A Conversation with the Founding Headmistress of Sherborne Qatar School for Boys
Welcome to a new era of educational excellence, where visionary leadership meets boundless possibilities. As educators, we recognise that our impact extends far beyond traditional instruction; we are the architects of young minds, shaping futures and guiding the journey to success.
Today heralds the dawn of a new chapter as we proudly introduce the driving force behind our boys' only school: our founding headmistress, Mrs Jane Goldsack. With a proven track record of school leadership, Mrs Goldsack spearheaded the establishment of our acclaimed girls-only STEM school in Qatar. Her dedication and passion have not only left an indelible mark on Sherborne Qatar School for Girls but have also positioned her as a leading figure poised to embark on yet another pioneering endeavor in Qatar's educational landscape.
We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Mrs Goldsack to delve deeper into her vision for the boys-only school, the intricacies of its tailored curriculum, and the unique advantages of such an educational environment for young boys.
"At Sherborne Qatar School for Boys, we understand that each child’s educational journey is unique," Mrs. Goldsack emphasised. "Our boys-only school environment has been crafted to cater to the specific educational, social, and emotional needs of young boys. Our aim is to lay the foundations for meaningful personal and overall academic success."
"Adopting the same principles that underpin the success of Sherborne Qatar School for Girls, our single-gender approach provides a more focused, supportive environment in which pupils can flourish," Mrs Goldsack continues. "We have witnessed firsthand the benefits of single-gender education, empowering women in STEM leading to their heightened academic achievement, enhanced self-esteem, and the fostering of a more cohesive community spirit."
"In this environment, every Sherborne Qatar pupil is encouraged to explore, excel, and evolve into a well-rounded individual ready to make their mark on the world."
Drawing upon the rich history of Sherborne Dorset, founded in 1550 by King Edward VI, Sherborne Qatar School for Boys aspires to proudly continue this esteemed legacy. Guided by time-honored founding principles, our school aims to embrace a tradition of excellence while remaining forward-facing, preparing pupils for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
"We will offer a comprehensive curriculum that centers around nurturing pupils' talents across all areas," Mrs Goldsack adds. "The core of our curriculum will focus on developing skills in the Sciences, Mathematics, Information Technology, Computer Science, and Business, together with developing Entrepreneurial skills when the boys reach senior school level. Additionally, we will seek to cultivate a deep understanding of Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Qatari Cultural Heritage, while fostering exceptional literacy skills in the English language.
"To ensure the holistic development of our pupils, we place emphasis on Physical Education and Games, as well as on Art and Design, Robotics, and Performing Arts. We will provide more practical learning experiences with more ‘hands-on’ opportunities. Our Al Rayyan site offers the space for our pupils to move and grow. We will utilise outdoor areas to extend teaching beyond the traditional classroom environment."
Sherborne Qatar School for Boys will open its doors in Al Rayyan, Qatar in September 2024, welcoming young boys from Pre School to Year 5. From September 2026, we will progressively add senior classes, starting with Year 6 and extending up to Year 12, adding one class every successive year.
Mrs Goldsack reflects, “As an educator, nothing brings me greater joy than witnessing the growth and development of our pupils. Whether it's seeing a shy pupil find their voice in the classroom or watching a struggling learner persevere until they succeed, these moments reaffirm the profound impact of our work”.
Looking ahead to the future fills me with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead for Sherborne Qatar School for Boys. Our commitment to excellence remains steadfast.
In closing, I am honoured to belong to the Sherborne Qatar family and the wider Sharaka Holdings family. Together, we have created a legacy of inspiration, innovation, and excellence that will continue to shape the lives of pupils for generations to come. As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, let us carry forward the spirit of Sherborne Qatar Family of schools and continue to make a difference in the world, one pupil at a time”.
Please join us in extending our warmest wishes to Mrs Goldsack as she embarks on this exciting journey of establishing the Sherborne Qatar School for Boys, and may her endeavours be met with resounding success.
