Education

Doha, Qatar: As end-of-term examinations begin across schools in Qatar, a mix of focus, anticipation, and nervousness is sweeping through classrooms, marking one of the most important academic milestones in students’ educational journey. Thousands of students from science and humanities tracks are sitting for their final examinations after months of preparation, revision, and academic support provided by schools nationwide. While the examination period brings inevitable pressure, many students say structured study plans, guidance from teachers, and support from their families have helped them approach the exams with greater confidence. Speaking to The Peninsula, several students shared how they prepared for the examinations and reflected on their experiences during the first days of testing. Batool, a science-track student, said her preparation relied heavily on systematic revision. “My first source was the textbook, and then I refer to previous exams and training worksheets,” she explained, highlighting a methodical approach to mastering the curriculum. For Sara, a humanities student, starting early was key to managing the workload. “I start studying about a month before the exams,” she said. “The day before the exam, all I do is quickly revise the content and say my answers out loud to reinforce what I’ve already studied.” She also stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced routine during the examination period. “Students should get enough sleep, manage their time effectively, and continue revising earlier material to avoid last-minute stress,” she added. Reflecting on the first day of examinations, several science students described the paper as fair but lengthy, requiring sustained concentration throughout the testing period. Humanities students generally found the exam manageable, with some describing it as straightforward and well within expectations. Students also praised the support measures implemented by schools during the examination period, including revision sessions, practice tests, study spaces, and carefully planned exam schedules designed to reduce pressure and help students perform at their best. Educators say schools across the country have been placing increasing emphasis on students’ psychological well-being alongside academic readiness. Teachers and student support teams have worked to prepare students mentally for the challenges of examinations through awareness sessions, motivational activities, and continuous guidance in the weeks leading up to the tests. Asma Muftah Al Tmaimi, Coordinator of Student Relations, said the school prioritises mental readiness alongside academic revision. “We prepare our students mentally so they can better adapt to the pressures of exams,” she said. “We also raise awareness among students and their guardians, while maintaining consistent academic follow-up through ongoing revision sessions and encouragement before the exam period.” School officials noted that support systems are also available for students who experience anxiety during examinations, with counselling services, healthcare staff, and student welfare teams ready to assist when needed. As the examination period continues, schools remain focused on ensuring a calm and supportive environment that allows students to concentrate on their performance. The atmosphere across campuses reflects both the weight of academic responsibility and the resilience of students who have spent months preparing for this defining stage of their education.

General

Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Olympic Academy organized a specialised programme titled ‘Generative AI for Leaders in Sport’ on June 3 and4, in collaboration with Google Cloud. The programme comes amid growing global interest in leveraging generative artificial intelligence as one of the most influential tools shaping the future of sports institutions. Through this initiative, the Academy aims to empower leaders and decision-makers with the practical knowledge and strategic vision needed to effectively harness these advanced technologies, thereby improving institutional performance, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening competitiveness. The programme attracted significant participation, with more than seventy attendees from within Qatar and abroad. Participants represented a diverse range of professional backgrounds and expertise across various functional fields, including the Qatar Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, sports federations, sports clubs, private academies, as well as media professionals, athletes, and technology and innovation enthusiasts. The programme aimed to deliver comprehensive content that combines both theoretical and practical aspects, focusing on introducing participants to the concept of generative artificial intelligence, its mechanisms, and its applications within the sports work environment. The sessions addressed several key themes that form the foundation of digital transformation in sports. These included advanced applications of artificial intelligence in sports data analysis, enabling technical and administrative teams to make informed decisions based on accurate insights. In addition, the programme highlighted the importance of AI in supporting decision-making processes through analytical models capable of forecasting various scenarios and evaluating potential risks and opportunities, thereby providing sports leaders with more precise and effective tools for strategic planning. The collaboration with Google Cloud added significant value to the programme, as the company contributed its global expertise in artificial intelligence and cloud computing and helped deliver advanced training content aligned with the latest international standards. In this context, Khaleel Ebrahim Al-Jaber, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, stated, “The launch of the Generative AI for Leaders in Sport programme represents a pivotal step in our efforts to prepare sports professionals capable of addressing future challenges. Artificial intelligence has become a fundamental component across various sectors, and sport is no exception. It is transforming how sports organizations operate, engage with audiences, and create value. Programmes like this play a crucial role in preparing a new generation of sports leaders who can effectively leverage digital technologies.”

Education

Doha, Qatar: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) H E Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi inspected yesterday the progress of the end-of-second-semester examinations for the 2025–2026 academic year at Omar Bin Al-Khattab Secondary School for Boys. He was accompanied by Khalid Al Harqan, Assistant Undersecretary for Evaluation Affairs, to review the readiness of examination committees and assess the smooth conduct of the examination process on its first day. During the visit, Al Nuaimi reviewed the examination proceedings inside the halls, listened to the views of a number of students regarding the exams, and observed the organisational measures in place. He praised the high level of discipline and adherence to the regulations and instructions governing the examination process. Al Nuaimi emphasized the importance of providing a suitable school environment that enables students to take their examinations in a stable and motivating atmosphere, thereby enhancing their opportunities to achieve the best possible results. He also commended the efforts of administrative and teaching staff in creating the appropriate conditions to ensure that examinations are conducted efficiently and smoothly. The end-of-second-semester examinations will continue until June 21, with ongoing monitoring by the Ministry to ensure their proper conduct and to provide all necessary support and requirements for students across various schools.