Tamreen platform offers QF devised accessibility-friendly toolkits

Tamreen, launched by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, helps children and young people develop core skills while learning about the legacy that the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world will create.According to a report on the QF website, The Learning Centre and Renad Academy – both part of QF’s Pre-University Education have supported the development of two accessibility toolkits, catering specifically to students with autism and cognitive disabilities or learning challenges. The toolkits aim to create inclusive learning experiences for students across the country as Qatar aims to host the most accessible FIFA World Cup ever.Colleagues at QF ensured the toolkits supported a range of special educational needs by adapting them based on knowledge of students they have taught throughout their teaching careers.Matthew Campion, principal, Renad Academy, said: “The material was so varied and of such high quality already that our job was mostly to refine expectations for students and redefine how the teachers would facilitate activities. Making them accessible also included supporting the visual and practical aspect of the toolkits.“The wonderful thing about this is being able to look at the resources through the eyes of the child. We were able to approach it by thinking about this and then looking at potential areas which can prevent them from accessing it, moving those areas, and working on them. We wanted to make sure that every child will be able to access them in some way, shape or form.”Joseph Norton, curriculum coordinator at Renad Academy, said the toolkits bring the learning experience to life. “For example, in the ‘design a stadium’ activity, students will have real-life objects to aid them,” he said.“That way, not only are we reaching a broad range of students with needs, but also making these learning experiences real by giving our students a chance to live football and the community it brings with it.”The team, who were also involved in various SC accessibility projects and initiatives – including the Accessibility Forum and stadium sensory rooms – said the toolkits will become a part of a lasting legacy in Qatar and beyond.“It's impressive that this World Cup provides educational material that is accessible while ensuring the event itself is completely accessible,” said Campion. “It will raise the profile of the needs of students and families across the country and accelerate the level of acceptance and inclusivity.”The launch of the platform has seen 22 accessibility toolkits developed – covering subjects such as math, science, Arabic, English, social, studies, and art – with their resources also available through the Tamreen website.Through Tamreen, schools can also gain special recognition through their online activity, while students can place their creative skills in the spotlight by participating in competitions. Over 200 governmental schools have registered for the Tamreen programme, alongside 20 private schools.