We marked our tenth anniversary in a series of events this November, at our newly-inaugurated Al Kheesa campus.
ACS Doha marked its tenth anniversary in a series of events this November. We hosted activities at our newly-inaugurated Al Kheesa campus, culminating in a VIP reception with guests from the Ministry of Education, Mr Mohammed Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Al Jaber Group W.L.L, whose organisation constructed the new campus, H.E. Jon Wilks, British Ambassador to Qatar, international embassies, education and business partner organisations.
They were joined by Tim Cagney, Chief Executive of ACS International Schools, and senior leaders from the school’s Head Office in the UK.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rob Cody, Head of School, said: “During the Covid pandemic, we were thankful that due to our large new campus being purposely built with many breakaway rooms, and learning centres, we were able to remain open for face-to-face learning, while maintaining a safe, rigorous, and dynamic learning environment.
“Now that we are moving to a gradual easing of restrictions, we’re able to use more of our outstanding facilities with extra-curricular programmes and purpose-built innovative spaces for our students – from Early Childhood to High School – to collaborate, and opportunities to bring in the wider communities and partners our school serves. We have bold ambitions to grow. This is an exciting opportunity for us in our new campus.”
With public safety measures and Covid restrictions throughout the majority of last year, for some guests, it was their first opportunity to visit the new campus, and fully explore the student facilities including all-weather athletics track, fitness suites, new generation artificial football pitch, drama studios, music practice rooms, a state-of-the-art theatre, and the 25-metre swimming and learners’ pool.
Our decade in Doha has truly cemented our commitment to Qatar. We not only recognise our role in contributing to the human development goals of Qatar’s 2030 National Vision; we see it as our responsibility. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously. It’s also something that aligns strongly with our own purpose at ACS International Schools, to inspire the world’s next thinkers and doers.
Mr Cody and Mr Cagney both paid tribute to the school’s celebrated multicultural, inclusive, and supportive community of families and staff spanning over 70 nationalities, and to the invaluable support of ACS sponsor, Mr Mohammed Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Al Jaber Group W.L.L.
Mr Al Jaber said: “I am proud to have partnered with ACS Doha to deliver an international school that enhances Qatar’s educational offering and resonates so strongly with the National Vision 2030. Going from 200 students when the original campus opened in 2011, to its state-of-the-art campus with capacity for over 2,000, ACS Doha is committed to Qatar’s ambitions on being internationally recognised for the quality of the education it provides and has the experience to enrich the futures of generations of students to come. This campus offers enormous potential to inspire learners and educators alike.”
“Not only are they celebrating 10 years in Doha, but bringing with them over 50 years of renowned international education. I would like to congratulate them on their success and wish them well as they start their new journey in this landmark campus,” commented His Excellency Jon Wilks, British Ambassador to Qatar.
During the VIP reception, the leadership team buried a time capsule in the school’s garden, filled with ACS students’ hopes and dreams for the next ten years.
Other activities included the opening of an anniversary garden, creating tiles to represent the flags of the many nationalities represented at the school, Early Childhood students making a quilt, and a special art project for Middle High School students.
ACS Doha staff marked the occasion by wearing school colours, red and blue.
We also hosted celebratory events for its parent community, students and staff (pictured above and right), including a special dinner honouring the many founding families who have been with ACS Doha since 2011.
ACS International Schools' Chief Executive, Tim Cagney, leads the burying of the time capsule
Mr Al Jaber, speaking at the VIP reception
Students dance in the new theatre at the parents' reception
ACS Doha staff are joined by ACS Chief Executive, Tim Cagney, and Advancement Director, Fergus Rose.
