Doha College, one of the oldest British schools in Qatar and home to students from 72 nationalities, celebrated British Day, a now annual tradition. Scheduled to complement the celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday by the British Embassy in the State of Qatar, the festivities focused on British achievers throughout the centuries, including Isaac Newton, Beatrix Potter, William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, The Beatles and Richard Branson.
The school was privileged to welcome two guests from the British Embassy – Kunle Ogunbanjo, Deputy Director for Trade and Investment, and Dan Mantini, Second Secretary (Political and Prosperity). They shared interesting facts about Great Britain and its strong links to Qatar.
One of the most memorable activity of the day was organised in the Year 5 hub where the children painted abstract representations of the ‘Union Jack’ flag, on which they superimpose images of British Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson. The story of Lady Grey-Thompson, a former wheelchair racer, a parliamentarian and a television presenter, offered the children an inspiring symbol of determination, perseverance and hard work.
Dressed exclusively in red, white and blue, the students and the staff engaged in a plethora of activities designed to enjoy everything British, from green screen assisted pictures with bearskin-clad Royal Guards, down to savouring unmistakably British cucumber sandwiches, shortbread and scones.
Christine Walker, Senior Vice Principal of Doha College and Head of Primary said:
We are delighted to be able to bring the children stories of success and achievement, in a fun frame that will ensure the children will remember what they’ve learnt about Britain, its culture and its long history with Qatar.’
