Making the Right Choice - islschools.org

Making the
Right Choice

Information
for Applicants
2016-2017

PO Box 18511
North Duhail, Doha
State of Qatar
+974 4433 8600
www.islqatar.org

1 ISL Qatar Information for Applicants

Introduction to the
International School
of London (ISL) Qatar

Making the right career choice for you and your to remunerate sta well and reward excellence,
new school is very important. Recruitment in expertise, e ort and contributions to the school
international schools is not simply about finding to maintain a salary and benefits structure
the right location: it is about great schools and commensurate with sta professional
great teachers finding a mutual passion, a characteristics and development and
common philosophy and shared values. appropriate to the school’s financial plan and to
seek to improve this constantly
ISL Qatar is commi ed to recruiting and to assign sta appropriately according to their
developing excellent educators, leaders and skills and abilities and the school’s needs
administrators from around the world to form a
dynamic and highly motivated team to become We seek, for our sta teams, people that:
part of a communi of learners that has at its are motivated by our mission statement
core the ISL values of ‘Diversi , Passion, Identi truly care about the academic, social and
and Understanding’ that shape our behaviour, emotional learning and growth of students
inform our decision-making and provide a believe in continuous professional learning
shared focus for all our actions. recognise education as a partnership with
parents
ISL Qatar is renowned for its innovative possess personal values and beliefs that are
approach to learning, and takes pride in its sense aligned with our values and those of the
of communi and the professional International Baccalaureate
opportunities we provide for our sta . Our
special corner of the Middle East is famous for ISL Qatar has a culturally diverse, well-qualified,
its commitment to, and investment in, commi ed and experienced sta from across
education; its diverse cultural opportunities and the globe. We currently have over 50
it is renowned for its safe, high-quali lifes le. nationalities in the sta body and most of our
It is a great place for individuals, families and teachers have international experience. We
colleagues to grow, enjoy life and work, and expect sta to be holders of an appropriate
have fun together! universi degree and to possess a teaching
qualification and have relevant teaching
Our Aims experience. Applicants for English teaching
Our sta ng and recruitment aims are: posts should also have a TEFL or TESOL
certificate or diploma in addition to their English
to recruit, employ and retain high quali sta to degree. In the Arabic and languages departments
ensure the highest standards of student learning we recruit native speakers of the particular
and achievement language who are also conversant in English.
to build e ective teams from teaching and
support sta to improve learning, With our full three-programme IB authorisations
decision-making and communication and to (PYP, MYP, DP), our full CIS and NEASC
ensure that the ISL values are evident in all that accreditation, and on-going school
we do improvement, sta face a very special and
to recruit sta with a diverse cultural and fascinating set of challenges because, as a team,
experiential background to match our diverse they have the responsibili for laying the
student body foundations for the school’s successful future.
to o er opportunities for sta professional We are therefore looking for sta who are
learning that: encourage reflection; build on sta willing to enter fully into the adventure with
strengths; improve competencies; nurture vision, commitment, enthusiasm and, perhaps
quali outcomes and enable their evaluation; most importantly, a sense of humour.
identi areas for professional growth; and
consequently lead to improved student learning
and achievement

ISL Qatar Information for Applicants 2

Mission Statement:
Diversi , Passion, Identi
and Understanding

ISL Qatar is a culturally diverse communi the pursuit of excellence in all areas
which fosters a passion and enthusiasm for respect of self and others including the
learning through outstanding educational recognition of the uniqueness of each individual
practices. Students’ cultural and linguistic social and civic responsibili which seeks to
identities are valued and nurtured through our explore and promote the common good and
international curricula and Mother Tongue common values of social justice, cultural
programme. Our school develops the a itudes, diversi , and the emotional and physical
skills and understanding needed for active and well-being of others
responsible contributions to both local and concern and respect for the natural and cultural
global communities. environment

Beliefs A School for the 21st Century
At ISL Qatar we believe in: The International School of London Qatar:

empowering students to maximise their learning cares for its students and puts them first
opportunities, enabling them to fulfil their uses the most e ective learning and teaching
potential methods to cater for students' di erent needs
actively integrating cultural diversi in the believes that each child has a unique way of
curriculum learning and that every child has the potential to
creating inclusive, vibrant and innovative succeed
learning communities acknowledges that how children learn is as
o ering a diverse and extensive international important as what they learn
programme that supports personal, social and bases future success on creativi ,
professional growth for sta problem-solving, communication, team-work,
treating all members of the school communi international-mindedness and self-reliance, as
with respect, hones and integri well as on academic skills
prepares children for the rapidly changing
These beliefs are critical to the way we operate information age
as a school. They shape our behaviour, inform provides an environment that is safe, friendly,
our decision-making, guide our policy-se ing caring, challenging and innovative
and maintain our focus. is passionate about helping children to grow
spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and
Core Values morally
The ISL educational philosophy is based on the sets the highest standards of academic
following core values and applies to our achievement and enables its students to gain the
students and sta : highest examination grades of which they are
a commitment to the acquisition of knowledge, capable, without them becoming the sole focus
understanding and skills and the achievement of of their learning
personal and professional potential gives children a lifelong love of learning
aims to be a learning centre for the whole
communi
takes learning so seriously that it makes it fun!

3

Background

From the beginnings in the early 1970s to International Accreditation, Inspection and
global recognition in the 21st century Authorisation
The ISL Schools Group began in 1972 when the Our authorisation as an IB World School (see
International School of London was founded details below); our full accreditation through
as a private co-educational school. It was one the Council of International Schools (CIS) and
of the first schools in the world to o er the IB the New England Association of Schools and
Diploma, graduating its first Diploma students Colleges (NEASC); and our membership of the
in 1978. It now o ers the IB Primary and Outstanding Schools Programme through the
Middle Years Programmes in addition to the IB Supreme Education Council in Qatar; all provide
Diploma and is especially well known for its independent, external validation of the quali
world languages programmes. As part of the of education at ISL Qatar. This also allows us to
core curriculum, students receive mother o er a wide range of accredited International,
tongue or foreign language literacy lessons North American and Qatari programmes to our
from early childhood. Because of the strength increasingly diverse student population of more
of its languages programme, ISL was selected nearly 80 nationalities. ISL Qatar is unique in
by Qatar's Supreme Education Council to open having such a wide range of accreditation and
a school in Doha as part of the Outstanding authorisation and is the only school in Qatar
Schools initiative. Continuing its expansion, ISL o ering this diverse range of quali assurance.
was chosen by Shell to acquire the
Surrey-based Prins Willem Alexander School
which was the highest performing Dutch
school in the world. The ISL Schools now enrol
over 1600 students across four campuses: two
in Chiswick, West London; one in Woking,
Surrey; and one in Doha, Qatar.

4

Curriculum

Our philosophy of learning is based on the success of the PYP and is delivered in
belief that students learn best when: inter-disciplinary and disciplinary units. We
have also designed our unique version of the
a learning is inquiry-based and builds on the MYP to be an excellent preparation for the IB
children’s experiences diploma. We o er a broad programme of
study, with the necessary specialisation,
b students are taught using an interdisciplinary concentrating on developing the concepts,
approach which provides connections across skills, knowledge, understanding and passion
subject areas required for the IB diploma.

c learning and teaching methods account for IB Diploma Programme Ages 16-18
students’ di erent needs In Grade 11 and 12, students follow the
prestigious and world-renowned IB Diploma
d there is a clear focus on learning outcomes programme (authorised June 2011). IB
and assessment for learning (AFL) throughout students choose six subjects: three at higher
the curriculum, programmes of study and level (HL) and three at standard level (SL).
timetable Each student must take one course from each
of our six subject option groups. Generally,
e the learning environment provides securi subjects studied at higher level will reflect the
and encourages exploration at school and at student’s abili , area of interest and
home specialisation, and will be covered in greater
depth and breadth than subjects studied at
f the school works together with families, standard level.
providing consistent support and se ing
similar expectations In addition to the subject requirements, the IB
Diploma programme includes three key
Primary School Curriculum Age 3-10 features that contribute to its strength and
In January 2012, we were granted full success.
authorization from the IB to o er the Primary
Years Programme (PYP) to our students from Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – a course that
EC1 to Grade 5. The philosophy of this stimulates critical reflection on knowledge and
programme and mode of delivery reflect our learning
aims to inspire students, develop intercultural Creativi , Action and Service (CAS) – a
understanding and for learning to be based on programme of activities that provides a
integrated trans-disciplinary units of inquiry. counterbalance to the academic programme
This programme of study, with its and focuses particularly on communi service
well-planned units, provides an ideal context Extended Essay – a piece of original research
for learning. of 4000 words wri en under the guidance of
one of our IB subject teachers
Middle Years Programme Ages 10-16
The academic programme for Grade 6 to 10 is Students may also follow individual IB courses
the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), for on o er at ISL Qatar to gain an accredited US
which we were authorised in June 2013. We High School Diploma.
have adapted and developed the IB MYP to
suit the needs of our unique international Pastoral Support
school in Qatar. The programme is All three IB curricula are reinforced with a
inquiry-based, constructivist, commitment to the pastoral development of
multi-disciplinary, uses principles of our students and a strong belief in the
Understanding by Design and Personalised importance of a holistic model that supports
Learning and nurtures in the students the ISL and enhances the ISL Qatar values. Our
Qatar values. We have a dedicated team of pastoral and learning support teams work
middle school sta to develop, deliver and across the whole school to ensure that all
constantly review the programme. students’ needs are assessed and catered for
individually and inclusively through a
The IB MYP is a key element of the secondary personalised learning approach.
school, retaining good links with our PYP and
IB diploma. The programme builds on the

5 ISL Qatar Information for Applicants

The Campus

In September 2008, ISL Qatar opened in its Learning Technologies
new home, a modern, purpose-built campus The school places great emphasis on Learning
in the northern suburbs of Doha. The buildings Technologies. A wireless communication
have been developed to embody the school's network links the entire campus so that
philosophy of child-focussed education. It students can access the internet and the
o ers a curriculum appropriate to the 21st school intranet via desktop or laptop
century, using methods and technologies that computers. Many classrooms have
engage children while advancing their learning data-projectors and interactive white boards
and knowledge. We also o er facilities for to enable the use of technology throughout
sport and recreation, for individualised the learning process. In addition to a dedicated
learning and research, and personal ICT lab, the school has seven mobile class sets
development and growth. of laptops and four class sets of iPads that
enable any classroom to be converted to a
Teaching areas fully-functioning IT room.
The primary and secondary sections of the
Sports facilities
school share some facilities however the vast Our commitment to outdoor and physical
education is reflected in the sports facilities
majori of classrooms are for dedicated which include a large multi-purpose sports
hall, a multi-purpose gym for early childhood
age-appropriate use. To cater for the di erent students, an all-weather sports pitch and
outdoor football/basketball/volleyball courts.
ages and learning s les, specially designed Extensive use is made of these facilities for PE
and sports lessons and the diverse
teaching areas surround a central open atrium extra-curricular programme o ered by ISL
Qatar. The school also has access to many
which is the heart of our school communi . other local sports facilities for specialised
sports e.g. sailing.
There are 24 primary classrooms including
Recreational areas
newly-built facilities for our early childhood Students have access to extensive recreational
areas inside and outside school to enable them
students. Secondary classrooms include five to enjoy periods of having fun together in
supervised recreational breaks. Recreational
Science labs, two Technology workshops, Art spaces include the main internal atrium,
shaded areas between most buildings, study
room, Drama studio, Music Centre, areas and ‘common room’ for senior students
and extensive external play areas. There is
Mother-Tongue classrooms and ample space for all students to play together or
simply expend some energy!
subject-specific classes for delivery of each of

the curriculum areas. We have a

well-resourced Learning Centre (The Hub),

opened in November 2012, incorporating our

main library, College Counselling Centre, class

learning spaces, quiet study areas, an Apple

Mac lab, a Diploma Programme study area and

other audio-visual resources. A team of

librarians provide support for those using the

Learning Centre.

6

Full-Time Member
Expectations

and Responsibilities

Introduction ISL Qatar is commi ed to the 2.1 To help fulfil the aims of the school mission
values of an integrated, interdisciplinary, statement, the ISL Qatar values and the school
inquiry-based, personalised, constructivist improvement plan.
curriculum and to the use of learning and
teaching strategies that utilise a diverse range 2.2 To keep up-to-date with developments in
of inputs and stimuli in recognition of students’ education and those specific to individual
di erent skills, talents and learning preferenc- teaching and learning responsibilities.
es. The ISL Qatar values indicate the a itudes
and a ributes we expect to be displayed by all 2.3 To follow a personal professional learning plan
sta and that we aim to develop in students. and maintain a personal portfolio of
professional achievement.
The school is also commi ed to enabling sta
to keep abreast of the latest issues in 2.4 To a end and disseminate information from
education and learning in particular, training courses and contribute to school
inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary learning activities.
learning, personalised learning, assessment
for learning (AFL) and the ‘understanding by 2.5 To contribute to, and participate in, the
design’ planning cycle. professional learning process.

In an organisation that is fast moving and 3 Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Develop-
developing in response to both learners’ ment
requirements and changes in the external
environment, the expectations of the teaching 3.1 To create a stimulating learning atmosphere
sta are diverse and challenging. and ensure classrooms, furnishings, resources
are used e ectively and are respected and
1 Responsibilities to Learners cared for by all.
1.1 To provide a programme that matches each
3.2 To help create a collaborative team culture by
individual’s learning requirements. The exhibiting qualities of trust, loyal , tact,
programme should take account of each reliabili , passion, e ciency and hard work.
individual’s abilities and preferred ways of
learning as well as their stage of development. 3.3 To take part, whenever possible, in regular
The programme should enable the learner to collaborative opportunities to review learning
experience success whilst also challenging programmes, teaching methods, equipment
them to achieve their full potential. The and resources.
programme should incorporate planned and
supervised activities outside the classroom in 3.4 To plan, prepare, develop and review personal
line with school guidelines. teaching methods and learning programmes in
1.2 To foster a good relationship with learners line with the school ethos and external
through trust, positive feedback and mutual curricula.
respect, recognising at all times the principles
of equal opportunities. 3.5 To advise and collaborate with colleagues in
developing IB and school programmes.
2 Professional Learning
The school has a strong commitment to the 3.6 To contribute expertise to the preparation and
professional learning of teachers and o ers development of learning programmes and
opportunities in diverse areas from which sta teaching materials in line with the school
can map out a pathway that matches school ethos and in response to demands of external
and personal goals. The goals are: examinations and assessment procedures.

3.7 To contribute expertise to the ordering of
resources.

3.8 To undertake formal teaching commitments
according to the timetable drawn up by the
Leaders of Learning (LOLs), IB Coordinators,
PLT/SLT, Head of Administration or Head of
School.

3.9 To carry out tasks related to the teaching area
assigned by the PLT/SLT.

3.10 To carry out an appropriate share of
administrative and organisational tasks as and
when requested by LOLs, IB Coordinators,
PLT/SLT or Head of School.

7

4 Pastoral Care and Other Duties 5.7 To report any concerns on student progress or
4.1 To form part of a caring communi that welfare promptly and according to school
guidelines.
provides the pastoral care and support for all
students. 5.8 To a end the weekly sta briefings and take
4.2 To take responsibili for the care and safe of actions according to information in the sta
students and ensure that they meet our weekly bulletins, daily updates and other
behaviour expectations at all times, as outlined regular communications.
in the Respect guidelines. Sta are expected to
take the initiative and take action with 6 Assessment Tasks and Examinations
students/classes wherever required: in this 6.1 To ensure that learning and teaching are of the
sense sta are always on pastoral du .
4.3 To contribute to pastoral care ma ers as highest standard to give students the
stipulated by the Head of Student Support maximum chance of obtaining the best
Services, the Pastoral Leaders (PLs) LOLs, IB possible outcomes, including external
Coordinators, PLT/SLT or Head of School. examination results.
4.4 To implement the school Respect guidelines 6.2 To be thoroughly familiar with the curricula,
for students and inform the Head of Student assessment and examination requirements of
Support Services, PLs, PLT/SLT or Head of the courses which the member of sta is
School of any major student achievements or allocated.
breaches of expectations. 6.3 To participate in arrangements for presenting
4.5 To contribute fully to the school’s programme students for internal and external assessment
of extra-curricular activities. tasks and examinations.
4.6 To undertake school duties as stipulated by the 6.4 To devise, set and assess appropriate internal
PLT/SLT or Head of School. and entrance assessments as requested by the
4.7 To cover for absent teachers where requested Head of Student Support Services, LOLs, IB
by the Head of Student Support Services, Coordinators, PLT/SLT or Head of School
PLT/SLT, Head of Administration or Head of
School. 7 Working Hours
4.8 To carry out other pastoral related duties and The full-time professional teacher’s job
responsibilities as may be requested by the cannot be confined to a timetable or quantified
Head of Student Support Services. by the number of hours worked. In addition to
a fixed timetable the full-time professional
5 Communication, Assessment, Record teacher will spend whatever additional hours
Keeping and Reporting are necessary to fulfil his teaching obligations
and make a valid and worthwhile contribution
5.1 To take responsibili at all times for to the total life of ISL Qatar.
appropriately communicating information to
appropriate people in relation to learning 7.1 Sta are entitled to normal school holidays,
activities. according to the annual school calendar, and
subject to the conditions below.
5.2 To plan and record lessons in an agreed
format, following the principles of 7.2 The school calendar varies from year to year
‘understanding by design’ planning cycle. but the target number of teaching days is 180
per academic year. In addition to this,
5.3 To participate actively and collaboratively in members of sta may be required for formal
sta professional learning. commitments at other times when o cial
school events take place or suitable
5.4 To set, assess and record students’ work professional learning or in-service training
according to the assessment policy, including opportunities arise. Professional learning
work done out of school. Teachers should aid opportunities occur throughout the year. At
students' learning by providing quali and such times all full-time members of sta are
timely feedback to students, using the best expected to a end.
principles of assessment for learning (AFL).
7.3 Members of sta will be expected to be
5.5 To maintain a record of student achievement available for meetings and parent
in an agreed format. consultations for a number of days specified
by the Head.
5.6 To maintain on-going dialogue with parents
regarding their children’s academic and
pastoral progress, providing wri en reports
and a ending parent-teacher consultations
according to school guidelines.

8

7.4 In general the full-time teacher should expect 8 Other responsibilities
to have a timetabled class-contact 8.1 To lead by example and model the behaviour
commitment of 21 hours per week. In addition
to this teaching sta may be asked to cover expected of students and provide an excellent
for absent colleagues up to a total maximum personal example in terms of a itudes,
of 24 contact hours in any week. a ributes, dress, manners and punctuali .
8.2 To set a high standard of personal and
7.5 A reduction of teaching load may be agreed professional conduct in order to enhance the
with the Head if a member of sta takes on professional standing of the teaching
an additional role or responsibili . profession and the school.
8.3 To contribute actively to a professional
7.6 Teachers will be expected to do a minimum working environment through establishing
of one extra-curricular, additional study collaborative relationships with colleagues
activi or professional learning activi per based on mutual respect.
week.

7.7 The academic working week lasts from
Sunday morning until Thursday a ernoon,
according to the school working day. The
school working day is from 7.00am to 2.30pm
with two breaks of 20 and 45 minutes.
Members of sta should be available in
school throughout the working day unless
specific permission has been given by the
Head to be absent, or the member of sta is
engaged in some o cial school or
professional learning activi .

2016-17

ISL Qatar has developed a professional 2016-17
learning process and a salary structure that are
intimately linked. The inter-connection and
consistency between these creates the
environment for the achievement of the
sta ng and recruitment goals and is intended:
to encourage the development of learning and
teaching competencies; to promote
professional characteristics; and to improve
student learning and achievement.

Placement and Progression
Each completed year of appropriate full-time
teaching experience, that is recognized as
contributing to improved teaching and
learning, adds one increment to the placement
on the salary scale. Leadership and
management allowances will be allocated
according to additional roles and
responsibilities. Temporary leadership and
management allowances may be available for
specific targets or projects and are agreed at
the time of appointment to the role or project.

All teachers are expected to demonstrate the

ISL Qatar core values and to undertake the full

range of duties and responsibilities as

specified in the teacher’s job description; the

Full-time Member of Sta - Expectations and 2016-17
Responsibilities; and the Code of Conduct

documents. A er initial placement,

progression on the scale is normally one

increment every year, subject to evidence of L1
good professional learning and increased L2
competency and performance. L3

A gratui is payable when a member of sta L4
leaves at the end of the period of service. This L5
is equivalent to 70% of the final monthly salary L6
multiplied by the number of years of service.

Salary Scale 30,000 8,242
The Head’s decision, with approval of the
Managing Director, will be final in assessing
the starting point on the salary scale and any
allowance. Each year of service at ISL Qatar
will normally add one increment to the salary
scale subject to good evidence of professional
learning and increased competency and
performance.

ISL Qatar Information for Applicants 10

Benefits 2016-17
Full-time, sponsored

1 Gratui 6 Freight Allowance
A gratui is payable when a member of sta Each new member of sta relocating to Qatar
leaves at the end of the period of service. This will be entitled to a freight allowance, at the
is equivalent to 70% of the final monthly salary beginning and end of the contract equivalent
multiplied by the number of years of service. to:

2 Accommodation 6.1 Single Employees: up to QR 2500
We provide good quali accommodation 6.2 Married Employees without children (per
according to the allowances below:
couple): up to QR 4000
2.1 Single status: One bedroom apartment 6.3 Married Employees with children (per couple):
2.2 Married/Married with one child: 2-3 bedroom
up to QR 6000
apartment The allowance is paid upon submission of
2.3 Married with two or more children: 3-4 receipts from a freight/airline company.

bedroom villa in a family compound 7 Education Assistance
7.1 Up to two accompanying school-age
Utilities
3 We provide a utilities allowance to cover dependants of the member of sta are entitled
to 75% discount on tuition fees.
electrici and water (not paid where this is 7.2 For senior leadership sta – the first two
included in rent). accompanying school-age dependants of the
3.1 Single Employees: QR 2000 per year member of sta are entitled to 100% discount
3.2 Married employees without children (per on tuition fees and the third child is entitled to
couple): QR 3000 per year 75% discount.
3.3 Married Employees with children (per couple): 7.3 Other fees (special activities, mother-tongue
QR 3500 per year lessons, intensive English, music tuition etc.)
are liable to be paid in full.
4 Se lement 7.4 In the event that the member of sta and
New sta are provided with a starter pack of his/her spouse are both employed by the
provisions, a mobile phone, SIM card and school, this benefit will be applicable to the
initial credit to make calls. Limited transport is couple once only.
also provided until term starts.
8 Medical cover
5 Flights 8.1 Members of sta and dependents are provided
Each member of sta relocating to Qatar will
be entitled to a single economy flight for the with good private health insurance (as per the
sta member and dependants from the point current school insurance scheme). Details of
of domicile, agreed at the start of employment. the current scheme are available from the
A er completing one full year the member of Head of Human Resources.
sta and dependents are entitled to an annual
return economy fare to the point of domicile.
This can be booked by the school, matching
with preferences expressed by the appointed
member of sta where reasonable, or can be
paid in the form of an annual allowance,
according to the best fare available at the
appropriate time.

2015-16 School Calendar - Sta

This is a sample calendar for 2015-16 to show the workdays and holidays.

55 5 5
6
7 43
27 28 29 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11
22 23

56 6

7 10
28 29
666

11 12 13 14 15 16 25 26 27 28
17 18 19

Aug 20 Heads of Primary/Secondary Jan 7-8 Sta training/student holiday
Aug 21-22 New sta arrival Jan 10 Term 2 Begins
Aug 22-29 New sta induction week Jan 29-Feb 6 Half Term
Aug 25 Coordinators Feb 9 Qatar Sports Day
Aug 27 LOLs/Pastoral Leaders Mar 5 International Family Food Fair
Aug 30 All sta Mar 24 Term 2 Ends
Aug 30-Sep 3 All sta preparation week Mar 25-Apr 9 Spring Break
Sep 6 First Day of School Apr 10 Term 3 Begins
Sep 22-Sept 26 Half Term/Eid Al Adha June 23 Last Day of School
Dec 17 Term 1 Ends
Dec 18-Jan 9 Winter Break