GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail

GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail was established in Dubai Hills Estate in 2013. It follows the National Curriculum of England and adopts best practices from other leading curricula worldwide for the best possible academic results. GEMS Wellington International Academy accepts students from Nursery, Foundation Stage to Year 12. It is part of the GEMS Education group, which is well known for providing quality education.

The school aims to prepare pupils to shine in well-known colleges and universities and take their place as skilful leaders globally. Its creative approach to the curriculum dives deep into global opportunities and offers students an unmatched educational experience.

• Location: Dubai Hills Estate
• School fees: AED 43,941 - AED 86,760
• Curriculum: British Curriculum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-ed
• KHDA Rating: Very Good
• Years offered: Pre-KG - Grade 12

Located on the Al Khail Road, the school campus is easily accessible from various residential areas, including:

• Al Quoz
• Motor City
• Al Sufouh
• Al Barsha

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GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail Dubai started its first phase in September 2013 and catered to 680 students from Foundation Stage 1 to Year 6. The second phase offered contemporary facilities and expanded its services to Year 10. The school inaugurated a new Sixth Form Centre in September 2018 that welcomes students in Year 11 and Year 12.

There are spacious open spaces where students can engage in several creative activities. Some attractive campus facilities include:

• Achievement Centre
• Science and technology labs
• School bus services for Foundation Stage 1 onwards
• A gymnasium spread across three levels
• Indoor and outdoor covered play areas
• Specialist rooms for art, music, languages and design
• Full cafeteria
• Library and study zones
• A rooftop tennis court
• Recording and video studio
• Two 25-metre pools and a toddler pool
• Labs for science and technology
• Achievement Center
• Auditorium and Theatre
• Medical Centre

The GEMS Wellington Academy is located on Al Khail Road near Dubai Hills Golf Club. It is a 10-minute drive from the Mall of the Emirates. Occupying a prime spot in the flourishing neighbourhood of Dubai Hills Estate — the educational institution is easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Al Khail Road (E44).

It is part of the GEMS Education. The GEMS Education has consistently delivered high-standard education for over 55 years. The parent organisation believes that nurturing character, values, personal leadership, and creativity are critical for pupils to achieve their full potential and become future leaders.

GEMS Education provides education with an international perspective and emphasises academic learning. At GEMS Education, students are offered a competitive environment to grow.

Core Values at GEMS Education include:

• Pursuing excellence – consistently working to surpass excellence
• Growing by learning – strive to evolve your talent
• Leading through innovation — challenge the ordinary and conventional
• Global citizenship – actively contribute to the community

The alumni of GEMS Education have been placed into 980 universities in 48 countries over the last four years. These include top universities and colleges around the world. Surpassing all benchmarks, GEMS students from various schools have achieved over 1,000 regional and international awards for sports, academics and arts.

Teachers at GEMS’ schools are carefully selected to ensure they deliver international-standard teachings. GEMS Wellington Academy has trained teachers who have various state-of-the-art technological tools at their disposal. A versatile and prudent learning approach helps to tackle the challenges of higher education and employment.

Another great strength of the school is its diversity and inclusivity. The management believes that when students interact with people from different nations, they know different values, mindsets and behaviours.

• The learning programme at GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail is divided into five parts: Foundation Stage 1 and 2, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
• The educational journey of pupils starts from FS 1 and FS 2.
• The next stage involves Key Stage 1, which consists of  Year 1 and 2.
• Key Stage 2, a meticulously crafted four-year programme, includes Year 3 – Year 6.
• The secondary stage starts with Key Stage 3.
• Key Stage 4 involves Year 10 and Year 11.
• The school has recently opened the Sixth Form for students of Year 12 and Year 13.

Providing a creative and lively learning environment — GEMS Wellington Academy follows the British National Curriculum.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is taught in the Foundation Stage.

Key Stage 1-3 (Year 1 – 9) focuses on the British National Curriculum. The curriculum is modified to contextualise learning within an international setting.

Pupils of Key Stage 4 — Year 10 and Year 11 learn various GCSE and IGCSE courses. Curriculum for Arabic Studies, Islamic Education and Social Studies is delivered as per the standards of the Ministry of Education. So non-native speakers are taught a basic syllabus of Arabic while native speakers are taught the Arabic A curriculum.

At GEMS Wellington Al Khail, kids study in an exciting, fun and collaborative environment. Creative play includes a significant role in the growth of the child. The balanced programme prepares children by developing self-esteem and problem-solving skills. Teachers emphasise the following areas:

• Deep Learning of  Science, Design Technology, ICT, Environment, History, Geography)
• Creative development in fields of music, art and dance
• Personal, social and emotional development
• Physical development
• Mathematics
• Literacy
• Communication and language

Key Stage 1: Years 1 and 2

Years 1 and 2, students develop creativity, intelligence and confidence. The curriculum corresponds to Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum for England. Highly qualified educators ensure that all students have access to different activities to unlock their capabilities. ICT is also infused into the learning programme that enhances the overall development.

Key Stage 2: Yeas 3-6

With a comprehensive four-year program — Key Stage 2 builds confident and competent learners. Children are encouraged to be deep-thinkers, risk-takers, inquirers and communicators. Using critical thinking, children explore new possibilities and foster their abilities. Preparing them for upcoming challenges, the school hones their communication and public speaking skills.

Like Key Stage 1, ICT is also integrated into Key Stage 2 to optimise and support information delivery. While focusing on their areas of strengths, children also have the chance to polish their skills in music, language and sports.

Following areas are focused throughout Key Stage 1 and 2:

Key Stage 3: Years 7-9

Key Stage 3 for Year 7 to Year 9 falls in secondary education. Providing continuous quality learning inherited from the earlier Key Stage 2 — Key Stage 3 features a balancing, engaging and holistic curriculum that sets the right tone for the next stage.

The curriculum supports students to become innovators, inquirers and thinkers. It comprises a balanced learning programme that involves both curricular and extra-curricular. As a result, the academy can develop students with a strong and flexible character to face any challenge.

Subjects taught in Key Stage 3 include:

Key Stage 4: Years 10-11

Along with many core subjects, pupils in Year 9 have four options to choose from when they reach  IGCSE or GCSE Level. Mandatory subjects are:

Also, students can select four supplementary courses. The elective courses involve:

Educators also provide career advice, cross-curricular learning and entrepreneurship lessons during the secondary stage. Clubs, curricular group assignments and societies motivate students to widen their learning approaches. The educational journey involves many events such as artistic, cultural, and sporting competitions that develop pupils’ versatility.

Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) reviews Dubai schools and releases a detailed report regarding their performances. The six-point KHDA rating scale includes Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, Weak and Very Weak.

Emphasising maintaining a high standard of education, KHDA also examines the happiness and wellbeing of students and educators.

GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail was inspected by KHDA from 20th to 24th February 2023 and the authority rated it as “Very Good.”

Students’ progress in English, Mathematics and Science is outstanding in FS while in secondary school, it is very good. Progress in Arabic and Islamic Studies is good throughout all phases.

Teachers have secure knowledge of their subject and they understand how to make students learn best. They effectively monitor students’ progress to ensure students are challenged at different levels. This also includes students of determination. Students get access to a wide range of resources to promote their academic, personal and physical development.

According to the report, the best features of the school are:

• The role of the principal in maintaining a shared vision between staff, students and parents
• Students’ outstanding progress in English and Mathematics through all phases
• Their extremely positive behaviour and understanding of Islamic values and awareness of the UAE culture. Also, their sense of responsibility for the environment is commendable
• The procedures that ensure students are safe and are guided and supported
• The outstanding self-evaluation, governance, partnership with parents and management of staff, facilities and resources

Things that can be improved include these:

• Teachers’ plan that can more effectively promote the learning skills of students
• Including best practices in the provision for students of determination throughout the school

• GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail Calendar begins with the autumn term on 28th August. Students go on a half-term break from 16th to 20th October.
• The autumn term then concludes in the second week of December, followed by a 3-week winter break.
• Spring term begins in the first week of January. The half-term break is from 12th to 15th February. The term ends in March.
• After a 2-week break, the final summer term begins in the second week of April and concludes in the first week of July.

For admission into GEMS Wellington Academy, parents need to fill out the online registration form on the official website and submit the registration fee – AED 500. As soon as the form is submitted, parents receive an acknowledgment letter outlining further steps for registration.

The child may be asked to appear for an assessment or interview. Foundation, secondary and primary students’ admissions are reviewed by the academic staff if needed.

Parents should submit these documents to proceed with the admission process:

• Birth certificate
• Passport copy of the student
• Visa copy of the student
• Emirates ID card of the student (both sides)
• Two recent passport size photographs of student
• Vaccination report copy
• Recent school report/nursery (previous 2 years copy)
• Medical declaration and mandatory information forms (see medical)
• Sponsor’s passport copy
• Sponsor’s visa copy
• Sponsor’s Emirates ID copy
• Transfer letter (Candidates with a successful offer must submit a transfer certificate from the previous school). The transfer letter typed and signed by the principal must be on the official school letterhead bearing the official school stamp.

Besides schools based in Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, the USA and the UAE, all TCs MUST be in English or Arabic and attested by:

• The Ministry of Education
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• The UAE Embassy
• Attestation from the Ministry of Education is required only for GCC countries

Those transferring from Dubai schools can submit online TCs. Those moving from other emirates must get their certificates attested by the Ministry of Education.

The below-mentioned age requirement is applicable for all new students enrolling from September 2021.

• FS1/Pre KG
• Year 2/Grade 1

To assure a place in the next year, the re-enrolment fee of the existing students is 5% of the total tuition fee that is withdrawn from the total tuition deposit fee.

Here’s the breakdown of the GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail fees.

Number of Terms: 3

Method of Payment: Cheque, cash, card, online fee payment

New student application fee: AED 525

Payment can be made to the following bank account:

• Account name: PSI GEMS Wellington Academy
• Bank name: Mashreq Bank
• Branch Name: Al-Raqqa Street Branch
• Account number: 01900000184
• IBAN: AE910330000019000001848
• Swift Code: BOMLEAD

This above-mentioned fee is:

• Refundable if the GEMS Willington does not offer a place. This is unless the child’s registration is forwarded to the following academic year.
• Non-refundable if the school offers a seat but the student chooses not to take it.
• Non-deductible from the total tuition fees if the student accepts the offered place.

Gems Wellington Academy has discounts for third and fourth siblings of the existing student.

Currently, the school does not have any scholarships programme.

There is a large canteen with a wide range of nutritious and balanced snacks and lunch options. The school meals are managed by Slices, a renowned company specialising in providing healthy meals in schools. Slices have an account in the GEMS Connect app that parents can download. Parents may purchase a prepaid card so children can make cashless purchases at the canteen.

Healthy packed lunches from home are also encouraged at the school. However, students should avoid bringing food containing nuts and chocolates to campus.

Reliable and secure transportation is offered to students through School Transport Services LLC (STS). This school transportation company is currently providing services to more than 66 reputable schools.

The vehicles of STS incorporate top-notch safety features to enhance the safety of your child. These include Electronic Attendance System, GPS tracking, panic button, sleeping child check button, video surveillance system, STS app and a modern control room.

The transportation charged are mentioned here:

Encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle, GEMS Wellington Academy provides a wide selection of sporting facilities, including:

• A 25-metre competition swimming pool
• Outdoor covered play areas for all key stages
• Two Large indoor sports halls
• One swimming pool for foundation stage students
• A 3-level gymnasium
• A 25-metre practice swimming pool
• Tennis court
• Full football and rugby pitches
• Netball court

GEMS Wellington Academy has a dynamic range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, offering students an opportunity to enhance their talents and hone their skills. Extracurricular activities (ECAs) are performed three days every week.

Those studying at GEMS Wellington Al Khail can participate in various sports**,** including rugby, cricket, basketball, rock climbing, football, netball, tri kids and swimming.

Alongside these ECAs, pupils can opt for Paid External Activities (ASAs). These are conducted by highly trained professionals hired by external providers.

Physical Education classes will take place as usual. However, all extracurricular activities are suspended for the time being.

The school hosts field trips that are fun and educational for its students every academic year. Past trips include visits to Motion gate, Ski Dubai, Pure Harvest farms and Safa Park.

The trip to Dibba for Year 5 students was a social and a physical learning experience. The children are given a chance to undertake new and exciting challenges while in a safe and monitored environment.

Year 6 students enjoy a 4-night trip to a location in the UAE, such as Dibba, Khorfakkan or Kalba.

After-school care at GEMS Al Khail is free. The age requirement for the programme is at least three years. Regulated and approved by KHDA, the program is conducted by British Early Years trained teachers.

The after school care program includes different activities to boost the social, emotional and personal growth of children. These involve messy play, music and movement, yoga, creative time and more. Students in Foundation 1 can participate in the after-school program from Sunday to Wednesday from 12:30 pm – 2:40 pm.

The school canteen is not available in after-school timings. Therefore, parents need to provide all the eatables or snacks with their children will eat during their stay. The location has two well-crafted classrooms, including planned learning zones, technology zones, nap areas and messy play areas.

The school’s medical centre has top-notch healthcare instruments and medicines. The nurses inspect the children if they don’t feel well and are given proper care. In case of emergency, parents are informed immediately, and the pupil is taken to the hospital.

At GEMS Wellington Academy, parents play an important role in students’ development. Parents are kept in the loop regarding their child’s progress. From written reports to consultation evenings, the open-door policy ensures uninterrupted communication between parents and teachers.

Parents can also download the GEMS Connect app to get current information about their child, like weekly newsletters, payment of fees, homework, grades, etc. The three unique features of the app include activities to share, guidance to encourage children and something to talk about. GEMS Parents Portal provides meaningful information such as examination schedules and notifications for upcoming events.

Social media pages are a source of communication between parents and the academy. They keep parents updated regarding happenings and events in school.

Guardians and parents can also join the grade-specific Whatsgroup Group. Teachers keep parents updated regarding the classroom events and progress via these groups.

• Telephone: +971-4-512-9100
• Email: registrar_wek@gemsedu.com
• GEMS Wellington Academy Website
• GEMS Wellington Academy Facebook
• GEMS Wellington Academy Instagram

Note that the cover image belongs to GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail.

What are the timings of the school?

 The school is operational from 7:50 am to 3:10 pm.

How many grades/years are there in the school?

Pre-KG to Year 12.

Does the school follow a co-education model?

Yes, GEMS Wellington, Al Khail has a co-education model.

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

The school has 2,150 students and most of them are Emirati.

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.

The tuition fee ranges from AED 49,440 - AED 89,476.

How does the school communicate with parents?

Parents can use the GEMS Connect app to get all the information regarding their child. They can also use GEMS Parents Portal to get information about examination schedules and upcoming events at the school. The school also updates its social media pages to keep parents informed.

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

Yes, GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail Dubai has a large canteen with a variety of snacks and lunch options.  

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

 Yes, GEMS Al Khail Academy has a dedicated team inclusion team to support students of determination.

Does the school arrange field trips?

Yes, the school takes students on field trips.

How many teachers are currently teaching in the school?

The school has 157 teachers and 107 teaching assistants. Most of the teachers are from Britain.