Along with other schools in the Orbital Education Group, our students follow a modified version of the English National Curriculum of England and Wales that meets the needs of our international student body here in Doha
The curriculum is well-balanced, providing time for academic work as well as music, drama and sports.
Our teaching approach has the flexibility and adaptability to underpin a sound academic English language education, which prepares students to move from Early Years Foundation Stage to Primary, transitioning to Secondary and following on to prestigious universities worldwide for success in their professional and personal lives.
Every student in all areas of the school have personalised targets determined from baseline assessments. There is regular monitoring, assessment and reporting to parents on the academic and pastoral progress of each student.
It is at the Early Years Foundation Stage, students aged 3 to 5 years, that we lay down the foundation for children’s success, both academically and personally throughout life. At Oryx International School, we believe the first step in your child’s education is the most important one. It has been scientifically proven that the preschool years are the most important, as children develop more rapidly during the first five years of their lives than at any other time. We pride ourselves on providing a unique, learning-enriched environment accompanied by highly qualified and experienced Early Years Practitioners.
Our Primary School caters for students aged 5 to 11 years, students start in Key Stage 1, Years 1 and 2 (aged 5 to 7) and then move into Key Stage 2, Years 3 to 6 (aged 8 – 11).
Our topic-based approach ensures that learning is academically stimulating, exciting, active and meaningful to our children. It encourages personal learning, leading to our children developing communication skills, empathy, thoughtfulness, and teamwork with a respect and understanding of other views, cultures and languages.
The curriculum is well-balanced, providing time for academic work as well as music, drama and sports. Our teaching approach has the flexibility and adaptability to underpin a sound academic English language education, which prepares students to move from Early Years Foundation Stage to Primary and then into Secondary school.
Our Secondary School caters for students aged 11 to 18 years, students start in Key Stage 3, Years 7 to 9 (aged 11 to 14); they then move into International GCSEs/Key Stage 4, Years 10 and 11 (aged 14 – 16); and they complete their schooling in A Levels Key Stage 5, Years 12 and 13 (aged 16 – 18).
Our secondary staff ensure that our students are welcomed and integrated into the various key stages from day one. The Secondary curriculum is well-balanced, providing time for academic work as well as music, drama and sports. Our well-qualified staff ensure that their teaching approach has the flexibility and adaptability to underpin a sound academic English language education, which prepares students to move through Secondary school to follow on to prestigious universities worldwide for success in their professional and personal lives.
Following the English National Curriculum, students sit externally assessed International GCSE, A-Level examinations, internationally considered as the gold-standard qualifications for entrance into universities across the world.
Our Curriculum
Our Early Years Foundation Stage caters for students aged 3 to 5 years and is an integral part of our provision.
Our young students gain knowledge through first-hand, multi-sensory experiences. This, combined with educationally stimulating surroundings and activities, encourages our students to develop their inquisitive nature and learn at their own pace.
At Oryx International School, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework which supports an integrated approach to early learning and care. It gives all professionals a set of common principles and commitments to deliver quality early education and childcare experiences to all children.
Four Guiding Principles:
Every child is unique
Learn through positive relationships
Learn and develop in an enabling environment
Develop and learn in different ways and at different rates
Three prime areas of learning:
Communication and language
Personal Social and emotional development
Physical development
We make sure that learning activities are suited to your child’s unique requirements by considering their individual needs, interests, and development. We use this information to plan a challenging and enjoyable experience for each child. Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outdoors.
We aim to provide a happy, secure and caring environment in which the students feel safe and nurtured. This, combined with educationally stimulating surroundings and activities, encourages our students to develop their inquisitive nature and learn at their own pace.
Andrea SmithVice-Principal PrimaryWe believe that every child is unique and special and it is our job to provide them with the appropriate attention, care, support and encouragement required to bring out his or her own talents and strengths.
Key Stage 1 marks a shift from EYFS to more subject-specific learning and covers all compulsory national curriculum subjects.
The priority within our Key Stage 1 classes is to ensure that each student’s experiences of school are happy and exciting. Students are encouraged to develop their creative and physical talents, to think independently, and to actively solve problems using their own invention and imagination.
Academic achievement is highly valued, and secure foundations are laid in literacy, numeracy, science and information communication technology (ICT). The school emphasises the importance of traditional educational standards, and basics such as reading and number work are a standard feature of the school day. Students are introduced to specialist teaching in language, physical education and music. A variety of assessment and monitoring of the students' development continues throughout their time in KS1.
OIS ParentMy children are happy at school, they have been progressing academically and socially which speaks to the school environment, the teachers, TAs, admin staff and leadership.
The sound academic grounding laid down in Key Stage 1 acts as a springboard for further development through school. The school curriculum is designed to allow students to realise their full potential.
The curriculum is structured to ensure each student is stretched, challenged and supported when necessary. Our students’ progress is closely monitored at all stages using a variety of internal assessments.
At Key Stage 2, core subjects continue to be literacy and numeracy, but as students’ progress through KS2, they receive increasing levels of specialist teaching in subjects such as languages including Arabic, science, information communication technology, art, music and physical education. This grounding prepare them for their move into Secondary school.
Andrea SmithVice-Principal PrimaryWe believe that every child is unique and special and it is our job to provide them with the appropriate attention, care, support and encouragement required to bring out his or her own talents and strengths.
Our students will follow a modified version of the English National Curriculum that meets the needs of our international student body here in Doha.
Students will develop subject skills, knowledge and understanding, which will lead to success at Key Stage 4 to complete International GCSE courses.
Every student in all areas of the School has personalised targets determined from baseline assessments. As in the Primary School, there is regular monitoring, assessments and reporting to parents on the academic and pastoral progress of each student.
Imram SidatAssistant Vice Principal- SecondaryIn Secondary, we ensure your child starts with a solid grounding of the English National Curriculum, supporting them towards completing their IGCSE, A Level courses with the knowledge and confidence they require to move them through each Key Stage towards success.
Our students will move from Key Stage 3 into studying for their I/GCSE course (General Certificate of Secondary Education).
We will offer a range of subjects to cater for all areas of interest whether these are in sciences, technology, arts, humanities, languages or other non-subject related areas of study. This will ensure that all our students’ interests and strengths are utilised in taking the first step into I/GCSE examinations.
Our experienced secondary staff will guide you and your child through this next stage of school, making sure that all your questions are answered and that sound advice is given to you and your child.
Subjects are split into the three categories, shown below, which are explained later in this document.
1. Compulsory subjects: maths, English, at least one science, Arabic language (for Arabic passport holders only) and Islamic studies (for all Muslim students).
2. Optional subjects: your choice of optional subjects.
3. Complementary subjects: compulsory but without any examination, e.g. Core PE, PSHE and Qatar History
Choosing appropriate subjects can seem like a daunting task. You and your child will be given opportunities to seek advice and ask questions via the Admissions Team who will introduce you to members of the academic team who will be available to discuss these with you and your child.
The syllabus and exam content are prepared by the national examination centre in the UK (The Joint Council for QualificationsCIC - JCQ) and regulated by Ofsted. This ensures that all children sitting these exams are measured against each other using the same standards no matter which country they live in.
Please download the International GCSE booklet below which will explain the subjects and requirements in-depth.
NB: ALL I/GCSE EXAMS INCUR ADDITIONAL COSTS NOT INCLUDED IN SCHOOL FEES.
Sixth Form is the first stage in preparing for life after school and as such, students are expected to have a high degree of independence and self-motivation; to have excellent attendance and behavioural records; and to contribute meaningfully towards the school community.
Our students will enjoy a more flexible timetable, further leadership opportunities and enrichment programmes, a personal tutor, their own Sixth Form breakout and specialised study room and common room facilities with their own kitchen, and a unique Sixth Form uniform.
Our Head of Sixth Form will provide our students with the support and career guidance required to help them make the best choice about their future career and university decisions, while our specialist Sixth Form tutors will encourage and support students throughout the year.
At OIS, there are three main pathways for our Sixth Formers:
- A Level
- A Level Level 3 Diploma or Subsidiary Diploma
It may be possible to take a mixture of A Levels depending on the courses chosen and the strengths of the individual student. As this is a two-year course, students must enrol in Year 12.
The Head of Sixth Form and University Counsellor will guide students to their future career and University selection.
Chris CundallAssistant-Principal, Sixth FormOryx International School provides a unique educational experience for our Sixth Form students. With the support of our qualified professional team who will help prepare our students, in the two years under their care, for life after school. We are committed towards supporting and guiding each student for their next stage of life, from choosing their future career to their preferred university.
OIS ParentI would like to thank the school for helping build my children’s confidence and providing such an encouraging environment for them. Their journey towards building self-confidence began with Oryx, we enrolled for academics and curriculum but what we got is so much more...
