INQUIRERS
We nurture curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
KNOWLEDGEABLE
Our students explore concepts across disciplines, gaining in-depth understanding and engaging with issues of global significance.
THINKERS
We encourage critical and creative thinking to approach complex problems and make reasoned decisions.
COMMUNICATORS
Students express ideas confidently in multiple languages and modes, collaborating effectively with others.
PRINCIPLED
We act with integrity and honesty, upholding strong moral principles and taking responsibility for our actions.
OPEN-MINDED
Our community appreciates diverse perspectives, seeking to understand and grow from different experiences.
CARING
We show empathy and compassion, committing to service and making a positive impact on others' lives.
RISK-TAKERS
Students approach uncertainty with courage, exploring new ideas and innovative strategies.
BALANCED
We understand the importance of balancing intellectual, physical, and emotional aspects to achieve wellbeing.
REFLECTIVE
Our learners thoughtfully consider their learning and experiences, striving for continuous personal and academic growth.
Early Years
Foundation Stage
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi nurtures a lifelong love for learning. During this crucial stage, children experience rapid cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth, making high-quality learning experiences essential.
We follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), encouraging curiosity, creativity, and independence through a play-based, inquiry-led approach. Rooted in constructivist theories, our curriculum fosters experimentation, discovery, and problem-solving skills through play.
Guided by the EYFS framework, we develop key areas such as communication, physical development, literacy, and mathematics, integrating global and local concepts to build confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation for future learning and international mindedness.
Primary Years
Programme
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi is designed to meet the diverse needs of our students by ensuring learning is engaging, relevant, challenging, and significant. We follow a transdisciplinary model, where themes of global significance frame learning across subjects, allowing students to make meaningful connections.
Traditional curriculum areas serve as lenses to support structured inquiry, encouraging students to question, wonder, speculate, and critically explore big ideas. Through the PYP, students construct meaning about the world, develop a deeper understanding of local and global issues, and learn to consider perspectives from multiple viewpoints, fostering international-mindedness.
Middle Years
Programme
Our Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a challenging, inquiry-based education for students aged 11 to 16. Designed to build critical thinking, independence, and global awareness, the MYP connects academic learning with real-world applications.
Covering eight subject groups, the programme ensures a broad, balanced education, while offering flexibility in the final years to meet individual learning goals. Through interdisciplinary study, creativity, and service, students develop key skills for success in further education and beyond. Graduates of the MYP are well-prepared for the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP), ready to thrive as confident, internationally minded learners.
DIPLOMA
Programme*
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a globally respected, academically balanced curriculum that nurtures critical thinking, research skills, and a spirit of intellectual curiosity. Designed for highly motivated students, the DP offers a personalised pathway through six subject groups, including Sciences, Humanities, Mathematics, and the Arts. Students also engage in the IB Core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—promoting holistic development and personal growth. Recognised by leading universities worldwide, the DP prepares learners with the skills they need to succeed at the highest levels.
*GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi is a Candidate School for the IB Diploma Programme. This school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School.
CAREER-RELATED
PROGRAMME*
The IB Career-related Programme (CP) is a flexible, career-focused pathway that blends academic rigour with real-world experience. Ideal for students with a clear interest in a specific field, the CP combines IB Diploma Programme courses with career-related studies, offering a personalised learning journey. Students explore areas such as Business, Creative Arts, Technology, or Health Sciences, while developing practical skills through internships, certifications, and industry projects. The CP fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and global awareness, preparing graduates for both university and the workplace.
*GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi is a Candidate School for the IB Career-related Programme. This school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School.