Proposed Recommendations to Intensify the Initiatives of Philippine International School-Qatar in Satisfying the Targets of Education and Training Sector Strategic Plans (ETSSP)

In 2008, the State of Qatar has embarked on aspiring transformative journey to a sustainable long-term socio-economic prosperity. It launched the Qatar Vision 2030 envisioning advancement in four interconnected developmental goals in Human Development, Social Development, Economic Development, and Environmental Development. In pursuit for this vision, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) has introduced various initiatives and programs outlined in the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plans (ETSSP). All public, private, or international schools across the country need to align their policies, goals, and vision towards with the Qatar’s national transformative roadmap. The Philippine International School-Qatar (PISQ), as one of the international schools offering foreign curriculum, needs to submit to the policies set by the MEHE to satisfy the targets of Qatar National Vision 2030 through the ETSSP. Thus, with this significant involvement, it is important to assess the initiatives of the PISQ in satisfying the ETSSP targets towards Qatar’s national socio-economic development. This research also aimed to add to the literature on the initiatives of the international schools in aligning their curriculum towards the development goals of a host country. Using case-study approach, a total of twenty-six teachers and school leaders across academic levels in PISQ were purposively sampled and interviewed under an unstructured format. The findings revealed that PISQ has implemented various initiatives aligned with the ETSSP’s Core and Cross-Cutting Education and Training programs. To strengthen Qatari values and identity, the school integrates national values into the curriculum, celebrates local traditions, and established an Integration Program Committee. For effective ICT use, initiatives include teacher training, peer support, classroom use of AI tools, and digital resources for home learning. To enhance learner motivation, PISQ fosters a nurturing environment, applies positive reinforcement, uses interactive and differentiated teaching methods. In improving K–12 education in English, math, and science, the school adopts interactive activities, real-life applications, academic events, competitions, and consults with third-party assessors. Curriculum alignment with higher education is achieved by following DepEd’s laddered curriculum and offering HUMSS and STEM strands in senior high. Career readiness is supported through enhanced communication and research skills development. For students with disabilities, PISQ provides remedial programs and guidance support. To promote lifelong learning and employability, the school offers extracurricular activities, leadership training, community engagement, charity work, and comprehensive guidance services to help students become college- and work-ready.