The Qatar – Finland International (QIF) School is planning to expand its operations due to the growing number of enrollees annually, principal Juha Repo has said.

“We are trying to figure out how could we get some more space, one by one we are opening up new grade levels upwards,” Repo told Gulf Times on the sidelines of Finland’s 100th Independence Day celebration at QIF School in Doha on Sunday.
A series of cultural performances led by students and teachers of the school marked the event, which was also widely celebrated in various parts of the world. It was attended by Fawzia al-Khater, assistant undersecretary of educational affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Dr Pekka Puska (keynote speaker), Member of Parliament of Finland; Finnish ambassador Riitta Swan and other dignitaries, school officials, and guests.



Dr Pekka Puska, Fawzia al-Khater, ambassador Riitta Swan, Juha Repo and other dignitaries at the event.




QIF School students performs on stage.

The QIF School, which substantially grew from 80 students in 2014 to 750 this year with Grade 8 as the highest grade level, aims to have a full K12 in the future – from kindergarten to high school, according to the principal.
He noted that they are currently negotiating and seeking the support of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for their expansion plans, especially in increasing the number of classrooms.
According to the principal, QIF School was invited to Qatar by the Ministry to be part of the 'Outstanding Schools Programme' in 2014, along with four other schools. It fully follows the Finnish national curriculum.
Repo said Qatari students comprise around 35% of the 750, which represent about 70 different nationalities.
“There is a huge demand and a growing interest among Qataris to study here but unfortunately at the moment the house is full,” he stressed.
Lauding the efforts of the Ministry for providing them with a building, the principal added that they are always willing to collaborate and support the Ministry in its endeavours and development projects, including its upcoming STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programmes.
“At the moment there seems to be a great interest towards Finnish education globally, so we have negotiations all around the world,” Repo pointed out.