Qatar International School

QIS provides a holistic approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) through a staff-wide focus on wellbeing, a formal pastoral care system, and an embedded PSHE program. The school states that professionally staffed services support students' social, emotional and physical wellbeing, with all staff playing an active role in this support network. Pastoral care is organized via a year-group tutor system, led by a head of progress for each year, emphasising the responsibility of the whole community for student welfare. The Primary PSHE curriculum permeates the whole curriculum and includes weekly lessons on health and wellbeing, relationships, and living in the wider world, alongside dedicated mental health content for Years 1–6. School counselling is available with fully qualified staff who provide counselling, assess learning and behaviour, and liaise with external agencies to support students' wellbeing.

QIS provides learning support to help students access the curriculum within a mainstream education framework. Where needed, external agencies can be engaged to aid with assessments, and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and a Pupil Passport are created to set targets and track progress. A BPS Registered Test User is on staff to enable access arrangements for KS4/KS5 examinations when required. School counselling is available to support academic, personal/social and behavioural needs, with services that include assessment and liaison with external agencies. The school emphasises that all students access mainstream education and is not described as a specialist SEN institution; SEND support operates within the general school structure.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) is described within the English Department as English as a Second Language (ESL). The department states that English is an integral subject and includes ESL, with the curriculum also offering a Speaking and Listening qualification. ESL/ESL provision is described as part of the English Department rather than as a separate, standalone EAL program.

Mental wellbeing is addressed through the PSHE program, which includes annual focus on health and wellbeing, relationships, and living in the wider world, and specifically includes mental health lessons for Years 1–6. The school emphasises personal, social and emotional development as a core part of its ethos and PSHE curriculum. Fully qualified school counselors provide counselling, assess learning and behaviour, and liaise with external agencies to support students' wellbeing. Pastoral care reinforces a whole-school commitment to wellbeing, with tutors and heads of progress supporting students daily.

QIS has a formal safeguarding framework, including Safeguarding Policy, E-Safety Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, Behaviour Policy and Clinic Policy. Staff receive safeguarding training and there are designated safeguarding leaders to whom concerns should be reported. The school promotes a climate where students and adults feel confident about sharing concerns, and anyone with concerns can speak to designated safeguarding leaders. Contact details and safeguarding resources are listed on the safeguarding page, including procedures for reporting concerns.