chocfish

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 22:25

With a ten year old I would be keen to have a school with a secondary option. You don't want to be starting this process again too soon if you can possibly help it. My first four picks (with secondary) would be - Doha College, Parkhouse, Doha British and Sherborne (new secondary just started).

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 18:48

I don't personally think you should "just forget" any schools you are interested in. If your children have strong school reports then most British schools (apart from DESS which is purely first come, first served for British passport holders) are picking who they want to test from their waiting lists. So you have as good a chance as anyone else. We applied to four schools and were offered two places. You probably want to apply for at least two or three schools. I personally think unless a school tells you that you have no chance then apply for the schools you want. I believe it's a false economy to skimp on application fees (after chatting to the school first). They are a necessary evil when it comes to a competitive school places environment. Good luck. <em>edited by chocfish on 10/01/2013</em>

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 17:11

Saturday 26th January is the soft opening, which they invited Doha Mums to. They closed it at 2,500 RSVPs and there is a waiting list for it! I just hope those poor Ikea staff are ready when those doors open. A lot of people will be taking no prisoners when it comes to getting their flat-pack furniture.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 22:13

Do be careful about location though and how far you will have to travel. Commute times and driving stress have a huge impact on quality of life here.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 08:52

The other good compound in this area and price bracket is Beverley Hills 10. I consistently hear Y Village and Beverley Hills 10 mentioned as the best value family compounds around in the area right now. Getting a furnished place in budget will be difficult though and you will pay many times over the value of the furniture by doing this. If you join Doha Mums many people are leaving Doha over the summer and selling off house lots of stuff. All the best in your search.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 17:19

Just as a point of reference Doha College puts their expected achievement targets a year ahead of the British curriculum ones. What is really tough in Doha is that most schools want children here for testing to secure a spot. After summer holidays and Christmas are your best chances for a place opening up. Good luck!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 11:03

Hi Mother of Five just read your other post - are you meaning you haven't accepted the job yet? If you are still looking at the offer, the best advice we got was to keep asking questions, you really can't assume anything. We kept asking and avoided a lot of the bad surprises others got. Most British schools have just put up their fees and the others are trying to - so make sure your allowances are generous. Housing is also expensive so make sure you know exactly what you are entitled to. If you don't ask, they won't tell!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 10:39

So lesson number one for moving to Doha is that many things will not happen without persistence on your part! Your HR team can easily write you a quick letter confirming employment - they just don't want to, probably because they're understaffed and overworked like most HR departments here. You need to be clear that you need to be on the waiting lists before schools close for summer and don't let them brush you off. Things change quickly here with school places. Apply to all you'd be happy with and then regularly stay in contact with them. All the best!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 08:10

Hi there, it's Dr Bassem Gamal. We just had our first appointment with him and I was very happy. He gives out lollipops so the children think it's all great!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 14:27

I just visited a friend there and the villas really are lovely, they are very spacious and light. She has had a lot of problems with the electrics there though - hundreds of lights have blown in a few months and she has had some of her own things get wrecked just by plugging in. I just mention this because it's better to be forewarned! Are you on the waiting list for schools? You'd still be in a good location for getting to a lot of the ones you are looking at but it really is the luck of the draw for who has places. The British School (formerly British Montessori) and Doha College are probably your nearest British Curriculum ones. Have you tried DESS, which is further to drive but gives priority to British passport holders? Have you also seen on Doha Mums their Mum2Mum service where you can be put in touch with Mums in your area to answer questions? Someone may have more information on the compound you're looking at. Let me know when you're in town and we can meet up at the Doha Mums newcomers morning. They're at Hyatt Plaza which is right by Villaggio. Good luck.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 17:20

Do you mean the new compound quite close to the zoo, some parts still under construction? Don't want to give you information on the wrong one.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 12:05

I'm in Ain Khalid, which is about five minutes from the compounds you're looking at. You're really well placed for getting to a lot of good schools and Villaggio which I think is helpful as you find your feet.

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 19:48

I was surprised by how expensive a driver for the school run is. The recommended drivers are often booked. We have rung around a lot of different companies and drivers and yours is the best quote I've heard. Most drivers seem to charge a flat price for each way during this peak time, so I pay for four trips a day (100QR). I'm sure you've thought of it already, but is there someone you could carpool with at half the cost? The other thing you have to watch for is are you going to get one main driver or just different ones from their group? I think one or at most two drivers is the way to go as they get to know traffic flows, best routes etc. Anyway, the whole thing has finally forced me to feel the fear and drive anyway!

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 19:35

Hi Claire Just to add that the new Starfish Nursery is very close to the areas you are looking in and...gasp...it actually has places at the moment. The other very popular nursery nearby is Appletree (British curriculum) but they are not giving much hope for places until September. I really advise casting your net wide for schools. We applied to four schools and were offered two places. All the best.

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