

Welcome to GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis It is my pleasure to welcome you to GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis; a unique, highly innovative and dynamic learning community for students from ages 3 to 18 years old. At GEMS Wellington Academy, learning is not confined to the classroom; it is accessible all day and in a range of learning spaces. We offer a fully inclusive curriculum that underpins our ethos of care, support and guidance, alongside high academic achievement. We have a pastoral system of four houses which offers a healthy sense of competition and leadership opportunities as well as a sense of belonging for all students, making the Academy environment feel much smaller and safer. We are very proud of our superb campus which offers the students exposure to outstanding 21st Century pedagogy and approaches to learning, supported by an outstanding team of professional leaders, teachers, and specialists. Our wonderful facilities in performing and creative arts, music, sport, and hi-tech labs complement our unique diverse approaches to blended learning and innovative curriculum design for all ages across the entire Academy. Our unique enrichment programme is of the highest calibre and contributes towards the students thriving in all aspects of their growth and development, and ensuring links across all areas of learning and extending knowledge, skills and competence. Equally, our provision for gifted and talented students ensures that we push the boundaries of learning to challenge and expose them to new thinking and learning experiences beyond their years. We offer the widest Post-16 pathways within the GCC through our rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma programme, Career Related programme, and the face-to-face and Blended Learning programme. Our exclusive Sports Academy identify UAE’s most able athletes and welcome student athletes from around the world to study and professionally train in a world-class multi-sport offering as well as have the opportunity to receive sports scholarships (mainly in the US). Students take an active approach in choosing their educational pathways and achieving excellent results in external examinations. Our most valued partnership is with our parents and students. Our elected Parent Council acts as a springboard for parents’ ideas, initiatives, and concerns within the community and they contribute to the functioning of the Academy as well as plan Parent Engagement events. We encourage students to take an active interest in their learning environment where they elect Student Ambassadors and link the school community with the interests of the student body. I hope this prospectus gives you a flavour of what we offer and inspire you to visit the Academy and discover a unique school community with an enthusiasm for learning. Michael Gernon CEO & Principal 
GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis It takes positive and dynamic learning for young minds to excel in our world. At GEMS Wellington Academy, creating and sustaining such an environment is everyday reality. We support our pupils across all phases of their school life by opening up doors that empower them to be the best they can be. Our community is designed to be confident, independent and capable of thinking reflectively and creatively to leverage their full potential. GEMS Wellington Academy is nestled within one of the city's most coveted new developments, Dubai Silicon Oasis. Our campus hosts a bright, modern, well-resourced environment where students are encouraged to extend their learning. By integrating technology with the curriculum, we complement the educational rationale of the school as well as the vision of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority.
Our School Facilities GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis benefits from a range of purpose built facilities that will aid in the delivery of the curriculum in a premium educational setting. Amongst those facilities you will find: Spacious teaching areas with interactive whiteboards/LED displays in every classroom 3 x 25m 6 lane swimming pools, with diving platforms and a learner pool 2 full sized sports fields (3G surface (AstroTurf)) 3 large multi-purpose indoor sports halls Fitness Suite
Several outdoor multi-purpose court areas Cricket practice nets 100m sprint track 650 seat professional auditorium External amphitheater Performing Arts Suite; including Music Practice Rooms, Dance Studio & Drama Studio Interactive blended learning plaza with video conference world classroom Media Suite; including ICT Suite, Editing Rooms, Radio Station, Recording Studio & Mac suites Video conference suite Access to laptops and iPads High specification Science labs Design Technology facilities; including Resistant Materials, Electronics and Home economics Arts studio with pottery kiln Indoor and outdoor Foundation Stage play areas Outdoor adventure area 3 libraries and Post-16 Centre 2 Parent Cafes 3 student restaurants Spacious public areas for additional learning environments Shaded on-site bus drop off area On-site parking facilities
Our Curriculum
The curriculum at WSO is a uniquely crafted progression from the Early Years Foundation Stage, through an enriched and developed National Curriculum for England into personalised qualification pathways incorporating IGCSE and GCSE, BTEC courses. These culminate in one of the richest IBDP and IBCP offers in the region. GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis follows: The Early Years Foundation Stage The National Curriculum for England International accredited UK based Qualification Pathways IGCSE, GCSE & BTEC The International Baccalaureate Diploma and Careers Programme The curriculum at GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis is also underpinned by the GEMS core values of World Citizenship, Leadership Qualities, Universal Values and Forward Thinking. These values are embedded into curriculum planning so that students are not only prepared for academic success, but equipped to be well-rounded lifelong learners and responsible, proactive members of the global community, poised to engage the future with competence and confidence. The preparation of our students for their future in a world where globalisation and technology are driving rapid change requires that the curriculum at every point include the use of ICT to enhance its delivery and to draw on world resources.
The Learning Programme The curriculum at WSO is a uniquely crafted progression from the Early Years Foundation Stage, through an enriched and developed National Curriculum for England into personalised qualification pathways incorporating IGCSE, GCSE, BTEC. These culminate in one of the richest IBDP and IBCC offers in the region. GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis follows: The Early Years Foundation Stage The National Curriculum for England International accredited UK based Qualification Pathways IGCSE, GCSE & BTEC The International Baccalaureate Diploma and Careers Related Certificate From a modern campus, our first-rate facilities deliver a spectrum of opportunities for students to explore distinct curriculum areas and maximise their learning along the journey through school life. The curriculum framework is designed in a manner that allows teachers, students and parents to map the progress of students in each subject, with the expected standards of children schooling in the United Kingdom as a benchmark. Central to our curriculum is the development of learning skills with elements of project based learning and exploration. Technology is gainfully utilised as an enabler across every stage of the student's journey through school life. The use of technology is visible across all aspects of everyday teaching and learning as it serves as a catalyst to enable collaboration, enhance communication and encourage creativity. Within our environment, young individuals are given the freedom of personal expression and creativity at every stage.
Our curriculum is designed to support all facets of visual and performing arts and complemented by a range of state-of-the-art facilities. It reflects a learning ecosystem where students can not only unearth their hidden talents but also develop their interests further through the Extra Curricular Activities programme. There's a good reason why we are practically and holistically an international school. Through curriculum studies, we introduce students to the global community they are part of and the local community they live in. The development of a cultural understanding is integral to our core values, and ideas are shared and exemplified by our students to demonstrate world citizenship and universal values.
Enriching The Curriculum At WSO, enrichment activities take place as part of the normal Academy day. The enrichment programme offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to explore and develop their skills across several areas, including academic, artistic and sporting. Every student's physical development needs are met through a range of excellent sporting facilities and expert coaching standards. Students grow in confidence as they learn to work as part of a team, recognise the abilities of others, rise to personal challenges and participate in learning experiences that stimulate and entertain equally. Our age-appropriate multi-use sports pitches are playgrounds for a high standard of coaching. The indoor and outdoor facilities create conducive environments, keeping local weather conditions in mind. Equally excellent is our swimming centre, designed to accommodate the needs of the youngest learners as well as senior teams. As a forward-thinking school, we not only embrace technology but also provide students with real-life challenges. Leadership opportunities abound through our house system, student council, business enterprise, sports teams and adventure activities, while field trips and visits also play an ever increasing role in the development of young minds.
Teaching Philosophy Our talented and committed teaching staff comprises well-qualified professionals who bring relevant and rich educational experiences into the school ecosystem. Every member of the teaching team echoes our values of supporting students as they work towards identifying and achieving personal targets and ensure they celebrate their success.
The Teachers At Our Academy Keep high expectations of what students can achieve Actively engage students in their own learning Converse with technology and use it effectively to promote learning Systematically develop students' learning skills to make them increasingly independent Employ assessment for learning techniques to help students reflect on what they know and set targets for the future Use stimulating activities in well-paced lessons Create a purposeful atmosphere that promotes good learning Encourage students to participate in Extra Curricular Activities
Student Welfare All phases of your child's welfare are addressed by the Academy. When you entrust your child's future to us, we ensure they are well looked after and benefit from their learning journey. Every aspect of our school has been designed to complement this philosophy.
Healthcare Clinic Emergencies come without a warning, and anywhere. For this reason, we have a fully-equipped clinic that has pride of place within the Academy. We have experienced healthcare professionals on call to address any kind of personal health emergency.
Age-Appropriate Play Areas Our outdoor play areas are shaded to provide protection from the sun, especially during the summer months. The activity spaces are ideal for students to play about or relax with friends. Numerous drinking water fountains ensure refreshment when they need it.
Pastoral Support & Student Counsellor Our teachers recognise that pupils too have emotional, social and personal needs that can affect their everyday school lives. In our quest to turn them into confident global citizens, our teachers enlighten them about the world they live in, and how they can fit in. Students are open to sharing their concerns and find counsel to deal with their challenges.
Parent Engagement GEMS Education is leading the world in the way it perceives parent engagement. Global research confirms that when parents engage in the learning journey of their children, it can improve academic performance and help them reach their true potential. Our goal is to make sure that all GEMS parents know what it means to be at the heart of the learning process and, as educators, provide them with the tools and resources they need.
Let’s get you registered! It is my pleasure to guide you through the registration process here at GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis. We have put together some information to help with this in the following pages. It also identifies key documents required in order to make the registration process run smoothly. If you need any further information or clarification to help with this, please feel free to get in touch in following ways: Email: registrar_wso@gemsedu.com Call us: +971 (0) 4 515 9000 Or, alternatively call in and see us in the registrations office at the Academy. We are based within the Phase 1 (Primary School) main reception. The team and myself look forward to meeting you soon. Katie Brehaut Registrar
Registration Guidance First of all, complete the online enquiry form on our website, you will find this under the Admissions tab www.gemswellingtonacademy-dso.com Once this is complete, then please proceed to our school to submit the following documentation.
Application Requirements Completed online receipts will be accepted if accompanied by the Administration Fee of 500AED (non-refundable and non-transferable). The KHDA (Ministry of Education) requires all families to submit the following documents for each child entering education in Dubai. Without these documents entry for your child may be refused. 1 Copy of Student Passport 1 Copy of both sides of the Students Emirates ID card and the actual ID card for scanning (if available) 1 Copy of both sides of the Sponsors Emirates ID card and the actual ID card for scanning (if available) 2 years of Full School Reports and any mid-year interim reports from the current academic year, must be included. REPORTS MUST BE IN ENGLISH. Nursery report required for Foundation Stage 1 and 2 children (if available). If your child has received any learning support/special education please provide all reports/ information. Please note Applications will not be processed until full documentation and payment of application fee has been received.
Transfer Certificate Guidelines In order for us to comply with the KHDA regulations and for us to register your child with the KHDA, it is imperative that we receive a Transfer Certificate from your child’s previous school; this includes all students from Y2 through to Y13. FS1, FS2 or Year 1 at the start of the Academic year (September) do not require a Transfer Certificate, however if they join after the 15th November they will be required to submit one to our Registration Team. 1. 2. 3. 4.
The Transfer Certificate must be on official school letterhead The form needs to be completed on the pupil’s last day of attendance. This form must be signed by the Principal and show an official school stamp. The original certificate must be presented on the first day of school.
Transfer Certificate 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Full Name of Child: Date of Birth; Date of Enrolment at your Child’s Previous School Class to which he/she was admitted (i) Present class: (ii) Year Group Completed (iii) Year Group Promoted to:
6. 7. 8.
Date the child left the school: Previous School Curriculum: School Stamp and Signature:
NB: Children coming from countries other than America, Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand should have the original Transfer Certificate (TC) attested by: Ministry of Education (from country of TC origin) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (from country of TC origin) UAE Embassy (from country of TC origin) Children coming from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,Bahrain, Qatar and Oman must have their original certificates attested only by the Ministry of Education (from country of TC origin) For more information: Email: registrar_wso@gemsedu.com Call us: +971 (0) 4 515 9000 ‘Like’ us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GEMSWSO ‘Follow’ us on twitter @GEMS_WSO https://twitter.com/gems_wso