Qatar Spotlight, a joint initiative between the QF and non-profit organisation HundrED, features the brightest innovations in the field of pre-university education, created by educators in Qatar.
These innovations, which are capable of being scaled around the world and making an impact on education at pre-university level, include various topics including biomedical, farming, and virtual learning.
“I feel pride and happiness in the innovations of students and teachers that contribute to making education an enjoyable and attractive experience, and instill the value of research and exploration among our students,” said HE al-Nuaimi.
Sheikha Noof Ahmed al-Thani, the executive director for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at the QF’s Pre-University Education, addressed the gathering.
"We are pleased with the large number of innovations submitted to this initiative, an indication of the success of its first edition in Qatar,” she said. “It reflects the ability of educators in schools throughout Qatar to innovate.”
“We are proud of the innovations presented today and their success in reaching the final stage, so that they can be recognised by people around the world,” Sheikha Noof added. “Every unique practice that can help children progress and thrive, however simple, is an innovation.”
“We will continue to support educators and their innovations through our ongoing partnership with HundrED, and we invite everyone to apply and participate in the next editions of this initiative,” she said.
Qatar Spotlight was launched during the 2019 LEAPS Summit through a partnership between the QF's Pre-University Education and HundrED, an organisation that identifies and shares innovations in K-12 education.
The initiative aims to promote innovation in pre-university education, and to provide an opportunity to members of Qatar’s educational sector to submit their ideas, with Qatar Spotlight sharing the 10 most impactful and scalable submissions with a wider global network of educators.
“When the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic hit the world in early 2020, it was clear that the education sector was going through tremendous changes and challenges,” HundrED executive director Lasse Leponiemi explained. “Schools closed, we moved to distance and hybrid learning, and all over the world teachers were doing their best to support students.”
“Today, I want to congratulate all educators, teachers and other stakeholders,” he continued. “Through collaboration, dedication, and love of learning, you have managed to support young people through these challenging years.”
The 10 winning projects from across Qatar are:
- The Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering Programme by Qatar Science & Technology Secondary School for Boys
- The Ethics Curriculum from the QF's Qatar Academy Al Wakra
- The Farm Your Country programme by Al Faisal Without Boarders Foundation
- The Glocalisation Initiative by the QF's Tariq Bin Ziad School
- The Museum in Residence Project by the Qatar Children's Museum at Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School
- The My Friend Robot project by the Zainab Preparatory School for Girls
- Quests by the QF’s Academyati
- The Science and Sustainability Club project by the QF’s Qatar Academy Sidra
- The Science Book Forum Project by the Qatar National Library
- The Virtual Learning Resources project by the Juwayriyah bint Al-Harith Primary School for Girls.
