Under the theme “For a Successful University Experience," the Foundation Program (FP) at the Deanship of General Studies at Qatar University (QU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), launched the Al-Qabas 2024 Program for the seventh consecutive year. The program aims to provide high school students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with university life and develop the skills needed to successfully enroll in scientific, engineering, and medical majors of their choice.
The Al-Qabas 2024 Program seeks to raise awareness among 10th and 11th-grade students about essential learning skills, helping them improve their English language proficiency, mathematical abilities, and test-taking strategies. These skills are intended to enhance their readiness for successfully joining STEM and medical disciplines at QU. The event was attended by distinguished figures like Dr. Saba Qadi, Dean of General Studies at QU, Dr. Hala Hadba, Acting Associate Director for Academic Affairs at the FP, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
The program designated separate days for male and female students, with participation from 14 schools in total. A total of 230 male and female students took part in various activities that simulated university education and strengthened their English and mathematics skills. Additionally, students attended a workshop organized by QU's Testing Center, which covered the requirements for admission exams.
As part of developing students' skills, activities were designed to include strategies for excelling in placement and international exams. Moreover, female students participated in an entrepreneurial session titled “Design a Useful Mobile Application." In this session, they developed ideas for applications aimed at addressing specific problems or meeting particular needs. The students then posted a brief description of their application ideas on the Padlet platform, outlining the purpose of the app and its target audience. Using the Marvel App tool, the students created prototypes of their applications and later presented their designs to the audience, and at the end of the event, certificates of attendance were awarded to the participating students.
The facilitators of the Al-Qabas 2024 sessions and workshops successfully engaged the students and addressed their inquiries. 12 faculty members and administrative staff from the Foundation Program developed the program. In a survey conducted to measure the satisfaction level of participants with the various sessions of the Al-Qabas 2024 Program, students expressed significant benefits, particularly from the sessions focused on international exams.
The event received widespread acclaim from students and academic advisors alike, who praised the valuable information provided and the interactive approach. This contributed to clarifying the importance of early preparation for university life and the careful planning of academic pathways, thereby increasing students' awareness and enthusiasm to achieve their future goals.