What does the future hold, and how can students begin preparing for it today? These were some of the important questions explored at Durham School for Girls, Doha's recent Career & University Fair. The event brought together 20 universities and 11 organisations, giving our Secondary girls and their parents a valuable opportunity to speak directly with university representatives and learn more about the different future pathways available to them. The Fair also welcomed students and parents from fellow ISP schools in Qatar, The Hamilton International School and Park House English School, bringing the wider ISP community together to connect with universities and organisations. Exploring Courses, Entry Requirements and Pathways Beyond Degrees Throughout the Fair, students were able to ask questions about university courses, entry requirements and the application process, helping them gain a clearer understanding of the choices ahead. They also learned about routes beyond degree programmes, including internships, volunteering, sponsorships and Ministry scholarships, highlighting the many ways they can build experience and develop skills for life beyond school. Sara Kurat, Career Counsellor shared: “As a Career Counsellor, I am often asked, ‘Which course will give me the best job opportunities?’ or ‘Which courses will set my child up for future jobs’. In a rapidly changing world shaped by AI and new technologies, we cannot predict exactly which jobs will be in demand in the future. My advice to students is to choose something they genuinely enjoy, work hard, build skills alongside their degree, stay curious, and never stop learning. The right pathway is one that allows them to grow, adapt and make the most of their potential.” Guidance for Year 10, 11 and 12 Students For our Year 12 students, the Fair provided timely support as they considered university options and planned their next steps. For students in Years 10 and 11, it was a chance to start thinking ahead, discover new areas of interest and better understand the decisions they will make in the coming years. Our Students’ Voices Ghada Khalid Al Khori , Year 12: “Speaking directly with university representatives helped me understand entry requirements and application deadlines. I feel more confident about planning my next steps.” Moza Jamal Al Naama, Year 12: “I discovered courses and opportunities I had not considered before. The fair encouraged me to research my options and think carefully about my future.” Shaikha Ahmad Almuslemani, Year 11: “Learning about universities, scholarships and internships was helpful. It has encouraged me to start thinking about my future goals early.” University Guidance at Durham School for Girls, Doha Durham School for Girls, Doha supports students at every step of the university journey. In Years 12 and 13, a University Counsellor and Personal Tutor help with university applications, work experience and career fairs, while the Future Pathways Coordinator and subject teachers guide course selection and career choices. Through Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge AS and A Level programmes, students gain internationally recognised qualifications that open doors to leading universities in Qatar and around the world. Read more about Year 12 and 13 at Durham. Building Connections Across the ISP Community in Qatar The Career & University Fair reflected Durham School for Girls, Doha's commitment to helping students make informed and confident choices about what comes next. By bringing together students, families, universities and organisations, the event created a valuable space for conversations, questions and discoveries that could help shape each student's next steps. Planning Begins with Asking Questions Most importantly, the Fair reminded students that planning ahead begins with asking questions, considering different possibilities and keeping an open mind. At Durham School for Girls, Doha, we encourage every student to be ambitious, stay curious and confidently discover where their interests and aspirations could take them.
