Middle Years Programme

A future-proofed education where learning is reimagined through a World of Pathways

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a challenging framework that encourages learners, aged 11 to 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for significant success in further study and in life. The MYP aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathise with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The MYP is a five-year programme and students who graduate are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP).

The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for young adults. The MYP requires at least 50 hours of teaching time for each subject group, in each year of the programme. In the final two years of the programme, carefully-defined subject group flexibility allows students to meet local requirements and personal learning goals. The MYP aims to help students develop their personal understanding, their emerging sense of self and responsibility in their community.

  • UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

    Personalised learning plans to realise each students unique potential. 

    Our brand new campus on Al Reem island offers state-of-the-art innovation studio with robotics, science AI, AR and VR science laboratories along with first-class sporting and recreation facilities.

  • DEVELOPING CHARACTER

    A comprehensive ASA programme that includes Sports, Arts, Languages, Innovation, music, drama and dance activities to push all boundaries and limits.

    As a member of the Abu Dhabi International School Sports Association (ADISSA), opportunities are provided to compete against other international schools across a wide range of different sports.

  • EXPLORING LEARNING PREFERENCES

    Students benefit from a wide range of pathways including the MYP certificate, IBDP and IBCP. Future accreditation may also be available through IGCSE, BTEC and A Level study – a totally inclusive, hyper-personalised future-proofed education.

    A rigorous framework for assessment where student work is constantly evaluated, measured and adapted to deliver high performance learning.

    The Middle Years Programme (MYP) helps students develop both subject-specific and interdisciplinary understanding. The MYP curriculum framework includes:

    • Approaches to learning (ATL), helping students learn how to learn by developing skills for research, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-management

    • Key and related concepts, helping students explore big ideas that matter

    • Global contexts, helping students understand the relevance and importance of their study for understanding their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet.

    The MYP culminates in an independent learning project. Students complete a significant piece of work over an extended period of time, encouraging them to consolidate their learning and reflect on the outcomes of their work.

    The MYP organises teaching and learning through eight subject groups. The programme promotes interdisciplinary study that helps students make important connections between academic subjects.

    Integrated teaching and learning help students analyse complex issues and develop the habits of mind they need to participate in our increasingly interconnected world. The MYP aligns most closely with the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and IB Career-related Programme (CP), ensuring a smooth transition for students who continue their education within the IB continuum.

    MYP students acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes that they need in order to be successful in the final years of secondary school and beyond. The MYP’s focus on approaches to learning provides ideal preparation for the kind of rigorous study that opens doors to higher education.

  • FINDING THEIR POTENTIAL

    Students learn best when their learning experiences have context and are connected to their lives and their experience of the world that they have experienced.

    Using global contexts, MYP students develop an understanding of their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet through developmentally appropriate explorations of:

    identities and relationships

    personal and cultural expression

    orientations in space and time

    scientific and technical innovation

    fairness and development

    globalisation and sustainability

    Learning experiences are delivered by specialist teachers across Music, Art, PE, Swimming, French, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Innovation and Design.

    Cultural awareness is enhanced through French, Spanish, Arabic and Mandarin teaching.

EMPOWERING

Learners

The programme empowers learners to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance at a local, national and global level. This develops young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers, being able to perform at the highest levels in areas of study and life.

AN EXPANDING

Community

As our community expands, additional year groups will be added each year up to Year 13, which includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP), IGCSE and A Levels – a real first in the emirate.

Neil White

HEAD OF SECONDARY

GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi (WAA) offers an enriched version of the National Curriculum for England, balancing an emphasis on both the teaching of the core subjects through a conceptbased approach, enabling student-led enquiry, creativity and innovation.

With a trailblazing ‘World of Pathways’, we provide learners and their families with a hyper personalised future proofed education that is totally inclusive, delivering high performance for all.

As a highly valued member of our community you will immediately notice that we are a true international school, rich with cultural diversity. Our students come from over 70 different countries and through the values of the IB, work together as true global citizens.

 

Read Neil's Bio

 

Explore Our Curriculum

  • Curriculum Overview

    Offering a world-class education founded on a combined International Baccalaureate (IB) and British (NCfE) Curriculum

  • Primary Years Programme

    In the Early Years at GEMS World Academy, our EYFS and IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) ensure a child-centred learning environment and a rich curriculum where all children are valued and championed.

  • Student Support

    We are an inclusive Academy that takes great pride in providing support to students based on their individual needs.

Next Steps