Sandyfeet05

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 17:27

Thanks for the helpful responses guys. I will clarify the international thing.......what I meant to say was that some kind of edict is being passed stating that applications for schools will only be accepted from children who are resident in Qatar. So, if you are in Europe or the US or wherever and wish to enrol your child you will be unable to do so until you are in-country. If this is true (and it was Doha College who gave me the information) then it would mean new expats would have to come to Doha on a wing and a prayer that school spots would be available. Hello AUS This is an attempt to clarify the position as we experienced it a year ago. Some schools have assessment based entry. The first step is to secure a place on a waiting list. For these schools, you would then be invited for assessment (for older children this may be done (parents need to request it)at the child's existing school on a computer as it is centred on Cognitive Ability Testing (CAT)). Younger children would be assessed on site or, on rare occasions, be offered a place based on existing school reports. Once a place has been offered the school will need to have evidence that a family visa will be issued - this can be done in the first instance with a) a letter from the employer to say that a family visa will be supported and for the child to attend school b) evidence that a family visa is in process (you will have a bar coded 3-6mth family visa in your passport). A child should only physically attend school once this pre-family visa is issued. There are currently two newly issued edicts which are causing challenges: a) nurseries should not be providing places to children who have turned four which creates difficulty if your child turns four part way through a school year (as most will :))and where it has not been possible to secure a pre-school place for that child (although it seems that with representations from some nurseries there is some flexibility on this rule); b) a much more recent edict which suggests that children incoming to Qatar may only enter a school in September, there are apparently intended to be further restrictions on the timings when children within Qatar can switch schools during the school year. Many schools are still trying to clarify exactly what is stated in the edict and I am not sure to what extent this edict has been implemented at this stage Hope I have not added more mud to the waters. My advice is to continue as you are in your present location whilst submitting applications in Qatar in the appropriate application windows. There are a number of families here who spent at least a year, in some cases two years, in two locations pending securing school places for all children. There is less pressure for places if you have senior school age children. Good luck.

RATE IT

Sandyfeet05

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 19:49

Wow, 3 hours for the school run!! We are considering moving to Doha as husband has an offer If we were staying in Al Waab and were taking the kids to WestBay campus of Doha College how long would that be in terms of commute? Hi Aus A number of parents commute from Al Waab to DC West Bay and seem to average between 30 to 40 mins in commute subject to leaving home by about 6.15 am (note school start is 7.15 am). As a number commute and there are several large compounds relatively close together car pooling is quite common. If your husband is working in West Bay, another possible area to look at is Messila (roughly 20mins for most core destinations in Doha in any direction).

RATE IT

Sandyfeet05

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 10:53

School places are a big challenge and your children are smack bang in the age category where waiting list volumes are at their peak. There are however new schools in the pipeline and the situation should ease over the next two to three years provided you are organized in your approach and persistent in following up on your status on the list. Some admissions lists are closed for the summer and others have limited time windows during which you can apply. Most schools have some form of entry assessment. Most have websites so do check the Admissions pages for updates. There are also various rules in Qatar governing when schools are able to accept new pupils during a school year (these rules are fluid so again check status with schools periodically) and, with some exceptions, your husband may only be able to sponsor family after a given minimum period (verify with employer). Do not on any account assume the school place situation here cannot be that bad, that something will turn up and come on a whim and a prayer. Waiting lists at the better schools are long, especially for particular year groups. This is my 10th year in the Middle East. It is not the same as where I am from, or any other region of the several I have lived in. As anywhere, there will be things you love and others you might wish were different, some plans will run smoothly, others will be far more of a challenge to execute and in ways you might not have encountered before! A smile, tolerance, patience and good humour go a long way in most situations. I have two young children similar in age to yours (and a husband) and enjoy the lifestyle we have here.

RATE IT

Sandyfeet05

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 19:08

Have taken both sons to see Dr Samer on different occasions. He is our family's first choice as much for logistics as the fact we are comfortable with his approach and ability. When I first arrived in Doha, Al Waab based friends directed me to Future Medical which we were also happy with. Our sons both had BCG vacs at 6 weeks of age - though we were not based in Doha at the time. Good luck with all the settling in!

RATE IT