Head of Secondary School

A welcoming committee of teachers greeted our students on Sunday 4th October, the long awaited first day back to school.

Our students in years 11, 12 and 13 are all preparing for their final examinations next year. Students in year 13 are studying the Diploma Programme and their results will determine where and what they may go on to study. As a result of the awards given to our students who have just left year 13, they have successfully taken up places in many different universities e.g. Sheffield, Manchester, Brunell, Kent and Georgetown which is here in Qatar.

Year 12 students who are studying AS examinations have made the decision to probably continue with us for only one further year. Should they be looking at further study, they will then go onto a foundation course at college or university. They have a tough 7 months ahead of them as this is a very short space of time to learn all the requirements for the 3 or 4 subjects they have chosen to study.

The final IGCSE examinations are on the horizon for year 11. The results of these will decide whether or not they are able to continue their studies at Al Jazeera and if they do, at which level.

Year 10 students have earnestly begun their IGCSE courses. This is the first time they have been able to make a decision with regards to their education. I hope they take full advantage of this opportunity and study to the best of their ability.

Students in year 9 are coming to the end of taking all the core subjects before looking at their options for next year. These students will be our first to carry through the Middle Years Programme which does not necessarily include the IGCSE examinations. There will be a presentation during our parents? evening which will further explain.

As for year 8, they are no longer the new recruits to the Secondary School. A year down the line, they are well established and have settled into their studies and subjects.

We welcomed students in year 7 who, in the main, have come to us from our Primary School. Although a little apprehensive at first, being challenged with many subjects and lots of different teachers, they have already found their feet and are settling into their new routine.

Whichever year group your child or indeed, children may be in, I am confident you will support them with their studies and encourage them to do well. I look forward to meeting you at our forthcoming parents ? evenings.

J. Barbara Exley