The Ministry of Education and Higher Education is intensifying its curriculum development efforts to ensure students acquire academic knowledge, practical life skills and competencies needed for the future, while reinforcing Islamic values and national identity.

Sara Issa Al Sharim, Director of the Curriculum and Learning Resources Department, said the Ministry updated five subjects during the 2025-2026 academic year. These included history and geography for Grade 11 students, French and science for Grade 10 students, as well as information technology. She noted that 612 coordinators and teachers received training on the revised curricula.

Al Sharim explained that the department oversees the development of 18 compulsory and elective subjects and carried out 106 field visits to schools to monitor curriculum implementation across different disciplines.

She said curriculum development follows an ongoing process guided by evidence and data, taking into account national and international developments, learner and community needs, and expected learning outcomes. The resulting standards, content and learning experiences are designed to be measurable, practical and adaptable to changing educational demands.

According to Al Sharim, continuous evaluation, scientific review and consultation with local and international experts are central to this process. These measures help ensure curricula remain aligned with future needs while preserving Qatar’s national identity, reflecting societal values and supporting the country's long-term ambitions.

The national curriculum currently serves 154,564 students enrolled in government schools, from kindergarten through Grade 12, including adult learners. In addition, 193,500 students in private schools study Arabic language, Islamic studies and Qatar history as part of the national curriculum framework.

Al Sharim emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals equipped with knowledge, values and life skills that support future success, lifelong learning and adaptability. She said the curricula combine quality education with the promotion of Islamic values and national identity, while fostering critical thinking, creativity, communication and problem-solving abilities.

She added that flexible and equitable learning opportunities are provided to meet the varying needs of students, helping each learner identify and develop their strengths and potential.

Over recent years, Qatar’s curricula have undergone major changes, moving beyond a traditional focus on knowledge acquisition to emphasize the practical application of learning. The reforms have strengthened digital literacy, encouraged creativity and innovation, and expanded specialized educational pathways better aligned with students’ interests, higher education requirements and labor market needs.

These initiatives also support Qatar National Vision 2030 by preparing students to contribute to strong families, active communities and a knowledge-based economy built on qualified human capital.

Al Sharim noted that the department publishes 535 school textbooks each year, producing more than 4.4 million copies annually.

She stressed that recognizing differences in students’ abilities and needs remains a core principle in curriculum design. This approach is reflected in adaptable teaching methods, learning resources, assessment tools and support systems that enable students to progress according to their individual capabilities.

The Ministry also studies leading international educational models and practices, using them as benchmarks and sources of inspiration. However, Al Sharim said these experiences are carefully adapted to suit Qatar’s educational priorities and societal aspirations rather than being adopted directly.

Discussing challenges in curriculum development, she explained that the main difficulty lies in keeping pace with rapid global changes in technology, skills and employment trends. As a result, developing curricula based solely on forecasts of future jobs is increasingly difficult.

Instead, the Ministry focuses on equipping students with the ability to adapt through a strong foundation of knowledge and essential skills, including critical thinking, analysis, self-directed learning, technological literacy, teamwork and problem-solving.

Al Sharim said curricula play a key role in strengthening citizenship, social responsibility and national identity by helping students take pride in their Islamic faith, Arab heritage and Qatari culture. At the same time, they promote vital 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, creative thinking, research and lifelong learning.

These competencies are developed through practical projects, real-world applications, research activities and inquiry-based learning, enabling students to evaluate information, ask meaningful questions, develop solutions and make informed decisions.

She added that learning extends beyond academic subjects to include financial literacy, family education, entrepreneurship and volunteerism, helping prepare students for both personal and professional success.

Digital competencies are integrated progressively throughout all grade levels. Students begin with foundational technology skills before advancing to programming, algorithms and more advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics and cybersecurity. The curriculum also emphasizes responsible technology use, information verification and the evaluation of digital content.

The Ministry is further working to strengthen research, innovation and future-focused learning through expanded instruction in coding, artificial intelligence, scientific research, STEM projects and applied learning. Critical thinking, creativity and independent learning remain central priorities.

In addition, students are exposed to practical life-oriented topics, including entrepreneurship, career planning, family culture, home economics and life management skills. Curriculum content also addresses health, nutrition, physical activity, obesity prevention, environmental sustainability and carbon emissions.

Al Sharim highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to create a more flexible and inclusive educational environment that accommodates diverse interests and abilities through self-learning resources that encourage well-being and a lifelong passion for knowledge.

Concluding her remarks, she reaffirmed that the Ministry’s ultimate objective is to nurture learners who take pride in their identity and values while possessing the knowledge, life skills and future competencies needed to thrive. The goal, she said, is not merely to prepare students for specific careers, but to develop adaptable individuals capable of continuous learning, embracing change, creating opportunities and contributing positively to their families, communities and the nation.