About Primary School
The Primary School at Qatar Academy Sidra is a vibrant and dynamic learning environment where students lay the foundation for the years to come. It is a place where knowledge, skills, and understanding are thoughtfully woven together to shape confident, capable, and principled learners.
Grounded in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), our approach focuses on the development of the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally. Through an inquiry-based framework, learning is integrated across subjects, allowing students to make meaningful connections and take ownership of their learning journey.
Our diverse subjects are not taught in isolation; rather, they serve as powerful tools for developing both character and academic excellence. Students are encouraged to think critically, take risks, and act responsibly, building the attitudes and competencies needed to thrive in a global world.
At QAS, we nurture a strong desire to learn, ensuring that every child is challenged, supported, and inspired to grow into a lifelong learner.
Welcome from the PYP Principal
It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to welcome you to Qatar Academy Sidra Primary Years Programme (PYP). At QAS, we are more than a school—we are a learning community driven by purpose, grounded in values, and committed to shaping future-ready learners.
Located within the dynamic ecosystem of Qatar Foundation, our school stands at the intersection of innovation, identity, and international-mindedness. We take pride in offering an IB PYP education that nurtures curiosity, builds character, and empowers students to become thoughtful contributors to an ever-evolving world.
At the heart of our approach lies a commitment to inquiry-based learning, where students are encouraged to question, explore, and construct meaning through authentic experiences. Central to this journey is the IB Learner Profile, which guides the development of principled, reflective, and open-minded individuals—learners who act with integrity and purpose.
At QAS, STEAM education is our flagship. We believe that integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics is essential in preparing students not only to understand the world, but to shape it. Through hands-on exploration, design thinking, and problem-solving, our learners develop the skills, creativity, and confidence needed to innovate and lead. STEAM at QAS is not a subject—it is a mindset that drives curiosity, collaboration, and real-world application.
Equally, we remain deeply rooted in our cultural identity. Arabic language and Islamic Studies are integral to our curriculum, ensuring that our students grow with a strong sense of belonging, values, and respect for their heritage, while engaging with global perspectives.
We believe that education is a shared journey. Our partnership with parents is foundational—built on trust, communication, and a collective commitment to every child’s success. Together, we create an environment where each learner is known, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Our greatest strength lies in our students—their energy, their voice, and their limitless potential. Supported by a dedicated and passionate team of educators, we strive to ensure that every child is challenged, nurtured, and empowered to take ownership of their learning.
Education is not only about what we learn, but who we become. At Qatar Academy Sidra, we are committed to developing learners who think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
I look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant learning community and to embarking together on a journey of growth, innovation, and excellence.
Warm regards,
Rola El Hallak
PYP Principal
Qatar Academy Sidra
PYP Leadership Team
At Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS), our leadership team is guided by the principles of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), with a strong commitment to nurturing the whole child. We believe every student should feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn in an environment where relationships come first. Our leadership team works collaboratively to set a clear vision for teaching and learning, empowering educators, supporting students, and building strong partnerships with families to ensure both academic success and the social and emotional wellbeing of every child.
Grounded in the PYP framework, we promote student agency, voice, and choice, encouraging learners to take ownership of their learning and grow as confident, caring, and reflective individuals. Inclusion is at the heart of our approach, where we remove barriers and provide the right support at the right time to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging and can thrive.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, trust, and connection, where diversity is celebrated, perspectives are honored, and every member of our community feels heard and valued. Through open communication, continuous reflection, and a commitment to growth, our leadership team strives to build a dynamic learning community that reflects the values of the IB Learner Profile both inside and beyond the classroom, while also offering rich opportunities through sports, co-curricular activities, and real-world learning experiences that prepare students to make a positive impact.
At Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS), we are a vibrant IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) school committed to nurturing the whole child in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where relationships come first. We empower students through agency, voice, and choice, supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth while fostering a strong sense of belonging and respect for diversity. Through collaborative partnerships with families and a multi-tiered approach to inclusion, we ensure that every learner is supported in succeeding. Beyond the classroom, our rich sports program, co-curricular activities, and real-world learning experiences, such as field trips, eco initiatives, and community engagement, develop confident, active, and internationally minded learners who are prepared to make a positive impact.
Warm regards,
Primary Leadership Team
PYP Curriculum
- PYP Program
- Students Service (Action)
PYP Curriculum and Framework
Qatar Academy Sidra follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), an internationally recognized framework for students aged 3 to 12. PYP offers a student-centered, inquiry-based, and transdisciplinary approach to education that supports students in developing knowledge, conceptual understanding, skills, and the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.
In the PYP, students are viewed as active participants in their own learning. They are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas, reflect on their learning, and take meaningful action. This helps children develop confidence, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility within their learning community. The IB also emphasizes agency and self-efficacy as fundamental elements of learning in the PYP.
The PYP curriculum framework is built around three interconnected pillars: the learner, learning and teaching, and the learning community. Together, these pillars ensure that learning is purposeful, engaging, significant, challenging, and relevant, while supporting the development of the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.
Learning in the PYP happens between, across, and beyond traditional subject areas. Through the Program of Inquiry, students explore significant concepts and real-world issues, make connections across disciplines, and build understanding that is meaningful and transferable. This approach helps students become thoughtful inquirers who can apply their learning in authentic contexts.
As an IB PYP school, Qatar Academy Sidra is committed to creating a learning environment where curiosity, collaboration, reflection, agency, and responsible action are valued. We believe in nurturing caring, knowledgeable, and internationally minded learners who are prepared to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.
National Program
The National Subjects Department plays a vital role in nurturing students’ identity, values, and sense of belonging, while ensuring high-quality teaching and learning across Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, and Qatar History. As a department, we are committed not only to delivering content, but to fostering meaningful, inquiry-driven learning experiences that shape students into reflective and responsible individuals.
Aligned with the IB philosophy, the department works collaboratively to integrate national subjects within Units of Inquiry, ensuring coherence, relevance, and depth in learning. Through this approach, students engage in authentic learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-life contexts, while developing critical thinking, communication, and research skills.
A key focus of the department is maintaining consistency in curriculum planning, assessment, and instructional practices across grade levels. We utilize ongoing formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, inform teaching strategies, and support differentiated learning. This ensures that all students are given the opportunity to grow academically while building confidence in their abilities.
The Arabic program is designed to develop students’ proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while fostering a genuine appreciation for the Arabic language. Islamic Studies focuses on promoting moral values, character development, and a deep understanding of Islamic principles in meaningful, practical contexts. Qatar History strengthens students’ connection to their national identity, heritage, and Qatar’s ongoing development from a global perspective.
Throughout the year, the department leads a range of purposeful initiatives and events that promote cultural awareness and national identity. These include national celebrations, value-based programs, and community-focused activities such as Ramadan initiatives, all of which encourage students to demonstrate empathy, responsibility, and pride in their culture.
We also place strong emphasis on showcasing student learning through projects, presentations, and exhibitions, allowing students to reflect on their progress and celebrate their achievements. Through a supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment, the National Subjects Department continues to empower students to become confident, knowledgeable, and principled members of their community.
PYP Exhibition
The PYP Exhibition is a significant culminating experience in the final year of the Primary Years Programme. It provides Grade 5 students with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the PYP by engaging in an in-depth, collaborative inquiry into real-world issues of local and global importance.
Throughout the Exhibition process, students identify areas of personal interest, conduct research, ask meaningful questions, work collaboratively, and communicate their learning with the school community. They apply and strengthen the Approaches to Learning skills, including research, thinking, communication, social, and self-management skills, while demonstrating the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.
The Exhibition reflects student agency, voice, choice, and ownership of learning. It encourages students to take meaningful action and to reflect on how their learning can make a positive difference in their communities and the wider world. At Qatar Academy Sidra, the PYP Exhibition is a celebration of students’ growth as inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and responsible global citizens.
PYP Literacy and Numeracy at Qatar Academy Sidra
At Qatar Academy Sidra, our approach to both literacy and numeracy is grounded in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and aligned with AERO standards, ensuring a balance between inquiry, conceptual understanding, and academic rigor. We believe that language and mathematics are essential tools for thinking, communicating, and making sense of the world, and therefore are intentionally integrated within meaningful learning experiences.
Literacy
Our literacy programme is designed to develop confident, articulate, and reflective communicators. We use Read Write Inc. (RWI) to build strong foundations in phonics, decoding, and fluency, alongside Talk for Writing, which immerses students in rich language experiences through storytelling, imitation, and independent writing. To further support reading development and differentiation, we utilize platforms such as Raz-Kids and other targeted resources.
These approaches are embedded within our Units of Inquiry, allowing students to connect reading and writing to authentic, real-world contexts. Through this, learners are encouraged to think critically, express ideas clearly, and develop a lifelong love of literacy. Our literacy provision reflects the IB Learner Profile, nurturing students as inquirers, communicators, and thinkers.
Numeracy
Our numeracy programme blends PYP inquiry with the structure of AERO standards, ensuring students not only learn mathematical skills but understand their application. Mathematics is integrated into Units of Inquiry where authentic connections exist, and is also supported by five dedicated lessons per week to build strong foundational skills.
We utilize Reveal Math as our core curriculum, providing structured progression and rigor through “big questions” and hands-on learning. To personalize learning, IXL is used to create targeted practice aligned with students’ MAP data, ensuring instruction is responsive to individual needs.
Students develop competencies across the four AERO domains: Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations, Measurement and Data, and Geometry. Learning is further extended through real-world application and action, as well as enrichment opportunities such as the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition (IKMC).
