British Elementary through to 6th Form IB Diploma Program
The GEMS Wellington International School is a truly ground-breaking learning environment that provides exceptionally high standards of education to all the students. The school, spanning an area of eight acres, offers a spectrum of facilities and resources that combines a world class education with distinctive, state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The GEMS Wellington International School is based on a refreshing design and an exciting environment that envelops the student in a microcosm of learning. An environment that will become a focal point for the community.
As students enter the school they will be presented with the latest technology-based learning resources that will stimulate their senses. On entering the concourse they see the Creation Garden featuring exotic plant life and flora, creating an ambiance rarely seen in schools. The Digital Signboards adorn school corridors informing students of their next classes, upcoming events, clips of past-events and other information which has been streamed form the TV/ Radio Station.
Students can then expand their horizons by visiting the school theatre – Princess Haya Theatre, which seats 472 people, or visit the observatory for a breathtaking glimpse of the galaxy and the stars.
The entire concept of the classroom is changing at GWIS. The smart classrooms at GWIS features WiFi connectivity, Interactive whiteboards, Audio-Visual and multimedia projectors. It is this step forward taken by the GEMS group which will assert the Wellington School as a school of the future.
Location
GEMS Wellington International School is located in the Al Sufouh area of Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road near Interchange 4. On journeying from Dubai towards Jebel Ali go under the Interchange and GEMS WIS is the first major building on the right hand side. Visitors need to drive past the school taking the first slip road which doubles back towards the school entance. GEMS WIS is on the opposite side to the Mall of the Emirates and is situated between Dubai Media City and the Dubai Police Academy.
Who runs the school?
The school is owned and operated by GEMS Education, a private international company headquartered in Dubai that owns and manages schools around the world. The school’s Principal and CEO is Mrs Mel Curtis.
Is this a non-profit school?
No.
What facilities does it offer?
GEMS Wellington International School has been outfitted with the very pinnacle of educational and extra curricular facilities.
As students, staff and guests enter the reception area of the school they are greeted by the warm and welcoming environment we pride ourselves upon. The plasma screens along with our displays throughout the school are used to showcase and celebrate student achievements. They also function to relay important information about up and coming events, both in and out of school.
Classrooms are fitted with the latest interactive whiteboards and make use of full Internet connectivity. Students entering the Blue Frog Cafe encounter the Creation Garden featuring a waterfall, fountain and exotic plant life and flora, creating an ambiance rarely seen in schools. This naturalistic environment is complimented by student art work and sculptures. The Cafe provides a variety of healthy refreshments for all in a multipurpose space that is used as a parent and student lounge promoting informal discussion groups.
Wellington International School benefits from a state of the art IT infrastructure; we have three fixed computer suites each with interactive whiteboards, projectors, industry standard software and full wireless internet connectivity. Where it is not practical to use a computer suite Wellington has a series of laptop trolleys that can be called upon to support the learning in the classroom. With these resources students are able to engage in Image/video/sound editing, game creation, POD casting and multimedia presentations, not only do these support the learning within the subject area but more importantly equips our young people with the skills they need to contribute to the digital world we live in.
Facilities include a complete Knowledge Centre Library a Dance studio, Drama studio and Art studios (3). Also, a Television studio and Radio station is onsite, a first in UAE schools. Stage productions are held in the Auditorium which has seating for 470 people. Students wishing to expand their horizons can visit our observatory for a breathtaking glimpse of the stars the entrance of which is seen in the picture.
Blue Frog Cafe provides refreshments not only for students, but also for teachers and parents allowing them to meet and have discussions promoting informal discussion groups
Sporting facilities at WIS include a Floodlit astro turf ,health and fitness studio, a large multi-purpose sports hall and a Primary Sports Hall, cricket nets, tennis, basketball, netball and volleyball courts, a 25m indoor swimming pool, outdoor pool, climbing wall and a play area for Foundation Stage and year one children. The dance studio, with two fully mirrored walls, also doubles as a gymnasium for floor work.
As can be seen, GEMS Wellington International School is able to cater to the unique needs of each of our children. Whilst high academic standards are essential for any school our motto of ‘Success for All’ means that all students get a chance to experience success in Sport and Performing Arts.
What is the school’s philosophy?
The school website says that “At Wellington International School we aim to develop a number of personal qualities ‘The qualities of mind’ – curiosity, courage, investigation, experimentation, imagination, reasoning, sociability and reflection. We want our students to cope confidently with difficulty and uncertainty – to be powerful real-life learners.
Wellington International School provides a vibrant, supportive and creative learning environment that encourages challenge, curiosity and choice. This allows us to be extremely proud of the learning programme we provide from Foundation stage 1 – Year 13. Our excellent standards in both learning and teaching create a learning programme that is exceptionally rich, relevant and fun.”
Curriculum
The school follows the British National Curriculum, and offers the IB Diploma Programme in the final years.
Extra Curricular
GWIS offers a wide range of activities which enrich the students’ educational experience. The performing arts, creative subjects and the media are just a few of the areas which are on offer to the students. Students are also able to participate in a number of sport related activities with both recreational and competitive objectives including rugby, basketball and fitness. Fixtures are played in a number of sports including football, netball and swimming with as many students taking part as possible and there have also been a number of successful GWIS sports teams in both local leagues and international competitions.
Admissions requirements
GEMS Wellington International School prides itself on an admission policy that does not discriminate against any child or family. All children are welcome to apply to GEMS Wellington International School, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or religion.
GEMS Wellington International School is a truly international institution which has limited spaces for children with additional learning needs. However it does not have the provision for children with severe or complex educational needs nor is it able to provide at this time, support for non-english speakers.
All students from Year 4 to Year 10 are required to sit age relevant placement test to ensure that he / she prepared for the high quality education on offer at Wellington International School.
Where applications are from overseas, the child’s latest school report is used instead of an interview and as a result of that scrutiny it might be that then we ask for a test to be taken. In such cases GEMS Wellington International School will contact the child’s existing school to courier placement tests so that the children may undertake these in their own school. The expense of this action is to be borne by the parents of the child making the application.
Offer of a place is not solely on entrance test / interview alone and all parents should provide GEMS Wellington International School with the most recent copy of their child’s school resport when submitting an application form. Whilst GEMS Wellington International School is proud of high academic standards, applications from students who excel in other areas such a sports, music, drama and the arts are always welcomed.
Fees
Annual fees for 2011 were in the range of Dhs 33,249 at FS1 through to Dhs 72,335 for Year 13.
KHDA rating
Outstanding (as of 2011). The school has consistently ranked in the ‘Outstanding’ category since 2008-2009.