330 high school students take part in QU’s Al Qabas initiative

Doha: Qatar University’s Foundation Program (FP), under the Deanship of General Studies and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), recently launched the fourth Al Qabas Program 2022 for high school students. This year’s initiative is being held under “For a Successful University Experience,” with around 330 participants. 

This programme educates high school students from grades 10 and 11 about university life and the skills required to succeed in their studies and improve their English and math skills to enhance their successful enrolment in STEM and health majors at QU. It also aims to educate students about different majors offered by STEM and health colleges.

The first week of the two-weeks programme, included virtual sessions regarding English and math skills and international tests. The second week covered QU campus school visits to labs and facilities for Colleges of Engineering and Pharmacy.

Students were welcomed by Ahmed Albalam, Head of the Career and Academic Guidance Section from MoEHE. He emphasised the importance of standardised tests like IELTS and SAT for universities within and outside Qatar as they are one of the entry requirements for scientific and health fields.

Dr. Hezam Al Awah, Director of the Foundation Program, said, “FP faculty and academics utilised the latest pedagogical practices and educational trends to create an engaging and academic programme to raise awareness about different math and English skills required to succeed in STEM and health fields.” 

He also encouraged students to work diligently during high school as it opens opportunities for the next phase in their life in university. Al Qabas Virtual Program consisted of two sessions per day in which 16 FP faculty and staff members participated in organising and delivering the programme — 185 students attended the sessions. 

The sessions included various interactive and engaging activities such as “Math for Future Scientists” and “Let’s Listen”. The importance of math and English skills in STEM fields were demonstrated in “Think Like an Engineer” and “Design a Helpful Mobile App.” The session also introduced students to entrepreneurial skills through “Young Entrepreneurs Session.”  In addition, students benefit from two tests sessions targeting skills required to pass IELTS and math successfully standardised tests, ACT and SAT.

To enhance successful enrolment in the university, QU Enrolment Outreach and Engagement Department presented a session about the admission requirements, dates and policies for QU and various QU colleges. Dr. Walid Massoud, Head of Qatar University Testing Center, talked about international exams and placement tests required for successful enrolment in STEM colleges. Representatives from the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics from the College of Arts and Science provided information about the different majors offered and their importance to the Qatari labour market. 

Following the online sessions, 18 schools participated in QU campus visits, where 145 students visited labs and facilities of the Colleges of Engineering and Pharmacy.

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