GEMS Founders School follows the British National Curriculum, using a standard grading system for Key Stages 1 to 5. In the early years, student progress is assessed through teacher observations, focusing on developmental milestones. From Key Stage 2 onwards, grades are assigned based on exams, coursework, and class performance. For IGCSE and A-Level exams, students are graded from A* to U, following the UK grading system. Regular assessments and feedback are provided to ensure students meet academic standards and achieve their potential.
Section
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Grades
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Foundation Stage
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FS1 & FS2
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Key Stage 1
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Year 1 & Year 2
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Key Stage 2
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Year 3 to Year 6
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Key Stage 3
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Year 7 to Year 9
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Key Stage 4
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Year 10 & Year 11
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Key Stage 5 / Sixth Form
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Year 12 & Year 13
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GEMS Founders School follows the British National Curriculum from Foundation Stage (FS) to Year 13, which is adapted to suit the local context of the UAE. The curriculum ensures students receive a well-rounded education focusing on academics, creativity, and physical development.
Foundation Stage (FS1 & FS2)
At the Foundation Stage, the curriculum is play-based and child-initiated. It focuses on the early development of literacy, numeracy, and motor skills. The goal is to build confidence, self-esteem, and curiosity in young learners.
Literacy
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Numeracy
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Understanding the World
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Physical Development
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Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
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Communication and Language
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Expressive Arts and Design
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Key Stage 1 (Year 1 & Year 2)
In Key Stage 1, students develop basic reading, writing, and math skills. Learning is structured around themes that encourage creativity and inquiry-based learning. Students are introduced to various subjects, providing a foundation for further studies.
English
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Mathematics
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Science
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Computing
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UAE Social Studies
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Arabic
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Islamic Studies
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Art
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Music
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Physical Education (PE)
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Moral Education (from Year 2)
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Key Stage 2 (Year 3 to Year 6)
Key Stage 2 focuses on building and consolidating the skills learned in earlier years. Students are introduced to more structured learning experiences, and the curriculum increases in complexity. Cross-curricular learning and co-curricular activities support the academic program.
Middle School (Grades 6-7)
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English
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Mathematics
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Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE)
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Arabic
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Science
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Art
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Computing
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Moral Education
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UAE Social Studies
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Music
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Humanities (History & Geography)
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Islamic Studies
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Physical Education (PE)
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Key Stage 3 (Year 7 to Year 9)
At Key Stage 3, students begin a more rigorous academic curriculum that prepares them for their later exam years. The subjects in Key Stage 3 expand to include more detailed science, humanities, and languages studies.
English
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Mathematics
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Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
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Computing
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Humanities (History, Geography)
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French or Spanish
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Arabic
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Islamic Studies
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UAE Social Studies
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Physical Education (PE)
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Art
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Music
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Design and Technology
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Moral Education
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PSHE
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Key Stage 4 (Year 10 & Year 11)
Key Stage 4 prepares students for their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams. Students select subjects based on their interests and career aspirations alongside the core compulsory subjects.
Core Subjects
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- English (Language & Literature)
- Mathematics
- Science (Combined or Triple Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Islamic Studies (For Muslim Students)
- UAE Social Studies
- Physical Education (PE)
- Moral Education
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Optional Subjects (chosen from option blocks)
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- History
- Geography
- Business Studies
- French or Spanish
- Art and Design
- Computer Science
- Design and Technology
- Music
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Key Stage 5 / Sixth Form (Year 12 & Year 13)
In Sixth Form, students prepare for their Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Level (A-Level) exams. Students have more flexibility in choosing subjects that align with their university and career goals. Typically, students choose three to four subjects to study at this level.
English Language or Literature
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Mathematics
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Further Mathematics
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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History
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Geography
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Business Studies
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Economics
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Computer Science
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Psychology
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Art and Design
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French or Spanish
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Design and Technology
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