GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar

GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar is the newest addition to the family of GEMS English schools. It follows the international UK curriculum and provides quality education.

GEMS Education is an international body that has set new standards for learning through innovation, pursuing excellence and turning students into responsible global citizens.

The school offers world-class education from Foundation Stage until Year 13. GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar is a co-education school with students belonging to a variety of different cultures. The professional staff nurtures and inspires students to become lifelong learners. The National Curriculum for England is well-supported by extracurricular activities at the school. Teachers help develop computation thinking skills in students. They teach technology and robotics to students as they are of prime importance in today’s world.

Starting from September 2022, GEMS Founders introduced A-level and Level 3 programmes, commonly referred to as Sixth Form or Post-16. 

Students can choose between IGCSE and A level or combine both programs to achieve their academic goals. These qualifications are recognised by top universities around the globe. The school strives to develop a happier, tolerant, peace-loving generation that will play a major role in community development. A ‘can-do’ mindset is promoted throughout the school.

GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar Dubai maintains a strong partnership with parents. It believes that strong engagement between parents and staff is vital for the well-rounded development of students.

• Location: Al Mizhar
• School Fees: AED 23,690 - AED 36,050
• Curriculum: British Curriculum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-education
• KHDA Rating: Good
• Years offered: Pre-KG - Year 13

• Al Khawaneej
• Muhaisnah
• Al Mushrif
• Mirdif

Al Khawaneej on the western side of Emirates Road (E611) is a residential community close to the school. Muhaisnah is towards the northwest of the school and is linked to Sharjah through Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). The popular community of Al Mushrif is towards the south of GEMS Founders School Dubai.

Families willing to stay close to the school can consider:

• Villas for rent near GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar
• Villas for sale near GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar

GEMS Founders School Mizhar has a digital campus that supports the school’s vision of creating a stimulating learning environment where students can grow, learn and discover. All classrooms are equipped with modern facilities. Arts, design and music rooms are part of the campus. One can also find a well-stocked library with an extensive collection of books suitable for all ages.

There is an outdoor play area along with a parent café. The classrooms are bright and spacious and overlook the outdoor play area.

The primary section is based on the ground and first floor of the campus. This section has a play area, music rooms, dance studios and a library. School’s multi-purpose hall is huge and is approximately the size of four badminton courts. It has a big stage on one side with necessary lights and sound equipment. Sports facilities include an AstroTurf football pitch and a cricket net.

GFS is centrally located in Al Mizhar, on Khawaneej Road. The area has several American schools, but GEMS Founders Al Mizhar School stands out as a popular UK curriculum-based school in the community.

The team at the newly established GEMS school was selected carefully. Teachers strive for academic excellence and provide every possible support to ensure the well-rounded development of students.

GEMS Founders School is backed by a multicultural community. Staff members receive training to meet the evolving standards of education and teaching. Continuous assessment and opportunities to develop professional skills allow the school team to keep pace with the latest practices.

GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar proudly supports the Varkey Foundation, their charity partner. By engaging in charitable projects, students develop an understanding of global development issues. The school strives to change the lives of 100 underprivileged children with every child enrolled at the GEMS school.

The school offers classes from Foundation Stage until Year 13.

Foundation Stage includes FS1 and FS2 and is suitable for students aged 3 to 4 years. Classes are further divided into Key Stages.

GEMS Founders School, Al Mizhar follows the National Curriculum for England along with the UAE Ministry of Education guidelines. The curriculum emphasises inquiry, analytical evaluation and creativity.

The course structure for FS1 and FS2 (Foundation Stage) involves introducing school-life to young learners. Students develop beginner level numeracy, motor skills and literacy skills during these two years. Play-based learning activities are designed for young individuals in the Foundation Stage. The basic learning areas offered at the GEMS Founders School Dubai involve:

Key Stage 1 includes Year 1 and Year 2, where students discover their competencies and skills. In these years, they are introduced to subjects that help lay the foundation for learning. Core subjects taught during these years as per National British Curriculum and Ministry of Education requirements include:

Other subjects include Music, Art, PE, Humanities, Computing, French and Islamic Studies.

Year 3 to Year 6 are part of Key Stage 2 at GEMS Founders School, Al Mizhar. During these years, students are encouraged to think independently. The curriculum focuses on setting and implementing challenging targets. Core subjects taught in Key Stage 2 include:

Other subjects include Computing, Humanities, Art, Music, Islamic Studies, Physical Education and French (starting from Year 3).

Key Stage 3 involves Year 7 to Year 9, and during this time, students get ready to speed up concept-based learning. They have long-term objectives for their future and know their aptitude. Core subjects during these years are:

Other subjects include Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Humanities, French, Islamic Studies, Art, Music, PE, Humanities and French.

KS4 includes Year 10 and Year 11 for students aged 14 to 16 years. Afterwards, students study at least seven GCSE/IGCSE.

GCSE and IGCSE are both British qualifications and depend on the curriculum plan for subjects. Both are Level 2 qualifications. They are equivalent to O levels and are recognised by all leading universities and colleges worldwide.

For selected students, GEMS Founders offers a vocational pathway that is primarily focused on continuous assessment rather than academic year end examinations. This pathway is known as BTEC – Business Technology Education Council and IBTEC – International Business and Technology Education Council. They are delivered by the Edexel qualification board.

Compulsory subjects in GCSE are English, Science and Mathematics. Some students can also take English Literature. Science can be studied as triple Science or double Science as GFM students can study all aspects of Science. Biology, Physics and Chemistry are equally valued.

Key Stage 4 students also study MoE subjects inlcuding Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. They also study Physical and Wellbeing Education (PWE).

Director of Aspirations offer input around career to ensure choices made today do not hinder future career ambitions.

Skill development and knowledge acquisition subjects at KS4 include:

Level 2 IBTEC subjects include Sport, Business and IT.

Key Stage 5 includes the commonly known Sixth Form (Post-16), A-level and level 3. A-level is a two-year course after which students sit for an exam at the end of Year 13. Students can choose a maximum of 3 subjects from the following options: 

Compulsory subjects include:

KHDA inspected GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar from 6th to 9th March 2023 and rated it as “Good.” According to the report, students’ attainment and progress are generally good in English, Mathematics and Science. Students have a positive attitude and are responsible. They have an exceptional understanding and appreciation of Islamic values.

Teachers have a strong command of their subject areas.  They have a good understanding of their students. The curriculum is well-aligned with the National Curriculum of England. It is broad and balanced with a clear rationale.

Leadership has a clear vision and the school gets a high level of support from parents.

The strength of the school includes these:

• Students’ progress in Science, English and Mathematics, as well as in Islamic Education and Arabic as an additional language.
• Students’ behaviour, relationships and attitude. Also, their understanding of Islamic values, UAE society and world cultures.
• The guidance, health care and security at the school to support students’ welfare and wellbeing
• School’s effective partnership with parents and the community
• Facilities and resources provided by the school
• Improved outcomes and personal development as a result of focus on inclusion

Key recommendations made the KHDA are:

• Enhance education standards in Islamic studies and Arabic for better achievement and progress.
• Improve children's performance in English, mathematics, and science during in Foundation Stage (FS).
• Enhance students' progress in Science after Post-16.
• Encourage leaders to effectively use assessment data to adjust the curriculum and assist teachers in planning lessons that cater to all students' needs.

The first term begins on 28th August. The half-term break is from 16th to 21st October. Students go on a winter break from 11th December to 29th December. Classes resume on 2nd January for Term 2. The half-term break is from 12th to 15th February. Students then get Spring break from 27th March to 7th April. Term 3 starts from 8th April. 5th July is the last day of school.

GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar academic calendar is available on their official website.

Parents can submit the online enquiry and registration form. As soon as parents fill out and submit the enquiry form, they receive a reference number via email. This reference number will outline the further steps.
After submitting the form, parents can pay the application fee of AED 500 (excluding VAT) online or at the school cash counter. The admission fee is refundable if the student does not get a seat. However, the amount is not refunded if the seat is offered, but the student chooses not to take it. Please note that the application fee is non-deductible from the tuition fee if the student accepts the offered seat.
As part of the admission process, students must clear an entrance assessment. The school registrar notifies the parents of an entrance assessment or an interview by phone or email. Once the assessment is completed, GEMS Founder School will inform parents of the result by email or by calling.

The assessment will include:

• Observation- for Foundation Stage 1 and 2
• Written test – for Year 1 and Year 2
• CAT4 and written test – for Year 3 to Year 10

The school registrar will send an offer letter as soon as a seat becomes available. Parents also need to pay a registration deposit – 10% of the total tuition fee. This amount is deductible from the full tuition fee but is non-refundable. The finance department informs parents about the tuition payment schedule via email.

Parents have to submit these documents along with the admission form:

• Passport copies of parents and student
• Residence visa page copies of parents and student
• Copy of student’s birth certificate (must be in English and Arabic)
• Passport size photographs of student
• Copies of child’s last attended two school reports for children of Year 1 and Year 2 (in English)
• Last two school reports and CAT 4 report for children applying for Year 3 and above; Nursery report cards are also required if available for FS1 and FS2. If a child needs special educational needs, he/she must submit a medical and therapy report with 6-month validity.
• Vaccination record of student
• Copies of Emirates ID cards of students and parents (front and back)
• Original ID cards of both parents and student
• Transfer certificate or leaving certificate of last attended school (the original certificate will be required on child’s first day at school)

Gems Founder School follows specific age criteria for admission. Students must be of the following age on 31st August.

GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar fees comply with the rules laid down by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Optional services and their fee is mentioned here in detail:

If a student is enrolled during an academic year, tuition fees can be charged starting from the month of enrolment. Annual tuition fee is collected in three instalments. The first-term fee is 40% of the total fee, 30% is paid in the second term and 30% has to be paid in the third and final term.

Fee can be paid through cash, cheque, credit card, online payment and wire transfer. In case of non-payment, students may not be permitted to appear in the examination. School reports, references and examination results can also be withheld. Temporary or permanent expulsion or exclusion from the school can also be considered in case of non-payment of tuition fees.

Registration and re-registration deposits are only refunded under certain circumstances. This includes and is not limited to relocating to another country or emirate.

Fees refund is calculated as:

• The fee paid before the beginning of the academic year is refundable. However, registration and re-registration fees are deductible.
• If a student is enrolled for two weeks or fewer, one-month fee is deducted
• If a student is enrolled for more than a month, they deduct the full fee for the term

Refunds are calculated from the beginning of the term until the date when an official request is made by the parents. Being on the school register counts as days in the school. Payments made through cash are refunded via cheque.

Students who are withdrawing from the school have to submit a notification in writing at the registrar’s office. A 30-day notification period is required to get the documents ready.

Please note that the school fees are subject to change under Article 51, Federal Law No (28) of 1999 Concerning Private Education and Application Regulations.

GEMS Education is proud to have designed the largest scholarship program in the UAE. It is solely a merit-based process to reward students who excel in academics, sports, innovation and digital technology, creative and performing arts, and Arabic studies.

The scholarship can offer 25% to 100% waiver on the annual fee and is awarded for a single academic year. Those who get the scholarships have to apply for renewal annually.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Academic scholarships are awarded to students who perform exceptionally well in all subjects and secure the top position in their class for at least the last three years. Those who have appeared in any international exams and got in the top 95th percentile can also apply for the scholarship.

The following criteria is followed for the academic scholarship:

• It is awarded based on outstanding academic performance provided the student maintains it
• Academic scholarships are offered to current and prospective students from Year 7 (Grade 6).
• Scholarships have a competitive application process.
• It is based on the assessment of the scholarship application form, the report from the present school and the written examination result by a GEMS school.
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests have to be completed by the candidate
• Awarding GEMS school’s principal assesses candidate’s caliber and commitment through an interview
• A final interview carried out by the GEMS scholarships committee

CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Students passionately interested in arts and performance and in the top 70th percentile in the class are eligible for the Creative and Performing Arts scholarship.

It is awarded for proven excellence in performing arts and creative arts including drama, music, theatre, debating and dance. Both currently enrolled and prospective students are eligible for creative and performing arts scholarships starting from Year 7 (Grade 6).

These scholarships are based on the following criteria:

• The assessment of the scholarship application form
• The assessment of a full report from the present school (both local and national benchmarks)
• Audition results by the awarding GEMS school
• An interview with the Principal to assess the candidate’s calibre
• A final interview with the GEMS Scholarships Committee

SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP

Sports Scholarships are awarded to students who end up in the top 70th percentile in their class consistently for the last 3 to 5 years. These students should have competed in regional, or international sports tournaments.
These scholarships are awarded based on the candidate’s athletic ability, potential, determination and enthusiasm in a specific sport at national or international level. Both current and prospective students can benefit from sports scholarships starting from Year 7 (Grade 6).

Sports scholarships are awarded based on:

• The assessment of scholarship application form by GEMS
• The assessment of the candidate’s present school by GEMS
• Benchmark results and proof of representation honours such as football, rugby, swimming and track and field
• An interview with the Principal to assess the candidate’s commitment
• A final interview with GEMS scholarships committee

INNOVATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

This scholarship is for students who excel in innovation and digital technology including coding, computational thinking, cryptology and app development. It is available for current and prospective students from Year 7 (Grade 6) onwards.

Innovation and Digital Technology scholarships are awarded based on:

• Candidate’s full report from the present school
• Candidate’s successful presentation/demonstration of an innovation project for the scholarship committee
• An interview with the Principal

ARABIC STUDIES SCHOLARSHIPS

Arabic studies scholarships are a subset of academic scholarship. These are awarded to native speakers based on their proven outstanding academic success in the field of Arabic studies. It is subject to maintaining a high-level academic achievement.

Arabic studies scholarships are for current and prospective students beginning from Year 7 (Grade 6). These scholarships are awarded based on:

• Literary contributions made by the candidate in Arabic including novel, poetry, story or speech
• Playing an active role in spreading the Arabic language inside and outside the school
• A leadership role in the Arabic department
• Internal or external grades in Arabic language exam in the top 95% percentile
• Receiving prizes and awards related to the Arabic language at school, national and international level
• Performance in front of an audience at school or at the national and international level in Arabic
• Standard proficiency tests (written and oral)
• An interview with the Principal of awarding GEMS school that helps in assessing the candidate’s potential
• A final interview with GEMS scholarship committee

Arabic Studies Scholarships (Non-Native Speaker)

Arabic Studies scholarships for non-native speakers are offered as a subset of academic scholarships. It is based on the candidate’s potential to maintain academic achievement in the field of Arabic Studies.

These scholarships are awarded to current and prospective students of GEMS schools starting from Year 7 (Grade 6). Non-native students whose parents or guardians do not hold or are entitled to hold Arab passports are eligible for Arabic Studies scholarships.

These are awarded based on:

• The assessment of the candidate’s scholarship application form by GEMS
• The assessment of a full report from the present school by GEMS
• Standard proficiency tests (written and oral)
• An interview with the Principal of the awarding GEMS school to assess the candidate’s calibre and potential
• A final interview by the GEMS scholarships committee

Candidates must have 95% percentile in terms of grade in internal or external Arabic language exam. They should also be able to express themselves fluently in Arabic writing and speaking. Students willing to get a scholarship must have high levels of proficiency in reading and listening Arabic and possess the ability to use Arabic language inside and outside the classroom.

To apply for the scholarship, students are required to submit a cover letter with authenticated copies of the last two years of school reports. In the letter, students have to cover the following points:

• Explaining how and why they are eligible for a GEMS scholarship award
• Opportunities presented after being awarded GEMS scholarships
• Personal qualities they can contribute to the GEMS School
• Their hopes and dreams for the future
• How GEMS Education can prove to be supportive of their future
• Details of the university programme
• Special interests, hobbies and achievement
• Elaborate about any special person or experience that has influenced them

The school facility includes a dining hall where nutritious food and beverages are served during lunchtime. Students can also bring packed lunch from home.

The school transport service is outsourced to School Transport Services LLC (STS). The ISO-certified school transport provider has won the prestigious Dubai Quality Appreciation Programme in 2011, Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport in 2010 and 2012 in the categories of School Transportation and Transport Safety. It is the only certified school transport provider in the region.

STS bus fleet maintains exceptional safety standards and follows the regulations laid down by the Roads and Transport Authority. Each bus has a video surveillance system, global positioning systems and scanners for attendance confirmation and safety.

The bus service is managed by highly experienced professionals. STS works in close collaboration with the administration team at GEMS Founders School, Al Mizhar Dubai to provide the best service to students.

To register for the transport service, students need to complete the student registration form and parents are required to sign the parent undertaking form. The STS area specialist reviews the safety of the route and pick-up/drop-off points. Once the route is confirmed, parents are notified about the timings, bus number, driver’s details and contact number.

Bus guardians and STS bus drivers undergo rigorous training programs. The bus service ensures that students reach school on time and that their health and safety is never compromised. All STS vehicles, drivers and passengers are insured.

An STS operations executive and customer care executive is present at each school. Parents should ensure their child reaches the pick-up point at the designated time, as buses do not wait at the stop after the scheduled time. To pick students from the drop-off point, an adult with a guardian card should show up at the stop.

Transport fee is charged for ten months. It has to be paid for each term via cash, credit cards, cheque or online through the STS official website. The fee has to be paid by the fifth of the first month or the transport service will be canceled.

If a student wishes to withdraw from the transport facility, no refund is made. Fee refund is only possible when the fee for more than one term has been paid via account payee cheques (not in cash). In case of transfer from the school, a two-week prior discontinuation notice should be given to the STS representative.

Students are expected to follow the bus behaviour code:

• Students need to scan their ID card when boarding and leaving the bus.
• Students should remain seated and wear seatbelts during the journey.
• They should be courteous and follow the bus attendant and driver’s instructions.
• Eating and drinking on the bus are strictly prohibited.
• Damaging the bus is not allowed.
• Students should not bring friends along on the bus without written permission from the school.

Bus charges of some areas are mentioned below:

To promote the well-rounded development of students, GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar, Dubai offers various sports activities.

Key sports offered at the school include:

• Basketball
• Football
• Volleyball
• Throwball
• Cricket
• Athletics

Interest-based extracurricular activities are offered to students from FS2 to Year 12. These are provided as both co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

Some popular extracurricular activities and events at GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar are:

National and international field trips are planned for students at GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar.

There is a well-equipped medical centre at GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar Dubai.

Parental engagement plays a vital role in their kids’ success. The school wants the best for students and maintains a strong partnership with parents.

Close communication is the key to achieve this. The school keeps parents in loop regarding students’ progress and has an open-door policy. This means parents can communicate with the school at any stage. Consultation and written reports are also part of the parent partnership programme. Parents are requested to make an appointment to arrange a one-to-one meeting with the teaching staff.

Through the 3-a-day mobile app, the school facilitates parents to encourage and inspire their children. The user-friendly apps provide daily ideas on how to get involved in your kids’ education. These ideas are suggested by teachers and counsellors. Parents can use the parent-portal to log in and check the important notifications regarding the school.

GEMS Parental Engagement Programme helps parents/guardians recognise their role. It also keeps them informed regarding the study programmes.

GFM Newsletters keep parents well-informed regarding the events and activities taking place at the school. Parents can also log on to the GEMS Parent Portal to get regular notifications regarding the important announcement and their children’s progress. Through GEMS Connect App, parents can also view circulars, newsletters, and timetable and track bus locations.

• Phone: +971-4-210-3555
• Email: registrar_gfm@gemsedu.com
• Website GEMS Founder School – Al Mizhar
• Twitter GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar
• Facebook GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar

Note that the cover image belongs to GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar

What are the timings of the school?

 The school is operational from 7:30 am to 4 pm.

How many grades/years are there in the school?

PreKG-Grade 11

Is there a waiting list?

Yes, applications are put on a waiting list if there is no seat available.

Does the school follow a co-education model?

Yes, GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar, Dubai has a co-education model.

How many students are currently studying in the school? How many nationalities are represented?

The school has 3,146 students and most of them are Emirati nationals.   

Please describe the academic calendar of the school.

The school year starts in August and ends in July.

Please mention the range of the tuition fee charged by the school.

AED 23,690 – AED 36,050.

Does the school offer scholarships to needy or high-achieving students

Yes, the school offers merit-based scholarships based on different categories.

How does the school communicate with parents?

GEMS Founders School, Dubai communicates with parents through the 3-a-day mobile application, the GEMS Parents Portal and Parent Engagement Program. The school also uses newsletters and GEMS Connect School App for keeping parents updated.

Does the school have a cafeteria or a canteen on campus?

Yes, there is a cafeteria in school that provides healthy and fresh food to students.

Does the school have any special education programmes or learning plans for students of determination?

Yes. There is a special programme for students of determination.

Does the school arrange field trips?

Yes, the school takes students on international and local field trips.

How many teachers are currently teaching in the school?

The school has 172 teachers and 48 teaching assistants.