Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced the introduction of new subjects and updates to several existing subjects for the 2026–2027 academic year, as part of its efforts to continuously develop curricula, transition toward competency- and innovation-based education, and integrate technology and artificial intelligence. The move aims to keep pace with modern technological developments and digital transformation while meeting sustainable development requirements and labour market needs.
The Ministry has developed the teaching of science for Grade 10 by introducing a unified course combining physics, chemistry and biology within a balanced educational framework. The course is designed to help students understand the connections between different branches of science and prepare them for the secondary stage and their future academic and professional paths. It also enables students to develop an interconnected understanding of natural phenomena, life, matter and energy, while strengthening their interest in scientific disciplines and pathways.
Learning science is not limited to acquiring facts and concepts. It also contributes to developing scientific curiosity, information research and documentation skills, teamwork, critical and creative thinking, and the application of scientific inquiry methods in collecting and analysing data and drawing conclusions. It further develops clear communication and problem-solving skills while promoting adherence to ethical values.
The primary objective of introducing the Grade 10 science subject is to attract students to scientific pathways and reduce the academic burden resulting from multiple subjects and examinations. The subject is currently being introduced gradually in government schools and private schools that follow the national curriculum.
Another developed subject is Life and Career Skills, an important educational subject offered across all three educational stages: primary, preparatory and secondary. It aims to prepare students for practical and social life and equip them with the skills necessary to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
The subject includes a range of programmes and fields designed to meet students' needs and interests. These include the Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Programme, which introduces students to money management and entrepreneurship concepts; the Information Literacy Programme, which develops skills in searching for, evaluating and effectively using information; and the Family Literacy Programme, which promotes family values, social responsibility and healthy family and social relationships.
It also includes a Home Economics Programme for Girls, focusing on household management, cooking and sewing skills, personal care and first aid. For boys, the Life Management Programme covers camping, land and sea trips, first aid and self-reliance skills. The Self-Development Programme, designed for secondary school students, helps them identify their interests and abilities and select appropriate educational specialisations. It also helps students develop future-planning skills and prepare for university life and the labour market.
The Ministry is also working to introduce self-learning subjects for secondary school students through its official platforms, in cooperation with several partners, during the first semester of the 2026–2027 academic year. The subjects will cover Artificial Intelligence, in cooperation with INJAZ Qatar; Economics and Commerce, in cooperation with Qatar Development Bank; and Data Science, in cooperation with Cisco Academy.
Through the introduction of self-learning subjects, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education seeks to provide flexible learning opportunities that enable students to develop their knowledge and skills and benefit from educational and interactive content across several fields. The initiative aims to support the skills students will need in the future and enhance their readiness for university and professional life.
The initiative also allows students to obtain accredited digital certificates upon completing the workshops and fulfilling the requirements of each subject, helping document their achievements and strengthen their portfolios.
