worked for one full year so no benefits - again check your source.
  Academic awards were discussed at SMT - I am on it so I was there.
  Anthing else you wish to discuss please feel free.

  Hippo 26 Jun 2009, 10:30 - Report

• Enigma

  Sorry I don't understand what you mean by sour grapes? There are many things about the company that I work for that are not right - no contracts - no visas etc etc but I do not think that this is the place to air these issues.

  Porky Pies 26 Jun 2009, 10:39 - Report

• Hippo

  You are misrepresenting the truth.
  1. There have been many cheques that have bounced this term that were later paid.
  2. There have been 5 pregnant teachers dismissed this past term. Three of whom have husbands completing their own contract (if they return).
  3. They were purposely dismissed before their contracts were completed so that those benefits would not be paid.
  4. The year 6 teacher was dismissed with grossly overstated claims of misconduct for the Principal's own agendas as I previously have stated.
  5. The Principal did state in the staff meeting that teachers would suggest academic winners from their classes and that she would pull the winning names for each year level from a hat.
  6. Recently many teachers were given only a few days to pack their belongings and move to new apartments on the last day of school.
  7. These apartments are located in an area where masses of local male immigrants congregate and female staff find this threatening.
  8. NIS has a very small first language non-arabic speaking expat student population(only about 5%). Over 60% of the SP are Qatari.
  9. There is no longer EAL in the Junior School and no added assistance to these non english speaking stdents.
  10. Hippos are renowned for their poor dental hygiene.

  Seed of truth 26 Jun 2009, 11:25 - Report

• Added to the above

  11. Staff at NIS have been given a written warning stating that they will be dismissed if they are found to be contributing to any forum concerning the school. That is why the previous forum for NIS was deleted and staff and x-staff are now writing in this one.
  The chairperson is known to have many contacts in QTel and is threatening to get the IP adresses of all correspondence....
  We will not be silenced!!!

  Seed of truth 26 Jun 2009, 11:33 - Report

• If it is that bad

  Surely if it is that bad you should just leave - what is the point otherwise - that is what I have decided to do with my company.

  Porky Pies 26 Jun 2009, 12:13 - Report

• Pork Pie

  This is not about leaving (as we have). This is about giving people information so they can make an informed decision.

  Seed of truth 26 Jun 2009, 02:07 - Report

• Seed of Truth

  As your name suggests I am sure your issues albeit in the past have some element of truth but as with all things it is important to have all the information before an informed decision can be made. My neighbour is both a parent and an employee and is very happy at NIS so I am assuming that it is not all bad.

  Pies 26 Jun 2009, 02:59 - Report

• Hippo

  Were you not the one that referred to NIS as a Mickey Mouse school not so long ago?? Are you not the one that complains bitterly about the atrocious behaviour of some students in the school?? The lack of sporting facilities and proper behaviour policies?? Is your own wife not being shunted from pillar to post in her own position and treated like a piece of furniture?? Obviously, you salary and benefits have been paid.

  Enigma 26 Jun 2009, 03:31 - Report

• Enigma

  Yes however I will also give credit where it is due and whilst nowhere is perfect it is good to see that changes are in place that will make a real difference to the education of the children which is what we as professionals should be most concerned about.

  Hippo 26 Jun 2009, 04:17 - Report

• NO!

  1. I am speaking the complete truth no somewhats at all.
  2. This is all happening in the present. ie. the last few weeks. If you like and will delve deeper into the past and reveal some ever more horrific truths about the school.
  3. Your neighbour??? Do you live in a compound/ villa?? If you do then your neighbour is part of the senior management team and perhaps not telling the complete truth...
  4. What changes are they Hippo? Please be more specific so we may counter your arguments with more definitive responses. It may be that there is one good thing in every ten negative things.

  Seed of truth 26 Jun 2009, 04:50 - Report

• Seed of Truth

  My neighbour works at the school and is a parent and is as I said very positive about the school - they are most certainly not a member of the senior management. Why would they have to be?
  As I mentioned you are obviously upset with the school but I believe these are your issues and not commonly shared beliefs.
  I am sure as with all organisations there have been issues but as I have also said there are always two sides to every issue and this is certainly the case in the points that you raise.
  Whatever your issues are I am sure that you will continue to vent your anger and frustrations as you are entitled to do - however I merely wish to add that not all feel the same as you regardless of what your purport.

  PPies 26 Jun 2009, 05:02 - Report

• Porky Pies Means Lies

  and that is what you are saying. There are not many families working at the school and I know them all. Which family shall I tell you about. The two that spent several weeks in an apartment with no airconditioner in the summer before being moved and then later relocated again or the one that has been made to live with cockroaches for half a year and not moved, but rather told that if they didn't like it they could leave. Or is it one of the teachers who at the school whines and complains but doesn't to people in the community. I do know them all and spoken with them all. Damn right I have issues with NIS as do 98% of the staff that have been and will be employed by that "Mickey Mouse" school and this forum will be used to enlighten prospective employees and parents. You obviously have your information from a third party (if this is true) that may be from the 2%. Mine is from first hand experience. Tell me which carries more weight.

  Seed of truth 26 Jun 2009, 05:23 - Report

• Porky pies

  Seed of truth, if you ask me, then Porky pies is part of Senior Management. This is just another ploy by NIS to silence the truth. Fair enough, parents and fellow educators should get ALL the information before making a decision, but that does not detrack from the facts. Fact 1: Between September 2007 and January 2008 alone no less than 23 teachers from NIS has left. Some did runners (left without saying a word), some were dismissed because they had dared to challenge unsound educational decisions. That high turnover of staff alone, should tell prospective teachers a thing or two.
  Fact 2. Your nationality will determine your salary at NIS.
  Fact 3. Yes, there has been some very positive changes but these are constantly overshadowed by the gross human rights violations perpetrated by NIS.
  Fact 4. The new Principal of Westbay has the interpersonal skills of a doorknob.
  We will not be silenced. Go seed of truth!!!

  Enigma 26 Jun 2009, 05:51 - Report

• NOW IS THE TIME!!!!!

  All X teachers of NIS now is the time to stand up and be counted.
  
  Let us join together for the greater good.
  
  Continue to tell your stories and show Madam Afaf that although she does (did) have the power in Qatar that is where it stops.
  
  Teachers, unless we join together, united in our fight then the same fate that befell us will fall upon others.
  
  If and when Afaf closes this site down lets start another. When she closes that one down then we will just start another and another and another.
  
  The power is with us. If any money has ever been withheld from you tell others. If any bonuses have been withheld tell others.
  
  If you have had to compromise your educational integrity because you found yourself in an impossible position while working at NIS tell others.
  
  Let us start off the conversation by asking this very simple question, “Does NIS employ unqualified teaching staff to teach at the school?"

  X Teacher 27 Jun 2009, 11:08 - Report

• Seed of truth

  I am not a member of senior management as I work for a company in a Qatari school. I am pretty sure that the information does not represent 2% however as I said you obviously have issues which you will continue to vent. I have issues with the school I am working in - no qualified staff at all - no supervision for sick teachers - discipline that is at best physical towards the pupils - no sports at all - no policies - staff have to work for three months without pay and then can be dismissed and so on. As I said everywhere has its issues and at the end of the day we can deal with it or move on - which is what I intend to do. I am a fair person and always believe there are two sides to every story and it is often the case that those who have grudges shout the loudest.

  PPies 27 Jun 2009, 03:39 - Report

• Porky Pies

  No, Porky its the people who has the courage of their convictions that shout the loudest. Stop harping on the other side of the story. I intend to let prospective teachers and parents know our (ex-teachers) side of the story. Who better to divulge information than those who have been employed at Newton International school on a grassroots level??? What has been written by myself thus far has not been lies or exaggerations of the truth, it has been pure and simple facts. Just as you and your management team try to protect your reputation so am I trying to protect my fellow professionals from making the same errors I've made. If this means I am disgruntled, then so be it. So, Porky if you merely want to move on, MOVE ON but dont knock others for trying to enlighten.

  Enigma 01 Jul 2009, 10:45 - Report

• NIS

  It is not a surprise that postings are being deleted from this Forum. Is she (Afaf) worried? Good!
  
  Afaf, power is a wonderful thing, however, it is easily transferred and you would do well to remember that.
  
  Afaf, you have managed to get on the wrong side of more than 50+ teachers and now we speak to hundreds advising them not to go and work for you.
  
  Here are a few ideas: be nice to teachers, treat them well, give them resources, don't put them in accommodation that is next to a building site that starts at 4am, do not withhold holiday pay and bonuses, enforce discipline at your school, understand that as teachers in the International Teaching Community we do talk to each other about our thoughts on how professional a school is run, allow the professional teachers to show you how it should be done, do not think for one second that just because you have money you then can run a school successfully (YOU CAN'T).
  
  This is a message to all teachers who are currently employed at NIS. I can only assume that your August pay has been withheld from you before you left for your Summer Holiday. The reason would probably have been given that this will give you money to come back to.
  
  Withholding this pay is in direct contravention of Qatar Labour Laws!
  
  Have fun Afaf, I've always said that it is very hard to run a school without teachers!!

  X Teacher 04 Jul 2009, 04:58 - Report

• Madam Afaf

  Afaf please tell me what type of Muslim withholds anothers rizk?? Your year 6 for example deserved every single riyal due to her, yet you STOLE what was rightfully hers. Knowing that woman and her family, and how classy they are, they will forgive but not forget. Yet I guarantee you, that you will pay her and the other teachers in the aghierah and on the Day of Judgement. We do not forgive your debt to us.
  You dear power hungry thief, are in for the fight of the year come September.

  In vino veritas 05 Jul 2009, 04:48 - Report

• Reply to Lola and any other International Teachers

  It's always best to do your research!!! Check out this website for information:
  https://www.internationalschoolsreview.com/nonmembers/schools-abuse-you.htm
  
  The best advice someone gave me recently concerning Qatar was that if the school is not Embassy sponsored or run by a company (i.e. Shell/QP) you are best not to go there. Most schools in the Gulf are run for profit. Also check to see whether the school is a member of COIS, ISS.
  
  Best of luck!

  TeacherMiss 05 Jul 2009, 08:37 - Report

• In vino Veritas

  Hear, Hear. Madam Afaf, the money you saved, robbing and conning the teachers out of what they were owed is NOTHING compared to what you are going to lose. In enrolments and in staff.
  We have made it our personal mission to inform every single educator wanting to work in Qatar to steer clear from your school. And unlike you we will be relaying FACTS that can be verified only. Bring it, seed of truth

  Illuminati 05 Jul 2009, 09:13 - Report

• Newton

  I can only endorse the words of my colleagues who have talked honestly and openly about this school...Keep away...lifes to short to go through the shit you will endure here...very sad

  happy to leave 06 Jul 2009, 01:44 - Report

• Teachers past and present

  https://www.interna...s/schools-abuse-you.htm
  
  Teachers put your comments here a good website to express your opinion on Newton. This will help new teachers.
  
  Cheers

  fluffy 07 Jul 2009, 04:10 - Report

• Newton

  As an ex teacher of this school I would agree 100% with ALL of the negative comments listed above:
  
  DO NOT GO!
  DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT GOING!!
  IF YOU DO GO DON'T SAY YOU WEREN'T WARNED!!!
  
  RUN, RUN, RUN, RUN !!!!!!!!

  X Teacher 07 Jul 2009, 06:03 - Report

• Word to the wise

  As an ex teacher of Newton, all I can say is that the owner of the school only cares about money and not about the students or the staff. Like it's been stated in the previous comments, the schools lack resources and the teachers have to rely on using their own money to get resources for the classroom. Since the beginning of this past school year, teachers were told that they would be receiving resources that were ordered at the end of previous school year but we never received it.
  The best thing about newton is that the teachers are committed to providing the best education they can for the students even under poor management of the school.
  Lack of communication between the management and the staff causes teachers to always get information at the last minute.
  Any teacher that decides to take a position at newton after reading these comments should be prepared face a challenging school year.

  Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me 09 Jul 2009, 01:05 - Report

• Good work guys

  Im one of the original "batch" of teachers that left..we had 3 different principals in that short time and I was one of the 20 something teachers that got out of there..now and then i google the school name to see whats going on out of curiosity its a bit of entertainment for me all the things that go on there complete madness...something happened every week if not most days during my stint was tiresome and living amongst teachers you cant help but be absorbed by all the grief and crazyness...any way just a bit of support to those have written on here...guess its just a matter of time until Dr. Jabba rings a cousin to get this forum thread deleted...himself and Afaf have connections everywhere the labour department, immigration your fighting a losing battle if you think any government agency is gonna intervene...all show... there to protect there own couldn't give a dam about xpats...the best advice I got was from the british embassy get your passport back off them and do what you have to do to get out...again credit to those who have voiced there concerns

  olddog 10 Jul 2009, 02:23 - Report

• hello

  my name is Mr Azike Ikenna.
  i am presently living in Nigeria but will soon be relocating to Qater for working and schooling. please i want to know is there is any movie/film school in Doha where i can study every thing relating to FILMS.
  please any school that offers this should please contact me on [email removed].
  thanks,
  Azike.

  AZIKE IKENNA 15 Jul 2009, 05:04 - Report

• teaching position wanted

  greetings... i am fatima, female filipina teacher having a 9 years of teaching experience in english and mathematics for grade five. you may contact me thru my email [email removed] for further inquiries and cv informations. thanks

  fatima 19 Jul 2009, 07:47 - Report

• admission in first year

  ho i am pakistani national but now i have come to qatar o belongs to khyber agsncy FATA as everyone knows there is great problem of piece in pakistan and specially tge main focus point of terrorist is FATA so everyday bombs are blasting even masjids and school are not safe due to which we are in great mantally stress and i want to take admission here in any good college in qatar to save my future from spoiling i have have obtain 589 marks out of 1050 grade is c on matric or secondary school certificate 5314203 is my number

  mohammad ilyas afridi 20 Jul 2009, 09:39 - Report

• Kath...

  ...or indeed any other parents who may be struggling to find school places at this late stage.
  
  I work for a British curriculum school and we have a few places available for the forthcoming term.
  
  For contact info, more information and a downloadable application please visit our website www.cedarstutoring.com

  Louise 28 Jul 2009, 02:25 - Report

• looking for native English native speaking teachers

  hello
  
  we are a new Nursery in Qatar and we are looking for English native speaking teachers and a manager too.
  
  if interested, email your application to this email: [email removed]
  
  thanks and good luck

  Pink & Blue Nursery in Qatar 29 Jul 2009, 07:59 - Report

• BECOME A UNIVERSITY AGENT

  SCHOLAR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES LTD
  Scholar educational services was established in jan 15 2003, with the company registerd with corporate affair commission Nigeria registration number 76901
  The company was located at first floor, 93 Lebanon street opposite union bank old gbagi Ibadan oyo State Nigeria after that we established Gambia branch in april 2006 , our office in gambia is 48 komboh silah highway serrekunda while the Egypt branch establishe march 2008.
  Scholar educational services is a branch of scholar kiddies university which is Nursery and primary school controlled and owned by Mr Ologundudu Kayode Saheed
  Scholar educational services specialisd in recruiting international student for oveersea colleges and university and at the same time prepare student for both secondary and university education by giving them tutorial classes.
  scholar educational services recruit for many colleges and universities abroad , to mention few Cambridge International college of Canada, Greenheart Medical University , Guyana South America. Vancouver english school Canada Morrisons college in London/Malaysia e,t.c and at the same time partner with many r ecruiting organisation both interntional and within the country e.g twinuk, lalgroup, studyinchina, worldlinnk educational services and many other.
  So, Scholar is awaiting to partner with your organisation
  Thanks
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  The Director
  Scholar Educational Services
  93 lebanon Street old - gbagi
  Ibadan, Nigeria
  Tel;2348073125518, 2348051806781

  OLOGUNDUDU KAYODE SAHEED 02 Aug 2009, 08:35 - Report

• looking for job as french teacher in Qatar

  Hello,
  I am an Algerian french teacher , I am looking for teaching job in Qatar.
  If you can help,please contact me to this email
  [email removed]

  Maya 05 Aug 2009, 11:42 - Report