The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (JHU CTY) recently organised a series of interactive workshops for teachers and parents of gifted students at Qatar Foundation (QF) schools.
The training – part of a wider agreement with the JHU CTY signed five years ago – saw QF Pre-University Education staff spend three days learning to better identify and train academically advanced students. The leadership staff also participated in sessions, receiving guidance on how best to meet the needs of students.
According to Abeer Al Khalifa, Executive Director of PUE Academic Affairs, Qatar Foundation is dedicated to ‘Leading and Learning’ through the provision of gifted education services.
We strive to provide unique development opportunities, such as the JHU CTY workshops, to further engage our students.’
Approximately 75 parents participated in an informational workshop to learn more about the opportunities available for high achieving students, both through the QF – JHU CTY partnership, and QF specialised schools like Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST).
QAST Director Dr Greg Moncada, the newest QF school under the PUE umbrella, provided an overview of the offerings available for boys and girls in Grade 9, including a focused and accelerated curriculum in STEM-based areas.
At QAST, students become innovators and problem-solvers by acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to resolve some of Qatar’s greatest challenges.’
Simeon Brodsky, Director of CTY International, and Dr Patricia Metz, Assistant Director, represented the organisation. Brodsky and Dr Metz have worked in over 15 countries, encouraging and enhancing learning opportunities for highly able young people.
Brodsky also shared information about the more than 130 online classes available for students in need of intellectual challenges beyond the classroom. These classes allow students to access high-interest, advanced content within a flexible learning platform. The CTY summer programmes also allow students to engage in learning opportunities with some of the most promising minds of the next generation.
CTY has nearly 150,000 alumni around the world, including the founders of Facebook and Google, Intel Science Talent Search winners, Rhodes Scholars, and MacArthur Fellows. As part of the previously signed agreement, over 20 Qatar Academy Doha students have completed courses through CTY.
For more information about the programme, contact Cynthia Bolton through this email: [email protected].
