Dc a z student guide 2015 16

Guide to 6th Form DC Information Committee

Guide to 6th Form


WELCOME TO 6TH FORM

Doha College’s 6th Form provides an exceptional educational experience. Our aim is to support and guide our students into the aspiring minds that can play a relevant and leading role in the world. We are committed towards fully preparing our students, both within and outside the classroom, to become the strongest versions of themselves. We fundamentally believe in giving every student under our care the opportunity to reach their full potential and provide the maximum support in helping them achieve their first choice university, and take the first step towards forging their future.

Our 6th Form is founded on an ethos of hard work, commitment, responsibility and leadership. The 6th Form area is a study centred environment. Study rooms are provided for students to put extra time into their studies, the common area has an academic focus and the students have a dedicated cafeteria they can use when a’ pick me up’ is required or an empty, hardworking stomach, is needed to be filled.

We have a dedicated and experienced team who help prepare students in the two years under their care for life after school. Providing pastoral care is a priority within the 6th Form and an extensive PSHE programme helps prepare the students for the task of doing their best in the A Level examinations as well as life outside university. Guest speakers regularly come into the school to talk on numerous subjects and help prepare our students for the world of work. Our careers guidance officer helps students make the best choice about their future destination and our tutors will give them the support and encouragement needed to get there.

Our 6th Form curriculum is diverse and students can choose from a variety of 6th Form subject options. Progress in academic study is also closely monitored and regularly reported on. This is used to inform the 6th Form’s support network which is individually tailored to help ensure all our students achieve to the best of their ability.

As a pioneer of High Performance Learning, Doha College has an outstanding academic record, our examination results place us among the top UK schools. Some of the highlights from this year’s A level results are:

https://issuu.com/dohacollege/docs/6th_form_options_booklet_2015.2016

https://issuu.com/dohacollege/docs/6th_form_options_booklet_2015.2016

http://www.dohacollege.com/exams-results


Years 12 and 13 offer many leadership opportunities to assist in the character development of our students. Our ‘Big 6 Student Council’ and their prefects organise and run many student committees and events mentioned later in this guide. The only real limitation is a student’s imagination as leadership is an expectation in the 6th Form and we encourage all our students to involve themselves in the school’s life, from Student Council, working and assisting our primary school, mentoring younger year students, being ‘champions’ of a particular department or initiative, to setting up a brand new extra-curricular activity for students in the school.

Our 6th Form students don’t just add value to the school but to the wider community as well. They are well represented in numerous sporting teams, they are leading members of the THIMUN Conference, and they set the standard for training students in other schools in the skills of the Model United Nations, hosting their own Conference every year. They have been National Schools Debate Champions 8 out of the last 11 years. They volunteer to work in hospitals and for local organisations such as Evolution. They are leaders on the Duke of Edinburgh International Award programme with many achieving their Gold Certificate and each year they raise a great deal of money for local charities. Our students have also hosted many impressive public speaking events such as their version of the TED talks and our inspiring doctors host the very impressive annual Medical Review Conference.

Our Alumni Doha College has a reputation of producing students of high calibre who cope very well and who thrive once in university. With over 94% of students taking places at their first choice universities, all students are strongly supported to apply and aim for the course that best suits them. Our alumni include students who have gone on to study in Oxbridge, Cambridge, Princeton, Yale and even received a scholarship from Harvard. But we are proud of all our students who have gone on to study at university and take great steps forward in achieving their goals.

No matter what a student’s future plans are, Doha College can help you achieve them. We are always looking for hard working and aspiring students to enrich and benefit from our 6th Form and join our Doha College family.

If you are interested or want more information please get in touch.

Mr Jonathan Henley

Head of Key Stage 5

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


THE 6TH FORM TEAM

Staff

Head of 6th Form ............................................................................................................. Mr. J Henley

Head of Year 13… ............................................................................................... ………Ms. N Capewell

Head of Year 12……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Ms. P Laughton

Guidance and Careers Councilor…….………….……………………………….………………………… Ms. C Cecil

Examinations officer……………………………………………………………………………..…………..…Mrs. B Lacbayan

Student services secretary – in charge of transcripts………………………..………………… Mrs. M Tapsom

Student leadership team

Head Girl……………………………………………………………………………………………….… .................... Ella Hudson

Head Boy ……………………………………………………………………………………..…………..…. ............ Rohan Suresh

Deputy Head Girl…………………………………………………………………………………….……. . .Rakshana Gopinath

Deputy Head Boy…….………….……………………………….………………………….……………….. ... Sanjith Ganesan

Senior Prefect…………………………………………………………………..………..…………..………….. ....... Zack Smith

Senior Prefect ……………………………………………………………………………………………… .. Elisabeth Checketts

Prefects

House Prefects

Dyllan Briggs

Aisling Macmahon

Charities Committee

Caitlin Graham-Smith

Naveen Anthony

Anas Fadji

Environmental Committee

Dorde Popovic

Millenia Parinduri

Pauline (Eunice) Mabulay

Digital Leaders

Pranav Pradeep

Armaan Chaiwalla

Communications

Committee

Zhariff Hazali

Joshua Carr

Induni Ginige

University Committee

Manith Adikari

Annabelle Vincent

Common Room Committee

Zachary pollard

Clayton Nichols

Nick Belsten


Head of House

House Coordinator ......................................................................................................... Ms. V Jones

Head of Dragon House .................................................................................................................. TBC

Head of Griffin House .......................................................................................................... Mr J Birch

Head of Phoenix House .................................................................................................... Mr D Briggs

Head of Roc House ...................................................................................................... Mr. C Wakeling

Head of Salamander House ........................................................................................................... TBC

Head of Unicorn House ................................................................................................ Miss S Jackson

After school activities coordinator ............................................................................. Ms. N Capewell

Head of DofE International Award ................................................................................... Mr N. Faisal

DofE Deputy International Award coordinators………………………………….…. ................... Mr D Hyman

Model United Nations .................................................................................................................... TBC

School Timings:

Registration/tutorial ....................................................................................................7.10 to 7.35am

Lesson 1 ........................................................................................................................7.35 to 8.35am

Lesson 2 ........................................................................................................................8.35 to 9.35am

1st Break ................................................................................................................... 9.35 to 10.00am

Lesson 3 ................................................................................................................... 10.00 to 11.00am

Lesson 4 ................................................................................................................... 11.00 to 12.00pm

2nd Break ................................................................................................................. 12.00 to 12.20pm

Lesson 5 ..................................................................................................................... 12.20 to 1.20pm

End of school ............................................................................................................................ 1.20pm


DC 6TH FORM CODE OF CONDUCT:

School Uniform:

Girls – Sixth Form

Shirt : White with embroidered DC logo

Fleece : Navy blue or black Cardigan

Trousers : Black – tailored, loose fitting (NO jeans-

style trousers)

Skirts (optional) : Black - must be tailored, knee length and

loose fitting

Boys – Sixth Form



Trousers : Black – tailored, loose fitting (NO jeans-

style trousers)

** Shoes for both girls and boys should be black and formal. No trainers or heels.

In order to maintain a smart appearance excessively long hair, beaded hair (including dreadlocks)

and outrageously styled or coloured hair is not permitted. For shaved hair the minimum hair length

is a number 2 cut. Long hair must be tied back for practical subjects.

**please note - Make-up should be minimal and coloured nail varnish and visible body piercing or

tattoos are not permitted.

Secondary students with pierced ears may wear one set of plain, small stud-typed ‘sleepers’ only.

Students in the 6th Form may wear a loose necklace, simple rings or bracelet as well as small hoops

in place of studs. No jewellery is to be worn in PE and DT classes.

Excessive jewellery will be confiscated and parents will be requested to personally collect and sign

for the items. Any jewellery not claimed by the end of the school year will be donated to charity.


DOHA COLLEGE 6TH FORM EDUCATION CONTRACT : 2017 - 2018

You have chosen to continue your 6th Form education at Doha College. As a member of 6th Form you are a senior

student and enjoy a range of rights and privileges which reflect your position as a young adult within the college. We

hope that you will enjoy your time in 6th Form, and that you will leave the college having achieved your potential. Each

and every one of you has the right to a personalised learning experience which meets your individual needs and gives

you the confidence and maturity of approach to learning. This will be essential for future success in further education

and lifelong learning. This document sets out those things that you have a right to expect from the college and its staff,

and also what we expect from you, in order that all students will have the opportunity to succeed. The contract has

been revised from previous years, in order to better support our students, foster a learning community, protect the

student body and to help maintain the high standard we expect in Doha College’s 6th Form.

1. This is what you, as a student, have a right to expect of us:

To have your learning needs identified and addressed both in college and extended beyond the classroom into the

community

Co-ordinated support to enable you to succeed to your full potential whatever your talents or background

Provide a safe and secure environment in which you can learn effectively

Provide forums for active and constructive student input into the daily life of the college community and your own

learning

Provide a wide range of teaching strategies to support your learning and enable you to achieve your potential

You will have high expectations placed on you from your teachers which will give you the confidence and skills to

succeed

Appropriate assessment that will support and promote further learning

Your tutor will meet with you regularly, after every grade report, to discuss your progress in relation to your targets

Teaching staff will review your progress each term, and you will receive feedback via your tutor regarding how

and where to improve

To implement measures to raise attainment in the event of a student finding their courses difficult to cope through

a supervised study programme (see section 9)

To provide help and appropriate guidance regarding careers and higher education throughout your time in 6th

Form

Provide references for admissions tutors in higher education and for employers

Allow you to remain in courses you have begun as long as you are working to the best of your ability

Provide opportunities for extended learning and wider development via an extra-curricular activities programme

You will have the opportunity to represent the student body as a school prefect, house captain, student council

member or 6th Form committee member

Provide access to ICT and Library facilities

Enter you for examinations so long as you have reached satisfactory levels of attendance and effort in your courses

You will be able to discuss any concerns you have about your studies with your tutor; unresolved problems may

be referred to the Head of 6th Form or Head of Year


2. This is what we expect of you:

To behave with maturity and be a role model for younger students

To be an ambassador for the school when guests visit

Attendance at all subject lessons is compulsory; if you know in advance that you will be absent (e.g. medical

appointment, interview) you must inform teaching and tutorial staff and make arrangements to complete any

work missed

You must be punctual to registration and lessons

You should make every effort to work to your full potential

You must meet all deadlines for routine class work and coursework. All tasks are to be completed to the best of

your ability and by the set dates unless otherwise negotiated

You must do your best to work towards and meet your target grades.

If grades start to slip you should support the supervised study and mentor system that will be provided for you.

Attendance at registration periods and tutorial discussions is compulsory.

The minimum attendance at Doha College is 95%. Your attendance score will be on your formal college report.

Your appearance should be smart at all times as would be expected of an adult in the workplace. As such the

wearing of the complete 6th Form uniform is compulsory and is a condition of being a member of 6th Form

You are expected to use your study periods constructively

You must bring in a note from your parents to explain any absence from school, or arrange for an email to be sent

with the information.

When provided with opportunities for independent study you are expected to adopt a mature approach and

respect the right of others to quiet study time.

You must keep the Common Room and 6th Form Cafeteria respectable for all to use. Failure to do so can result in

your being excluded from either area.

You are expected to get involved in the school’s extracurricular programme and house system and also work with

the younger Year groups

Uphold the good name of Doha College both in and outside the college

3. Entry Criteria for Year 13.

In order to progress into the Year 13, you would be expected to have achieved a grade D in at least two of your AS level subjects.

All students will be expected to study three or four subjects in Year 13, a minimum two of which must be at A2

You will not be permitted to continue with a subject at A2 if you have not achieved a grade D at AS

Please note that during Year 12: under the recommendation of your tutor and subject teachers, you could be

recommended to drop down to 3 subjects if you continually underperform in a subject in comparison to your

predicted grade.

4. Complaints Procedure

If you are concerned about any aspect of your course, you should, in the first instance, talk to the subject teacher concerned. If the matter cannot be resolved, you should speak to your tutor, who will try to resolve the matter with you, or on your behalf. Your tutor may, if he or she thinks it appropriate, refer the matter to the Head of Year 12/13 or Head of 6th Form. In all cases, we will always make every effort to resolve any difficulties quickly, sensitively and fairly.


5. Disciplinary Procedure

If you fail to observe the expectations outlined in Section 2, the following sanctions will apply:

Your tutor will discuss the problem with you and will remind you of our expectations as well as provide support to overcome any difficulties. This meeting will have the status of a verbal warning, and a record will be kept of it. Parents should be contacted regarding the issue

If you do not heed this warning, the matter will be referred to the Head of 6th Form. He/she will see you about the matter and after the discussion a letter will be sent to both you and your parents. This will constitute a written warning. A student may be given a revised contract for the rest of their time in the College.

Subject staff or tutors also have the option of using the detention system

An intervention system involving all a student’s teachers can be employed in the case of failing effort and a student could be reduced to 3 A level’s, during the year, on the advice of their subject teachers and tutor/Head of Year.

In the very unusual circumstance of this being unsuccessful the Head of 6th Form will issue a final written warning following discussion with the Head of Student Service, student and parents. A revised Contract will be issued to the student clearly stating what the student must do. Failure to meet the criteria in the new revised contract will mean the matter will be referred to the Principal and may lead to permanent exclusion from 6th Form

For serious misconduct the sanctions of temporary exclusion can apply and if the matter is deemed grave enough it will be referred to the Principal who could permanently exclude the student.

6. Uniform Policy in the 6th Form

Girls



Trousers : Black – tailored, loose fitting (NO jeans-style trousers)

Skirts (optional) : Black - must be tailored, knee length and loose fitting

Boys



Trousers : Black – tailored, loose fitting (NO jeans-style trousers)

** Shoes for both girls and boys should be black and formal. No trainers or heels.

In order to maintain a smart appearance excessively long hair, beaded hair (including dreadlocks) and outrageously

styled or coloured hair is not permitted. For shaved hair the minimum hair length is a number 2 cut. Long hair must be

tied back for practical subjects.

**please note - Make-up should be minimal and coloured nail varnish and visible body piercing or tattoos are not

permitted.

Students with pierced ears may wear one set of plain, small stud-typed ‘sleepers’ only. Students in the 6th Form may

wear a loose necklace, simple rings or bracelet as well as small hoops in place of studs. No jewellery is to be worn in

PE and DT classes.

Excessive jewellery will be confiscated and parents will be requested to personally collect and sign for the items. Any

jewellery not claimed by the end of the school year will be donated to charity.

Students should wear black shoes, not canvas, and not from a sporting brand.


7. Punctuality

If a student is late 2 times in a week they will be placed on an afterschool detention which will run on a Sunday

If there continues to be consistent lateness a detention with the Head of 6th Form will take place.

If lateness continues even after this the College will withdraw privileges from the student eg. The right to compete in the College sports team, attend extra-curricular clubs or events, the right to hold or apply for leadership position.

8. Smoking

Smoking is prohibited within the College.

Anyone caught smoking will be suspended

9. Public Displays of Affection

As a mark of respect to the country Doha College is situated within, and to the student body, public displays of affection are not tolerated. Serious misconduct in this area can result in suspension

10. Supervised study

The aim of supervised study is to raise attainment and to support students who are finding their subjects challenging

It is to provide a quiet and safe work place in which students can study without distraction.

Supervised study will go onto a student’s timetable instead of one of 2 of their study periods

In supervised study they will be put in an assigned room

In that room silent conditions will be enforced

The room will be staffed by a teacher

Attendance is compulsory, like any lesson it can’t be missed.

All teachers of the students on supervised study will be informed and can use that period to set tasks or even visit and assist the student.

Any student on 3 A levels in Year 12 will automatically be on supervised study

Students who achieved very low grades in their AS examinations will be placed on supervised study in order to support them.

Students who achieve very low grades in their grade reports will be placed on supervised study in order to assist them

Any student who is given an S grade or lower for effort will be placed on supervised study.

Teachers and form tutors can recommend a student for supervised study.

Parents can recommend their son/daughter goes on supervised study

Students can come off supervised study if their grades improve and on discussion with their teachers.

Parents will be informed if a student goes on or off supervised study.


DOHA COLLEGE 6TH FORM EDUCATION CONTRACT: 2017 - 2018

I have read and agree to abide by the terms of the 6th Form Contract above:

Name of Student: __________________________________________________

Student’s Signature: __________________________ Date: _________________

Parent’s Signature: ___________________________ Date: _________________

Head of 6th Form’s Signature: _________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________________________


6TH FORM FACILITIES:

Study Rooms:

Although most students prefer to relax and enjoy their friends' company during their study period or break, many students want to get on with their homework, do some extra revision, or just want a quiet place to enjoy a good book, away from any sort of distraction and because of this, the 6th Form students at Doha College have been very privileged with multiple study rooms that are located in the new building just outside the common room. Each of the study rooms have facilities such as whiteboards with markers and erasers, all provided for the students who like to learn visually, and desks that are laid out in a way that anyone in the room can work comfortably. All students have access to our fast and efficient wifi that is always available.

Common Room The common room is a multipurpose place; it can be used to relax, enjoy time with fellow students, and catch up on studies. There is a small kitchen area, where students can prepare a snack. This room may be used by the students before registration, during free periods, during break times and also after school till 2:30 (at the discretion of the Head of 6th Form). The common room is separated into two rooms and either room can be used by students regardless of whether they are in year 12 or 13. There is an overhead TV screen outside the common room and it displays the latest notices/ events (including the morning briefing). There are several notice boards in either of the common rooms; they can be used by ‘houses’ to display photos or give notices. There are also several boards allocated for each of the different committees to give information to the students of upcoming events, etc.


CAREERS ADVISOR

Applying for university is a key aspect of 6th Form life at Doha College. The staff work together along with the University Careers Advisor, Ms Claire Cecil, to provide students with the best possible outcome for their future. University applications can be a daunting task, but there are plenty of workshops and open days to help 6th Formers with their decision. In year 12, students should begin to make a list of possible countries and universities they would like to attend and begin their personal statement during the transitional summer from year 12 to 13. If students do not understand any of the procedures then they can make an appointment or e-mail Ms Cecil for information or even contact one of their teachers. Many students in Doha College apply to the UK through an online application system named UCAS; being an international college gives us the opportunity to explore every country’s possibilities! Increasingly we are having more applications to the US and Canada and Europe. There is no limitation on where students can apply, and how many universities they can apply to, as long as they inform the Careers Advisor.


GENERAL INFORMATION:

Lost Property (Lost and Found)

If you’ve lost valuables, please inquire at the Front Office or Student Services so that a notice may be added to the daily briefing. Identifiable items are to be passed to Student Services or the Front Office. (Lost items with identifications such as name, class and year group will generally be identified and returned quicker)

Unidentifiable items are kept in the school’s lost and found cupboard, which can be accessed at break times when it is open. Smaller items/ valuables such as thumb drives are kept by the Front office and/or Student Services. Students will usually be able to collect items from lost and found during/ after school days, from Sunday to Thursday.

Canteen

Doha College has two canteens, one in the “new” building (for higher secondary students) located at the end of the Geography/History corridor and another in the “old” building (for lower secondary students) located opposite the library, both of which serve similar food. Both canteens are open during first break from 9.35-10.00 and second break from 12.00-12.20. The senior canteen is open during lesson time, so 6th Form students have the option of using it when they have a study period. Water coolers are also available throughout the 6th Form area for quick access to water, this is essential as dehydration is a very large issue in hot climates such as Qatar’s.

Registration and Signing Out

Registration begins at 7:10am. Registration is important; in case of a fire or emergency the college needs to make sure that there is a record of you being in school. In the unlikely event that you are unable to attend registration then you must sign in late at the main office. If you are absent for any reason, a parent or guardian must write a note or email to your form tutor. If this doesn’t happen then you will have an unexplained absence recorded in the school system. Each teacher has to register you in your lessons, if you are unable to attend the lesson e.g. due to medical reason please notify your teacher and sign out at the front office. In the unlikely event you need to leave early for any particular reason you may sign out of school in the front office ONLY with a note from a parent or guardian counter signed by either the form tutor or member of the 6th Form team, explaining your reasons for leaving school early. You will not be allowed to leave the college early without a note and feasible reason as to why you are leaving early.

During the examination season it is imperative that you sign IN and OUT at the front office for health and safety reasons.


COMMITTEES AND STUDENT LEADERSHIP:

Life in the 6th Form is about developing many skills, including personal leadership. There are a range of student led committees in the school. As Doha College responds more to the needs of the 21st Century and student initiative more committees are welcome in the future. This year we have appointed Digital Learners for the first time. 6th Form students have to apply to lead these Committees and any 6th Former can join them. A description of what is currently offered is as follows:

Common Room Committee The common room committee is in charge of the common rooms and what happens in them. They have to oversee the conditions of the common rooms and also think of ways to make the common room better for the use of the students. The common room committee’s main objectives are to ensure a safe and enjoyable place for all students to relax in. They have to make sure that the equipment is not lost or damaged, and that students treat the area with respect. They are also in charge of decorating and improving the state of the common rooms. The common room committee is open to suggestions from fellow students on how to improve the common room and must take these into account when planning new ideas for the rooms.

Social Committee The social committee is made up of members of the 6th Form, from both Year 12 and Year 13 who are responsible for raising money throughout the year for the annual leavers’ ball. The committee raises money through hosting several events, such as bake sales or parties. The social committee is responsible for any non-academic aspects of the 6th Form, for example, the leaver’s jumpers for the Year 13’s. They also assist in coordinating the leaving day for the Year 13s.

Charities Committee The Charities Committee is one of the largest and most active committees in Doha College. The committee organises events throughout the year ranging from various bake sales and busking, to the selling of roses on Valentine’s Day, organising the Year 7 and 8 Disco, and the Candy Craze in December. They also sell refreshments at school events like the school plays. All of the proceeds of this committee will go to a very noble cause that is decided annually by the heads of the committee.


Student Council

The Doha College Student Council consists of 1 representative from each form throughout the school. Each tutor group in the 6th Form is required to have one representative from Year 12 and one from Year 13. The Student Council gives a voice to the student body to allow their ideas and feelings about the school to be heard. The council meets to discuss current issues related to the school and a report related to the minutes of the meeting is submitted to the board of governors to take the students views into account when making decisions regarding the school.

Communication Committee:

The Communication Committee consists of members of the 6th Form working to achieve the many responsibilities that are assigned to them. The major responsibility is for the DC Podcast which was launched last year and was a great success. On top of this they will also assist with the flow of information to the students regarding universities, school visits and making sure all students are aware of important events and deadlines. The will also film some of the other big events in the school such as the Medical Review Conference and work closely with the Marketing team at Doha College.

University Committee 97% of Doha College students go on to higher education at global universities and colleges. The Universities Committee is responsible for coordinating a range of events and workshops in support of the university application process. This includes coordinating and hosting regular visits from global universities and colleges, university fairs, lectures and guest speakers. The committee also organises a regular series of workshops, providing students with practical advice and guidance on issues such as revision techniques, applying to Oxbridge and Medical School and preparing for interviews.


Digital Leaders

The Digital Leaders are in charge of helping with and supporting the technological initiatives in the school such as Apple TV and Google Classroom. They are the IT whizz kids that will support their fellow students in things like, updating their operating systems and installing apps. Since these students are some of the most technologically advanced in the school- they will also support teachers. They are the first port of call for all students to give support with any IT issues that they may encounter within the school.

The Environment Committee

This committee wishes to instil the motto ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ into the school. They want to reduce the amount of electricity and paper used by encouraging students to switch off lights and use both sides of paper. To do this they have put recycle and re-use bins in all of the classrooms, and displayed many informative, student made posters around the school. They are aiming to have a plant in every room of the school and they are hoping to achieve this by having a ‘green-themed’ non-school uniform

day. Their innovating ideas are helping to plan for the new campus, and hopefully, with the aid of the entire school, this growing and successful committee will be able to make Doha College more environmentally friendly.


6TH FORM CLUBS AND EVENTS:

Model United Nations Doha College runs one of the most respected Model United Nations club in the country. It runs its own MUN conference, DCMUN, which is a THIMUN affiliated conference (the 33rd in the world to receive such recognition and the 3rd conference in the Middle East). As well as preparing students for its own conference, club members also have the opportunity to attend other conferences across Doha and internationally. Participation is highly encouraged, as it is a great way to improve your public speaking skills. As senior students, 6th Formers are often the most experienced (and respected!) delegates in these conferences. Furthermore, 6th Formers form the Executive Committee (and committee chairs); positions of responsibility that help to prepare you for later life (and look great as well)!

World Challenge World Challenge is a breath-taking experience which stays with you forever. It’s a very challenging adventure where you will test your fitness, emotions and ability to immerse yourself in a new culture. For more details on this year’s planned trip please see Mr Henley.

D of E International Award

Duke of Edinburgh is a brilliant opportunity to experience something new and really get involved with the community, as well as increasing skill and physical fitness. It’s a fun and enjoyable experience which teaches you organisation, commitment, team work and survival skills. It is a renowned award which can be place on your personal statement to impresses universities.

There are three levels to Duke of Edinburgh Award; bronze, silver and gold. For each you have learn/improve a skill (e.g. music), improve physical fitness (e.g. sports), community service, (e.g. walk dogs for Qatar’s Animal Welfare Society (QAWS)) and do an adventures journey (e.g. Trekking and Sailing). For Gold international Awardees, they also need to partake in a residential project.


Drama and LAMDA qualifications

A number of students choose to drop Drama & Theatre Studies when moving onto their A levels.

Fortunately, the drama department offer 6th Form students the opportunities to participate in the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art’s acting qualifications which provide students with UCAS points upon completion of a practical exam.

The programme enhances public speaking skills and confidence drastically and doesn’t clash with any summer exams. See Mrs Jane Williams for more details.

Student Newspaper “Majlis”

The school newspaper is a great place to meet people and have fun. It’s also a place where students get the chance to experience what it’s like to work on an article, or even sort out some of the photographs. Everyone has something to do. For example, there’s the layout team, arts and features team, photographers, and more. It’s a lot of hard work, but the experience is worth it, especially for those who want to get into journalism. Teamwork is very important, as we all need each other’s help to get things done and printed on time. The work and effort that people put into their articles are amazing The Student Newspaper is a well coordinated organisation within the college, and all 6th Formers are encouraged to join in the future, as it truly is something worth doing.


Leavers Ball The leaver’s ball is an annual event, held at one of the 5* venues in Doha. It is a combination of both the lower and upper 6th Form, as all students are invited. A selection of teachers also attend the ball. It is a great opportunity to celebrate the end of your school year, and the end of their time at Doha College, particularly for the year 13 students.


EXAM TIME Teachers will still be available at all times so many 6th Formers come to school and work in class or in the study rooms as they feel they can get more assistance and more work done in the atmosphere that the college provides. This is a very crucial time of the year and it is highly recommended that students use this time as efficiently as possible by being in school. Linear A-Level courses will continue with lessons throughout the year, and all students will be expected to attend school until the last day of the summer term.

Tips to get the most out of the 6th Form: 1. To be prepared for the fact this will be the shortest 2 years of a student’s life – things will go very quickly.

2. To use study periods, which are new on a student’s timetable constructively. The rest of the school are working periods 1-5 and life in 6th form should viewed the same way. It is no a 4 period day with a long break it is a 5 period day in which a student needs to develop personal responsibility and work on things like; developing themselves, increasing the quality of their personal statements, catching up on their studies and completing their homework. Break time is for breaks.

3. To take full advantage of the opportunities that are provided in Doha College. And if there is not an opportunity that a student would like to see – to volunteer to introduce it, or raise it in the Student Council or with the Head of Year or Head of 6th Form.

4. To take advantage of the Careers adviser and the BridgeU programme to help make the best, most informed choice about university.

5. To read around their subjects- wider reading is one of the most valued things by university in terms of distinguishing good candidates, and it impresses teachers too.

6. To set a positive example. It is the duty of members of the 6th form to role–model excellence for the rest of the school. The younger students look up to the 6th form and we want to generate students others aspire to become.

7. To develop relationships with teachers. When applying to somewhere other than the UK a student needs least one of your teacher, outside their form tutor to write a reference for them. That teacher needs to know a lot about them.

8. To remember that being punctual to form time, being smartly attired and having a positive attitude might not seem like a bit deal but they are the very first impression teachers have about a student- and first impressions count.


9. To use the study rooms for what they are actually intended for – studying and if they are wanting to have a chat and destroy the focus of others, to head into the Common Room.

10. To support the ethos of the school and the new initiatives being introduced. To work with members of the lower school both in terms of mentoring and with a form group in order to improve themselves and to add value to the whole school.

11. To not procrastinate but to take the initiative in their studies. A lot rides on the results of the exams they will sit in these years. They should start preparing for them months in advance and seek extra support and guidance wherever possible.

12. To have fun, work hard and to enjoy the experience. It is a short two years but it can be the most memorable of a student’s life. Especially when all their hard work pays off. Working hard and getting involved can not only open so many doors for a much brighter future, it can also help a student make big steps in their personal development and growth.


Our campuses

Al Waab Campus

PO Box 7506, Al Bustan Street, Doha, Qatar.

West Bay Primary Campus

PO Box 7506, Al Farouq Street, Doha, Qatar.

www.dohacollege.com

Main Reception:

+974 4407 6777

General:

[email protected]

Admissions:

[email protected]

Documents

Dc a z student guide 2015 16