Curriculum Overview

A holistic approach that encourages academic excellence, personal growth, and wellbeing.

About
THE IB

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational framework that offers programs for students aged 3-19, designed to foster inquisitive, knowledgeable, and compassionate individuals. The IB encourages students to become active learners who engage with their communities and the world. The goal is to promote global understanding, respect for different cultures, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Through its rigorous and challenging curriculum, the IB nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, ensuring students are well-prepared for both academic success and life beyond the classroom. The IB program is internationally recognised for its high standards and focus on developing well-rounded, responsible individuals who are ready to contribute meaningfully to society.

Meet our
Head of School

It is my privilege as Head of School to welcome you to GEMS International School (GIS), one of the jewels in the GEMS crown. 

The values of respect and trust, aligned to ambition, are paramount in a large and successful international school. With 105 nationalities in our student body, respect for others is at the heart of our school. Respect engenders confidence, kindness, and trust. We trust our students and faculty to be creative, critical thinkers, to take responsibility and to work hard. This in turn fosters an atmosphere in which students are not afraid to take risks, where they can learn from their mistakes, building resilience within a caring environment. Student leadership has been commended regularly and widely at GIS, and this derives from our values of respect and trust.

Head of School

We are an
IB World School

GEMS International School,  opened in September 2013 as a premium IB World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP), and IB Career-related Programme (CP). We are part of a global community committed to high-quality, international education.

Developing Future-Ready, Inquisitive Thinkers

The IB curriculum nurtures critical and independent thinking, empowering students with the skills to analyse information, ask the right questions, and thrive in an ever-evolving world.

A Global Education for Lifelong Learning

As part of an international network, GIS instils values of intercultural understanding, respect, and lifelong learning, shaping compassionate, knowledgeable leaders of the future.

The IB
Learner
Profile

The goal of all IB programmes is to develop globally minded individuals who, recognising their shared humanity and responsibility for the planet, contribute to a more peaceful and better world.

IB learners aim to be: 

Inquirers

Inquirers develop curiosity, acquiring skills for research and independent learning. They enjoy the learning process and sustain this love of learning throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts, ideas, and issues of local and global significance, gaining in-depth knowledge and understanding across a wide range of disciplines.

Thinkers

Inquirers develop curiosity, acquiring skills for research and independent learning. They enjoy the learning process and sustain this love of learning throughout their lives.

Communicators

They confidently express ideas in multiple languages and communication styles, using creativity. They collaborate effectively and willingly with others.

Principled

They demonstrate integrity and honesty, showing fairness, justice, and respect for individuals and communities. They take responsibility for their actions and the consequences that result.

Open-minded

They value their own cultures while remaining open to the perspectives, values, and traditions of others. They actively seek and evaluate different viewpoints and are open to growing from the experience.

Caring

They demonstrate empathy, compassion, and respect for the needs and feelings of others. Committed to service, they take action to positively impact others' lives and the environment.

Risk-takers

They face unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and thoughtfulness, showing independence in exploring new ideas and roles.

Balanced

They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective

They reflect on their learning and experiences, assessing their strengths and limitations to support their personal growth.

Kindergarten

The Early Childhood program at GEMS International School blends the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Our inquiry-based, play-driven curriculum fosters independence, collaboration, and responsibility, while promoting development, inclusivity, and intercultural understanding.

Primary Years
Programme

At GIS, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3-11 fosters inquiry-driven learning. Our transdisciplinary curriculum integrates six global themes, developing critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. Students grow as active, compassionate learners, ready to contribute to a changing world.

Middle Years
Programme

Our MYP curriculum for students aged 11-16 is inquiry-based, focusing on personal, social, and emotional development. The concept-driven programme connects learning to real-world contexts, ensuring engagement and relevance. Core aspects work together to inspire students to become lifelong learners. 

DIPLOMA
Programme

The DP is a rigorous pre-university programme offering academic achievement and exploration of passions. Valued by global universities, successful completion enables university entry. Students study six subjects, with options to take additional science or humanities instead of an Arts subject. 

CAREER-RELATED
PROGRAMME

The IB Career-related Programme (CP) is for post-16 students focused on a specific career or subject. It includes a Career-related Study (CRS), three DP courses, and the CP Core, which covers the Reflective Project, Community Engagement, and more. The CRS connects to students' career goals and future aspirations.

Voices of our
Community

Discover why families choose GIS through the voices of our parents. Their experiences highlight our commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and a nurturing community. Hear firsthand how GIS fosters curiosity, confidence, and success, shaping a bright future for every child.

What I can see is that they are not worried about achieving a number on a test. It’s more about if I did not get the answer, how can I work on that area.

Ms. Marinela

Parent of Grade 3 & 5

You are teaching our children how to be open-minded, and how to develop skills that will be necessary in the future.

Szymon and Sylwia

Parent of Grade 2 & 8

The IB Curriculum helps my children to be more flexible in changing times. They learn how to find information, to analyse, to research, preparing them for the future.

Ms. Svetlana

Parent of Grade 4 & 7

It was no doubt from my side that they were going to an IB school I strongly believe that their independence and their critical thinking skills are preparing them really well.

Ms. Janne

Parent of Grade 2, 8, 10 & Grade 12

We picked IB because we think that the level of education fits well with that in the Netherlands, so when we go back, it’s a smooth transition.

Ms. Marcha

Parent of Grade KG2

Blogs
highlights

In today’s fast-paced world, education is no longer just about academics; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals.

In today’s fast-paced world, education is no longer just about academics; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals.

In today’s fast-paced world, education is no longer just about academics; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals.

In today’s fast-paced world, education is no longer just about academics; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals.

In today’s fast-paced world, education is no longer just about academics; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals.

In today’s fast-paced world, education is no longer just about academics; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Play-based learning is at the heart of early childhood education, particularly within the British curriculum,...

frequently asked
questions

What are the advantages of an IB education?

IB World Schools (the only schools authorised to offer IB programmes) are subject to a strict accreditation process monitored by the IB, ensuring that schools provide a high-quality education. 

Teaching methods and curriculums are research-based and draw from the best educational practices from systems around the world and teachers are required to participate in many professional development opportunities to continually promote their awareness of current educational practices and new thinking. 

IB programmes are recognised internationally and ease the educational transition of mobile students so that their education is not adversely affected if their families relocate. 

Our values base ensures that our students develop characteristics that are required to be a positive and successful global citizen

How many foreign languages do you offer?

English is the main language of instruction. In addition, the school offers Arabic, French, Spanish, and 58 other languages in the IB Diploma. A range of mother tongue options are available and run where there are sufficient numbers interested.

Do you admit students at any time during the academic year?

Yes. Whilst enrolling at the beginning of Term 1 (September) or Term 2 (January) are recommended, we understand that families often relocate at different times during the year. Subject to availability in a particular Grade, we will endeavour to accommodate admission throughout the school year and are able to bridge students into the programme given our years of experience in doing so. 

Where is GIS located?

Our campus is located in the prestigious Dubai Hills community, along the Al Khail Road (E44), Dubai. Our school is best accessed through Al Marabea Rd. overpass. It is very close to Kings College Hospital and there are road signs to guide to school. 

school admissions
PKG - Grade 12