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Why Choosing an American Curriculum is the

Right Move

for Your Child 

As parents, we all want the best education for our children in Doha. Choosing the right school can be daunting, with many factors to consider. There has been an ongoing debate between the American and British curriculums in recent years. While both have merits, this article will focus on the advantages of choosing an American curriculum at Northview International for your child.

Flexibility and Adaptability

One of the most significant benefits of the American curriculum is its flexibility. Unlike the British curriculum, which is more rigid and exam-focused, the American system allows students to explore various subjects at their own pace. This adaptability ensures that students can pursue their interests and strengths instead of being confined to a predetermined path.
Moreover, the American curriculum promotes a growth mindset, encouraging students to learn from their mistakes and adapt to new challenges. This approach equips children with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Holistic Approach to Learning

The American curriculum adopts a more holistic approach to education, emphasizing the whole child’s development. It focuses on nurturing students’ intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. This well-rounded education encourages students to become well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of adulthood.
In contrast, the British system prioritizes academic achievement, potentially sacrificing other student development aspects. The American curriculum’s emphasis on personal growth ensures that children receive a balanced education, setting them up for success in all areas of life.

Emphasis on Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

The American curriculum strongly emphasizes developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to think independently, question assumptions, and draw conclusions. This focus on inquiry-based learning prepares children for the real world, where they must navigate complex issues and make informed decisions.
On the other hand, the British curriculum often relies on memorization and regurgitation of facts, which may encourage a different level of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

Co-curricular Activities and Sports

Co-curricular activities and sports play a significant role in the American education system. These activities allow students to explore their passions, develop new skills, and foster teamwork and leadership abilities. Participation in extracurriculars and sports is often essential for personal growth and college applications.
While British schools also offer extracurricular activities, they may not be as diverse or prioritized as in the American system. For parents who believe in the value of a well-rounded education, the American curriculum’s emphasis on extracurriculars is a clear advantage.

Global Recognition and College Preparation

The American curriculum’s global recognition makes it an excellent choice for parents seeking an internationally recognized education for their children. Graduates from American schools are often well-prepared for admission to top colleges and universities worldwide.
Furthermore, the American curriculum strongly emphasizes college preparation, providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in higher education. Students receive guidance on selecting courses, writing essays, and preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. This comprehensive approach to college readiness is a significant advantage for students pursuing further education.

The American Curriculum Advantage

While the American and British curriculums have their merits, the American system offers several critical advantages for parents seeking a well-rounded, globally recognized education for their children. Its flexibility, holistic approach, emphasis on critical thinking, support for extracurricular activities, and college preparation make it an excellent choice for nurturing your child’s intellectual and personal growth. Choosing an American curriculum at Northview can set your child on a successful and fulfilling future.

Visit our website to learn more about our American curriculum school in Doha, or book a tour via tel: +974 4041 7601 or email: [email protected]

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Paul Bakewell

Deputy head of elementary & middle school

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Pieter Du Preeze

Grade 1 Classroom Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Andrei Sima

Physical Education/ Swimming Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Andra Stefanescu

Physical Education/ Swimming Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Abby Ellams

Homeroom Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Jeremy Cartwright

Homeroom Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Miché Benjamin

Homeroom Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Maha Mazen

Kindergarten Arabic Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Waleed Mamduoh

National Studies Coordinator

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Aine Keenan

Kindergarten Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Shanice Sunker

Kindergarten Teacher

My experience in teaching began 15 years ago in the UK, where I started as a teaching assistant supporting children and young adults with autism. It was a role that was incredibly rewarding, but ultimately, my goal was to be a class teacher. After qualifying, I worked in various schools in the UK before moving to Qatar in 2017, a move which is the best decision I have made. I have loved learning about the local culture here and teaching in an international environment, allowing me to interact with children and adults worldwide.

Joining the team at Northview has been the most exciting move in my career, as we have been able to design a curriculum and ethos that places the children’s holistic development at the heart of everything we do. We want to support our pupils to grow academically and, at the same time, grow into friendly, responsible people with the necessary skills to succeed.

I strongly believe in promoting a healthy lifestyle; therefore, in my spare time, I often compete in many of the organized 10k or 21k races around Qatar. The positive effects, both physically and mentally, are fantastic. I am also a keen cook and find preparing and cooking meals from scratch incredibly therapeutic.

I cannot wait to begin welcoming children and families through the door at Northview and seeing the difference we will make in our pupils’ lives.

Come to Northview and see for yourself how we are making a difference.

Louise Kelbie

Deputy Head of Kindergarten & Lower Elementary

My name is Miss Kelbie, and I am the Deputy Headteacher of Kindergarten and Lower Elementary. I have worked in British primary schools since 2010, first as an HLTA and then as a teacher, moving to Qatar three years ago.

I have a (BA) degree in Early Childhood Studies focusing on young children’s growth and cognitive, social, and emotional development, alongside a PCGE in Lower Primary Teaching. More recently, a National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL).

My specialisms include advocacy for learning through play, inquiry-led learning, and outdoor education. I am also a UK-trained Forest School practitioner. I value the Reggio Emilia approach to early education, which nicely aligns with our Northview values.

I feel very fortunate to embark on this incredible adventure as a founding leader of Northview International. I am thrilled to be part of a school with such a unique vision and is committed to excellence in children’s learning and development.

In my spare time, you will find me planning trips with my two children (or just one), cooking, or reading books on the beach!

Sheldon Smith

Founding Principal

Welcome to our website. As the principal, I am excited to share my international experience spanning over 24 years in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Qatar. Previously, I worked for Al Khor International School (8 years) and Al Jazeera Academy (4 years) in Qatar. With this experience, I am confident that I can bring the kind of management and leadership to Northview International School that will make it known throughout the region as a school of choice.

I am committed to fostering an environment that not only encourages academic achievement but also promotes the overall development of our students, preparing them for a globalized world. I plan to build on the existing strengths of our school while introducing new initiatives to ensure we continue evolving as a leading educational institution. As a father of a teenage daughter, I understand parents’ anxieties and aspirations when it comes to choosing a school for their children. Ensuring a safe, nurturing, yet challenging environment that cultivates a love for learning is crucial.

I have had the unique position of seeing a school built from scratch and have worked with the construction team from ground zero. I have seen the eventual rising of the beautiful school building we have today and have been able to handpick excellent teachers who are dedicated to our student’s success.

I invite you to come to Northview International School and see how we are making a difference. Thank you for visiting our website, and we look forward to welcoming you to our community.