QU launches first cycle of Gateway Programme for preparatory schools

Qatar University Young Scientists Centre (QU-YSC) recently launched the first cycle of the Qatar University Gateway Programme for preparatory schools.

The programme aims to enhance students' interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by engaging them in simulated engineering, medicine and science environments to develop their critical and creative thinking skills, QU has said in a statement.The launch of the programme comes as QU-YSC "seeks to establish a culture of creativity and innovation among the younger generation. They are the basic building blocks of a knowledge economy based on research and innovation", the statement notes.Students from six schools in Qatar are participating in the programme that aims to introduce them to the fields of STEM and motivate Qatari youth towards these disciplines from a young age. In addition, it allows them to discover their aspirations and scientific passion, which would facilitate choosing a university major later. The programme contains various workshops that follow the STEM learning system. This innovative educational system aims to advance education and prepare students to deal with modern practical reality through interactive scientific activities based on research and creative learning.During the first cycle of the Qatar University Gateway Programme, students will learn about several scientific fields at QU, specifically the engineering, science and medical fields represented by the College of Medicine, College of Dental Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Arts & Sciences and College of Engineering. The students will embark on an interesting and enjoyable scientific journey within QU to get to know in-depth the different majors offered by each college, in addition to the job opportunities available for each major, the statement points out.The Qatar University Gateway Programme for the preparatory level is an extension of the same programme designed for the secondary level launched by QU-YSC in the previous academic year, in co-operation with the university's scientific faculties. The programme aims to introduce secondary school students to scientific disciplines and provide them with expertise and research skills, such as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, to pave the transition from pre-university education to the university stage.Prof Noora Jabor al-Thani, director of the QU-YSC, said: "Involving students from the early stages in research programmes enhances students' skills and enriches their scientific experiences, in addition to providing them with many skills such as creative thinking and problem solving, which in turn contribute to refining a new generation of creative leaders who contribute to finding solutions that keep pace with the developments of the era and its renewed needs."This programme enhances the role of the centre and Qatar University as a national leader in attracting Qatari youth towards scientific disciplines and prepares a whole generation of Qataris from various scientific disciplines, to inject them into society in response to the needs of the labour market and to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030."Prof Noora expressed happiness at the first cycle of the Qatar University Gateway Programme for the preparatory level, which was fully prepared and developed by the QU-YSC and presented to students of this age group in a smooth and innovative way. Finally, Prof Noora thanked the efforts of the Ras Laffan Industrial City Community Outreach Programme, the sponsor programme of the center, and the partners, Unesco Doha Office and the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture and Science.