GEMS World Academy (Dubai)
Private international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
GEMS World Academy – Dubai is a private international school located in Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Operated by GEMS Education, the school opened in 2008 and delivers all four programmes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. As of 2018, it accommodates around 2,050 students from over 80 nationalities.[1]
| GEMS World Academy – Dubai | |
|---|---|
 | |
Al Barsha South Dubai United Arab Emirates | |
| Information | |
| School type | Private international school |
| Established | 2007 |
| Status | Open |
| Authority | KHDA |
| Head of school | Mr. Heath Monk |
| Grades | Pre-K–Grade 12 |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Enrollment | 2,500 |
| Education system | International Baccalaureate |
| Language | English |
| Website | gemsworldacademy-dubai.com |
History
The academy was established in 2007 and launched in 2008 as part of GEMS Education's expansion in premium international schooling.[2] It earned phased IB authorization as follows:
By 2019, the school employed 184 teachers representing 27 countries.[4] In 2022, its students achieved an average IB Diploma score of 34.2, with 95% gaining admission to their first-choice universities.[5]
Campus
Situated on a 50,125 m² site, the school has both academic and athletic facilities.[6]
Educational facilities include a library and research center, planetarium and science labs, 604-seat auditorium and symphony center, language institute, innovation hubs and educational gardens.[7] For athletics, the school has a 400-meter athletics track and artificial pitch, Olympic-size and training pools, tennis courts, squash courts, a climbing wall, junior and senior gymnasiums, and a fitness center.[8]
Curriculum
GEMS World Academy delivers the complete IB continuum:
| Programme | Grades | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PYP | Pre-K–5 | Emphasizes inquiry-based learning across core subjects |
| MYP | 6–10 | Focuses on interdisciplinary teaching, critical thinking |
| DP | 11–12 | College-prep programme with six subject groups and core components |
| CP | 11–12 | Combines academic and vocational elements |
IB Diploma Subject Groups
The academy has a range of courses across IB groups:
- Group 1: English Language and Literature, Literature
- Group 2: French, Arabic, Spanish, English B
- Group 3: History, Economics, Global Politics, Psychology
- Group 4: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Design Technology, Nature of Science
- Group 5: Mathematics AA, Mathematics AI, HL, SL, Studies
- Group 6: Visual Arts, Theatre, Music
Co-curricular activities
A Week Without Walls is a mandatory programme where students engage in international service trips or local sustainability projects. It contributes toward CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) and MYP’s Service as Action outcomes.[9]
The school has various team and individual sports. There are after-school options.[citation needed]