Dubai's GEMS World Academy, known for its four comprehensive IB programmes, is expanding with a purpose-built second site, located near its current campus in Al Barsha. Set to open in August 2024, this expansion aims to improve students' learning experiences, ensuring a smooth transition to higher education and meeting the growing needs of the school community. The new site will be dedicated to senior students in Grades 9 to 12, providing them access to modern facilities including an IT-enhanced research centre, subject-specific classrooms, a sustainability centre, and an examinations hall.
Meanwhile, nursery to grade 8 will remain at the existing site, maintaining a commitment to small class sizes of up to 25 students and offering specialised facilities for primary and middle school students, such as spaces for food technology, product design, computer science, and science labs.
Commenting on the expansion, Dr Saima Rana, CEO/Principal of GEMS World Academy, Dubai and GEMS Education’s Chief Education Officer, said: "Our commitment to providing a world-class education to our students is unwavering. By extending our footprint, we aim to enhance the educational journey for each student, fostering an environment that promotes open-mindedness, principled behaviour, and a commitment to excellence. The expansion not only aligns with the IB principles, but also reinforces our dedication to nurturing lifelong learners who are equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape."
Sports facilities at the new site include, squash courts, a four-court sports hall, a 25m swimming pool, and a fitness studio. For performing arts, there will be music practice rooms, a recording studio, an auditorium, art rooms, a theatre, a black box room, and a media and green room.
To accommodate parents and students, ample parking will be available at the new site, with a free shuttle bus service connecting the two campuses for convenient drop-off and pickup options.
The school is organising parent forums and student workshops in the upcoming weeks to gather innovative ideas for the new site and encourage interaction and collaboration across grade levels. This expansion is a significant milestone for GEMS World Academy and promises to create an even more engaging and dynamic learning environment for the entire school community.