Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education is stepping up efforts to develop curricula that equip students with knowledge, life skills, and future-ready competencies, while strengthening their national identity and Islamic values, said Director of the Curriculum and Learning Resources Department Sara Issa Al Sharim.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Sharim highlighted the development of curricula for five school subjects during the 2025-2026 academic year: history and geography for Grade 11, French and science for Grade 10, and information technology. She noted that 612 coordinators and teachers have been trained on the newly developed curricula to ensure effective implementation.
The Curriculum and Learning Resources Department is responsible for the development of 18 compulsory and elective subjects and has conducted 106 field visits to schools to monitor curriculum implementation. Al Sharim emphasized a continuous, evidence- and data-driven approach to curriculum development, considering national and global developments, societal needs, and desired learning outcomes.
She explained that the process involves ongoing assessment, scientific review, and drawing on national and international expertise to ensure that the curricula align with future requirements while preserving Qatar's national identity. The national curriculum serves 154,564 students in government schools, including adult education, and 193,500 students in private schools studying Arabic language, Islamic studies, and Qatar history.
Al Sharim underscored the Ministry's commitment to developing well-rounded learners equipped with the necessary skills and values for future success. The curricula aim to promote Islamic values, national identity, and essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and problem-solving. They address diverse learner needs through flexible and equitable learning opportunities.
She highlighted the significant transformation Qatar's curricula have undergone, focusing on applying knowledge in real-life contexts and strengthening digital competencies. Educational pathways have been diversified, and specialized education expanded to better align with higher education and labor market needs. This aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030's goal of developing qualified human capital for sustainable development.
The department publishes 535 school textbooks annually, with a total print run of 4,415,260 copies. Recognizing diverse student abilities and needs is fundamental, reflected in flexible teaching strategies and support systems for individual learning progress.
The Ministry draws on leading international educational experiences, adapting them to Qatar's educational priorities and societal needs. Al Sharim emphasized the aim is to adapt best practices to add value to Qatar's education system.
Addressing curriculum development challenges, Al Sharim identified the rapid pace of global change as a primary concern, making it difficult to predict future job market needs. The focus is on building adaptability through a strong knowledge foundation and core skills development.
Curricula play a pivotal role in consolidating national identity, citizenship values, and social responsibility. They prepare students to embrace their Islamic faith, Arab identity, and Qatari heritage, alongside developing 21st-century skills.
Digital skills are integrated progressively, covering technology use, programming, artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. The curriculum emphasizes safe and responsible technology use, preparing students for future academic and professional paths.
Strategic projects underway include developing the General Framework for Qatar's National Curriculum and defining learner attributes for future curriculum enhancement. The project focuses on building student character and identity, promoting the Holy Quran, Arabic language, and openness to international languages.
The Ministry is also strengthening future skills through digital skills, coding, artificial intelligence, STEM projects, and applied learning. Emphasis is placed on life-oriented learning, covering financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career pathways, health, sustainability, and environmental issues.
In conclusion, Al Sharim reiterated the Ministry's goal of cultivating learners who take pride in their identity and values, possess life and future skills, and are prepared for continuous learning and active societal contribution.