WELCOME TO MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME

Empowering learners through challenge, inquiry, innovation, and global-minded thinking.

About
MYP

At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship. Designed for students aged 11–16, the MYP combines academic rigour with real-world application, encouraging learners to be Responsible, Respectful, and Ready to learn. Our students explore their passions, challenge perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The MYP is a five-year, internationally recognised programme that prepares students to confidently progress into the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP). Its curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, ensuring a broad and balanced education. Each subject is taught for a minimum of 50 hours per year, with flexibility in the final two years to meet local requirements and personal learning goals.
 
The MYP supports learners in developing a strong sense of self, personal understanding, and social responsibility, equipping them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Welcome from our
Head of Secondary

Welcome to GEMS World Academy, Abu Dhabi. This is a vibrant and inclusive school, where every student is encouraged to take ownership of their learning journey. As Head of Secondary, I am committed to fostering curiosity, passion, and a drive for excellence while maintaining the highest expectations and standards. Our goal is to develop global citizens ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Being part of an all-through school, I deeply value the connections between our Primary and Secondary students. Our older learners act as positive role models and actively contribute to student leadership initiatives, building a strong sense of community and responsibility.

At GEMS WAA, we embody the belief that we are all lifelong learners. By investing in our staff and supporting their professional growth, we empower them to lead by example. At the heart of our school is the strong partnership between staff and students, creating a supportive and inspiring environment.

I look forward to welcoming you into our school community, where we nurture future leaders and celebrate every individual’s potential.

Josephine Wood - Head of Secondary

Josephine Wood - Head of Secondary

Welcome from our
MYP Coordinator

At GEMS World Academy, we believe in the power of education to shape future innovators, compassionate leaders, and critical thinkers. The MYP is at the heart of this vision, offering a holistic approach that blends academic excellence with real-world relevance. Through inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary connections, and a focus on international mindedness, our students are encouraged to become lifelong learners who understand their role in creating a better and more peaceful world.

Our dedicated teachers are passionate about fostering each student’s unique potential. From developing critical-thinking skills in the sciences to nurturing creativity in the arts, the MYP inspires students to explore their interests, challenge their perspectives, and engage meaningfully with local and global communities.

I invite you to explore the transformative learning experiences we offer here at GEMS World Academy -  Abu Dhabi. Together, we will empower our students to embrace challenges, celebrate diversity, and grow into confident, compassionate individuals ready to make a difference.

Welcome to the MYP journey—where every learner’s success story begins! 

Nora El Kady - MYP Coordinator

Nora El Kady - MYP Co-ordinator-1

Explore Our
Middle Years Curriculum

Students in the Middle Years Programme engage with a broad and balanced curriculum designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and connect learning to the real world. Each subject nurtures essential skills, global awareness, and a passion for lifelong learning.

English Language and Literature

In this course, students explore diverse texts, enhancing their critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. They analyse global perspectives, connect literature to real-world issues, and grow into articulate, empathetic, and principled citizens.

Mathematics

Learners develop into confident problem-solvers through an inquiry-based approach covering number systems, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability. Real-world applications help students build resilience, logical thinking, and collaboration skills for lifelong success.

Science

Through hands-on experiments and conceptual learning in biology, chemistry, and physics, students cultivate curiosity and critical thinking. Lessons link scientific knowledge to global challenges, encouraging discovery, resilience, and teamwork.

Individuals and Societies

Students explore history, geography, and contemporary global issues through inquiry and analysis. By examining diverse perspectives, they make meaningful connections to the world and develop into principled, informed global citizens. 

Arts

The Arts course nurtures creativity through the Visual Arts, Music and Dance. Students explore techniques, self-expression, and cultural contexts while honing their practical skills. Through inquiry and collaboration, they develop as reflective, confident, and globally minded young artists.

Language Acquisition

Learners have the opportunity to learn French or Arabic, with a strong focus on communication, cultural understanding, and global citizenship. Through engaging activities and inquiry-based learning, they develop language proficiency, explore diverse cultures, and grow as confident, open-minded communicators.

Design

Our design course empowers students to tackle real-world problems through creative and practical solutions. By combining digital and product design, learners engage with the full design cycle, build technical skills, and create sustainable, user-centred projects that promote innovation, responsibility, and ethical thinking.

Physical and Health Education

Promoting active, balanced lifestyles, PHE combines sport, fitness, and health education to support student well-being. Through physical activity and thoughtful discussion, students explore topics like nutrition and mental health, building confidence, teamwork, and a holistic understanding of healthy living.

A World of
Learning

In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students build on this foundation through structured units that emphasise interdisciplinary learning, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, and the development of the IB Learner Profile. Learners take part in meaningful service experiences through Service as Action, while the Personal Project in the final year empowers students to explore a passion or issue of personal significance, demonstrating their ability to research, plan, take action, and reflect. These experiences are underpinned by authentic assessment and inquiry-based learning, helping students make connections across subjects and real-world contexts. 

A World of
Sport

In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Physical and Health Education is one of the eight assessed IB subjects. Learners explore sport through both practical participation and theory-based inquiry, deepening their understanding of health, movement, strategy, and personal development. The MYP sports programme offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, including netball, basketball, football, and swimming. Students also take part in whole-school sporting events such as Sports Day, where they continue to develop collaboration, resilience, competitive spirit, and school pride. 

A World of
Innovation

In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Design is one of the eight assessed IB subjects. Learners engage with both Digital Design and Product Design throughout the five years of the programme, offering diverse pathways for creative and technical exploration tailored to individual interests and future aspirations. Beyond the classroom, students can extend their innovation journey through extra-curricular opportunities such as Greenpower racing, LEGO Robotics, and the F1 in Schools challenge—encouraging real-world application, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.

A World of
Connection

In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), developing global mindedness is a core focus. Communication, a key Approaches to Learning (ATL) skill, is embedded across all subject areas and nurtured both explicitly and implicitly. Our commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity is reflected in the Mother Tongue Programme, as well as co-curricular opportunities such as Model United Nations (MUN). Students also participate in vibrant community events including World Book Day, National Day, and International Day—fostering cultural awareness, student voice, and intercultural understanding at every stage of their learning journey. 

A World of
Happiness

In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), student voice and agency are embedded in daily learning through collaborative activities and inquiry-led projects. Learners are empowered to take ownership of their journey while developing leadership skills through initiatives such as Model United Nations (MUN), the Big Vote—our democratic student election—and the House Leadership Programme, including Heads of House. Wellbeing is further supported through advisory sessions focused on character education, peer mentoring, student-led initiatives, and opportunities for reflection. The MYP fosters a balanced, inclusive environment where students feel encouraged to express themselves, build connections, and contribute to a happy, healthy, purpose-driven community.

frequently asked
questions

HOW IS THE MYP DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL CURRICULUMS?

The MYP emphasises inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary connections, and real-world application. It also incorporates a global perspective and develops skills such as research, collaboration, and communication.

HOW ARE STUDENTS ASSESSED IN THE MYP?

Students are assessed using subject-specific criteria on a scale of 1–8. Teachers evaluate students through a variety of tasks, such as tests, projects, presentations, and reflections, with a focus on both process and outcomes.

HOW DO MYP GRADES RELATE TO TRADITIONAL GRADES?

MYP grades are criterion-referenced, meaning students are assessed against set standards rather than being compared to peers. This approach provides a clear understanding of what each grade represents.

CAN STUDENTS TRANSFER INTO THE MYP FROM ANOTHER CURRICULUM?

Yes, students can transition into the MYP with support to adapt to its inquiry-based and holistic learning approach.

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school admissions
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