Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
| Number of students |
1148 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
42 |
| Most common nationality |
Arab |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
2% local : 98% international |
Languages
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Arabic, Spanish |
Classroom
| Max. number of students per class |
22 - 27 depending on the grade level. |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
There are full time Teaching Assistant for all FS1-Year 2 classes and a full time TA shared between 2 classes in Years 3-6. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Children have access to a variety of technologies so that they can create, communicate and collaborate. Items include iPads, laptops, interactive whiteboards, interactive LED’s, digital cameras, etc. |
Academics
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the subject and grade level. |
Student support
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
There is support for Additional and Special Education Needs through the school's Inclusion Team and Learning Support Assistants. Each student is supported on an individual basis by the Registration and Inclusion teams. |
Admissions
| Entry evaluation for students |
Placement assessment |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
In most cases the Senior Leadership Team reads the last 2 school and nursery reports and approves an offer for a place from these documents. Where more information is needed beyond the reports, children may be invited in for a play assessment in FS 1 and 2 with the focus on social confidence, communication skills and English language ability. Children in Years 1-10 may be invited to sit a brief test with a focus on reading, writing and mathematics. In KS3 the school uses a range of assessment methodologies including current school reports, National Curriculum Assessments and Cognitive Ability Tests. |
School day
| School start time |
7:45 am |
| School finish time |
2:55 pm |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
Extracurricular activities
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Problem solving, cryptic crossword club, hockey, art, energy club, handball, dodgeball, debating, football, scrap booking, ice skating, American sign language club, storytelling, racquet sports, dance club, trampolining, gymnastics, sewing, yoga, music ensemble, choir, fitness, mentoring club, creative writing, cookery, netball, hula hooping, band/orchestra, singing, environmental club, puzzle club, computing. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
Facilities
| Sports facilities at the school |
3-level gymnasium with roof top tennis courts, two 25 metre swimming pools, football and rugby pitches |
About the school
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Established in September 2013, GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, is one of the most recent additions to GEMS worldwide network of schools. As such, this private school in Dubai is very modern and boasts an incredibly high standard of facilities. The GEMS Wellington Academy extends a warm welcome to children from Foundation Stage to Year 9, with plans for the school to grow with the students to year 13 in successive years. The school is delighted to be able to teach the National Curriculum for England to all the pupils, which is internationally recognised by prestigious universities and colleges around the world. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
This curriculum develops specific skills and competencies, but also emphasises critical thinking, enquiry, creativity, planning and other skills needed to meet the challenges of a changing world. The curriculum also provides a regular programme of student assessment and evaluation to ensure that students are working towards levels of attainment appropriate to their age and capability. It’s not all work and no play at the GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail. We like to use these facilities to the full to help instil the confidence children of every age need to fulfil their potential. With such a wide range of creative, musical and physical activities on offer, every child will discover something they’ll love! |