GEMS World Academy, Dubai

GEMS World Academy - Dubai (GWA) is a Pre-K to Grade 12 international school for young world citizens; a school where students benefit from an education beyond any single national curriculum. Established in 2008 as a member of the GEMS network of schools, GWA currently hosts about 2000 students from 90+ nationalities. We view our multicultural community as a source of learning as we develop an understanding of what makes people different, while celebrating our similarities in this increasingly connected world. GWA offers a 21st century learning environment where every student participates as an active learner. Students have access to a broad range of learning experiences facilitated by a multicultural and multilingual international staff of educators.

Within our state-of-the-art, 21st century learning environment, each and every student participates in their educational journey as an active learner, embracing the opportunities and experiences facilitated by our multi-cultural, multi-lingual international staff of passionate educators. Our ethos is based upon the IB Learner Profile and GEMS Core Values, allowing us to develop international mindedness in all members of our school family – staff, students, and parents alike.

At GWA the Visual Art challenges students to consider authentic issues and develop their skills beyond superficiality and imitation. Students are provided with opportunities to function as artists, as well as learners of the Visual Art. To be an artist one has to be curious, and by developing curiosity about themselves, others and the world, students become effective learners, inquirers and creative problem solvers. In the Visual Arts students are guided to create and present art in ways that engage and convey their own feelings, experiences and ideas. Ongoing Reflection, along with self-assessment and peer-assessment, allows students to identify their progress and organize their learning for themselves.

MYP Art values the process of creating artwork as much as the finished product; the two elements combined tell us what students have experienced, learned and attempted to convey. In this way, the educational value of any artwork is seen by placing it within the context of its creation. The artwork and the Process journal carry the same weight in the art class at GWA and they are both of equal importance. Each student’s artistic process and thoughts are examined and assessed alongside their final artwork. At GWA the fine arts are studied at all levels; drawing, portraiture, painting, sculpture and print-making.

In 2018 GEMS World Academy introduced an exciting initiative, our ‘Entrepreneurship and Leadership Centre’.  Our team have created a continuum of Entrepreneurship curriculum which includes Careers and Business Skills being taught from Grades 3 up to Grade 12.

The goal is to establish a place where the attributes of entrepreneurship are enabled and developed.  We will host many workshops throughout the year, run by business leaders and experts who will also come in and assess student’s start-up companies.

Summary of KHDA Inspection

GEMS World Academy was inspected by DSIB from 15 to 18 January 2018. The overall quality of education provided by the school is very good. The section below summarises the inspection findings for each of the six performance indicators described in the framework.

• The principal, with the full support of senior leaders and staff, is providing clear direction on the school's journey of continued improvement. Monitoring and evaluation are systematic and rigorous. Parents are closely involved in the life of the school. Governors have a very good knowledge of the school’s performance. The excellent accommodation has been enhanced by a first class study lounge for senior students.
• Attainment and progress in the KG are outstanding and mostly very good in other phases. The apparent decline in mathematics and science in the PYP is a result of more accurate assessment. Attainment in Islamic education in the MYP has improved and is now good, as has attainment in Arabic as a first language in the DP, which is acceptable.
• Students’ behaviour is exemplary. They have exceptionally positive attitudes and take pride in their achievements. Most have a strong work ethic and participate in a wide range of environmental initiatives and charity events, drawing on their wellestablished innovative and entrepreneurial skills. While most understand the centrality of Islamic values to the culture of the UAE, for a few this is less secure.
• Outstanding teaching in the KG and PYP is based on teachers’ deep understanding of how young students learn. Teaching in the MYP and DP has improved because more accurate assessment information is being used to match work to students’ abilities and attainment levels. In a few lessons, the level of challenge is not high enough and critical thinking is not sufficiently developed.
• The curriculum provides numerous opportunities for students to develop entrepreneurial and innovation skills. Older students are provided with a wide range of choices. Assessment information is used very effectively to adapt the curriculum to meet the learning needs of all groups of students. A wide range of extracurricular activities and educational visits enhance students’ learning and provide memorable experiences.
• Systems for safeguarding students are extensive and highly effective. All staff are provided with appropriate training. Child protection and safeguarding policies are clear and understood by all. Students appreciate the guidance they receive on subject options, careers and university entrance. Provision and support for students with SEND is outstanding.

School’s strengths

• The inclusive nature of the school that ensures high quality care and support for all students, particularly those with special educational needs
• The outstanding environment for learning in the Kindergarten and children’s excellent attainment and progress in English, mathematics and science
• Students’ outstanding personal development and sense of social responsibility
• The excellent arrangements for keeping students safe and promoting healthy life styles
• The very effective use made of the excellent accommodation and resources to support learning, and the outstanding partnerships with parents.