GWS Dubai is intended to be the first of several GEMS World Schools, with a GEMS World School in Abu Dhabi expected to open in 2008.
There was a press release from GEMS 16 May 2007. Summary of it is:
- New "GEMS World School Dubai" will open later in 2007 on Al Khail Rd in South Al Barsha, handy to Emirates Hills - The Meadows, The Springs etc, and Arabian Ranches.
- GWSD will offer an "unparalleled learning environment." It had better, with maximum fees of AED 92,000 per year almost twice the maximum at any other Dubai school
. - GEMS are planning to open similar schools in the region. The next GEMS World School is expected to open in Abu Dhabi in 2008.
- Founding principal is Stuart Dennis (previously head at Jumeirah Primary School).
- GEMS World School Dubai will have a "wrap around day", a first in the region they say, which means families can join in with their students in meals and activities before and after the normal teaching day.
- Initially, GEMS World School will open with Pre-KG to Grade 6 classes in September 2007, growing to Grade 12 by 2010.
- GWS intends to follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP) up to the IB Diploma in grade 12. Which presumably means the Middle Years Program (IBPYP) is also followed. The school has applied for authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
- GWS says they'll have "a new generation of" facilities with: a 6-lane 25-metre swimming pool, 400-metre athletic track, fitness centre, tennis courts, squash courts, an Academic Discovery World with design and technology workshops, robotics studio, information and communication technology (ICT) suites, science rooms, and something called a rooftop "Peace Garden"
- Teachers will be pleased to know that the boss said "By offering some of the best salary and benefits packages in the region ..." No concrete information seen on just what that means though.
- And if that's not enough to get you salivating, Mr Dennis also said GEMS WS would offer "the Middle East's best ongoing professional development programmes." But you'll need at least 5 years teaching experience to be considered.
- Press release had lots of other big words and impressive phrases like "superlative teaching staff", "core differentiators", "positive interaction", "integration of family life", "unlike any other school in the region", "flagship school", "rigorous academic programme", "forward-thinking international organization", "first next generation school", etc
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