Yes

No

Arabic and French

FS1 and FS2: 20 Year 1 to 6: 24

22

Yes
FS1: 2 teaching assistants per class of 20
FS2: 1 teaching assistant per class of 20
Year 1 and 2: 1 teaching assistant per class of 24
Years 3 to 6: 2 teaching assistants between four classes of 24

Technology is part of everyday learning at DESS and is used to enhance the curriculum programme. iPads are used by our pupils from Years 1 to 6. Our interactive classrooms encourage children to become familiar with technology from an early age and are used to present to our pupils. Computing is a core subject taught at DESS, a syllabus complemented by a well-equipped, dedicated computing suite.

SATS examinations are taken at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6).

Results are in the top 5% of UK schools

Home Learning is assigned each week however it is not compulsory.

Depends on the subject and grade level.

DESS has a Learning Support Department, consisting of four Teachers and two Teaching Assistants. They support the needs of pupils who have moderate difficulties in learning. DESS does not have the resources to cater for children with severe learning and/or behavioural difficulties.

Yes

All children are required to pass our assessment criteria. Assessments are age appropriate.

Assessments differ depending on Year Group. Please see our Admission Assessment Charter on our website: http://www.dess.org/index.php/admissions/admissions-guidance.html

Depends on individual Year Group

Differs depending on Year Group. Please see our website: http://www.dess.org/index.php/admissions/admissions-guidance.html

Yes - provided it is before the Ministry of Education's admissions closure date for that academic year (this applies to all schools in Qatar).

FS1: 7:20 am
FS2 - 7:20 am
Y1 – Y6: 7:20 am

FS1: Sunday to Thursday: 12:45 pm
FS2: Sunday to Wednesday: 1:45 pm, Thursday: 12:45 pm
Y1 – Y2: Sunday to Wednesday: 1:55 pm, Thursday: 12:55 pm
Y3 – Y6: Sunday to Wednesday: 2:00 pm, Thursday: 1:00 pm

After School Club is available

Yes

No

Yes

Children can choose from a wide range of extra-curricular activities including: athletics, basketball, chess, choir, cricket, dance, drama, Environmental Group, football, gymnastics, playball, pottery, sailing, science, School Council, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, and individual instrumental lessons.

Physical education, athletics, netball, football, basketball, cross country running and swimming.

Yes - we take part in QPPSSA and the BISQ Games

Swimming pool (20m), two equipped gymnasia, tennis courts, basketball/netball courts, grass football pitch

At a recent inspection by Penta International DESS was awarded the highest grading of ‘Outstanding’. The grading allows DESS to be easily compared with other UK and overseas independent schools. Students leave DESS well-prepared for the prestigious UK independent schools, grammar schools and local schools they then go on to attend.
DESS is committed to:
• Providing a safe and happy environment, as a basis for all of our school community to engage in learning.
• A vision of progress through change, while ensuring that we are well organised and making each day purposeful and worthwhile for our school community.
• Teams of people working together for the benefit of each individual child.
DESS delivers an education to its children through the English National Curriculum, a world renowned education system which will allow your child to continue into the British education system whether that be secondary education or through a seamless transition back to the U.K. With virtually all of its teachers being British trained, with mostly British students, and facilities and grounds of the highest quality, we have a basis for learning which remind our students and parents of a traditional British school, whilst still having an international feel.
DESS is very proud of its history in Qatar and many of our students keep in touch with us as Alumni which is remarkable for an overseas primary school and a reflection of the fondness they feel for Doha English Speaking School. Doha English Speaking School is a vibrant, high achieving British school where children develop a love of learning in a secure and stimulating environment.
From the classroom to the sports field, DESS team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff ensure that all DESS children have happy, productive experiences and are exposed to a multitude of fantastic opportunities through the English National Curriculum.
DESS is proud to produce independent children with lively, enquiring minds and strong ethical values that are equipped with the life skills needed to succeed and give back to their communities.

DESS delivers the English National Curriculum through UK qualified teachers. The curriculum is broad and balanced and provides every child with the best opportunity to develop academically, socially, morally, physically and creatively. The English National Curriculum is split into three different stages, according to a child’s age, Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Foundation Stages 1and 2
Each child is taken through the six areas of learning which form the English National Curriculum Framework by being encouraged to learn through fun activities such as play and exploration. Physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, maths, understanding the world and expressive arts and design are all taught at this stage of the child’s development.
Years 1 – 6
Children develop an all-round education based on the English National Curriculum and are taught core subjects (Maths, English and Reading) as well as specialist subjects in Computing, Science, PE, and Languages. The curriculum has been adapted to deliver Arabic to every child at this level.
School trips and extra-curricular activities as well as roles in the School Council, the DESS Environmental Group and class Technical Genius roles all add to a child’s development at this stage of their lives.
The subjects taught at this level include: Art, Design and Technology, Maths, English, Reading, Arabic, French, Computing, Science, Music, PE, History, Geography, Drama, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).