GEMS Wellington Academy: An education that prepares for life

Schooling at GEMS Wellington is more than just academics. Students here are prepared to think independently and have the confidence to make mature decisions after school. "I have found studying the IB at GEMS Wellington Academy to be the most challenging and rewarding experience," remarks Venkatesh Kumar, a Blended Learning Diploma student who has applied to UCLA, Oxford and Berkeley universities to study Computer Science.
"To be amongst the pioneers studying the Blended Learning IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) is a very exciting and valuable experience. I have learned so many skills in research, critical thinking and time management," he added.
Students studying the IBDP or the IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) are able to follow one or more courses as digitally interactive courses that include live lessons in a global classroom with some of the world's best IB teachers and full access to carefully selected resources. Blended learning and the integration of technology are at the forefront of the curriculum and in keeping with the Academy's educational rationale and the vision of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority as a "Smart City". GEMS Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis (WSO) has a unique blended learning plaza that provides students and teachers with opportunities to be inventive and creative with technology, using a more progressive pedagogy to impact learning.
A genuine desire for learning
Reflective and resilient, WSO students embody a genuine desire and capacity for learning, are truly internationally minded citizens, capable of leading and influencing their own communities.
Munira Rajkotwalla, a first year Diploma student, has aspirations to find employment in the care, and support of others and contribute towards eliminating world hunger.
"Through TEDx Youth, for example, WSO students are able to have a voice and comment on pertinent issues affecting the world today. I wanted to encourage my peers to become involved, learn more deeply and present their ideas about global and local turbulence from a personal perspective," says Rajkotwalla.
Independence and drive
It is clear that WSO students develop skills, knowledge and personal capabilities necessary to make a positive difference in an ever-changing world. WSO offers 26 different IB subjects in niche areas as Computer Science, Design Technology and Film.
The heart of the IB Diploma is the core programme, designed to develop cognitive skills and attributes of an expert learner, alongside the independence and drive of a citizen determined to find a way in which he or she can contribute to the world.