Extracurricular Activities

Sport and Physical Education

Physical activity at GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi builds character alongside fitness. Early years embrace inclusive team sports where every child participates regardless of ability, developing discipline while fostering resilience and community bonds. As students progress through middle years, sport gains academic depth—Physical and Health Education becomes an assessed IB MYP subject where they explore movement strategies, physiology, and health theory. They compete in netball, basketball, football, and swimming, with the annual Sports Day channeling their competitive spirit.

Technologies at GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi

Digital innovation shapes learning from the start. Young students engage with robotics, 3D printing, and the Mac lab while mastering digital citizenship—using technology responsibly and ethically. This cultivates critical thinking and creativity, encouraging independent exploration. In middle school, Design becomes one of eight IB MYP subjects, with students pursuing digital and product design throughout their five-year journey. Beyond standard curriculum, GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi offers distinctive engineering challenges:

• Greenpower racing — building and racing electric vehicles
• LEGO Robotics — programming and engineering
• F1 in Schools — designing Formula 1 race cars

Culture and International Connections

The Primary Years Programme at GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi nurtures both personal identity and global awareness. Inquiry-based learning connects local contexts with worldwide perspectives through cross-disciplinary themes, while collaborative projects develop empathy and communication. Students maintain their linguistic heritage through the Mother Tongue programme, developing native languages alongside English. In middle years, communication becomes central to Approaches to Learning—students sharpen diplomatic skills through Model United Nations, while International Day, National Day, and World Book Day deepen intercultural understanding.

Well-being and Leadership Initiatives

Happiness and belonging define the experience at GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi. This diverse community—representing multiple cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives—helps students build emotional intelligence and meaningful relationships. Daily interactions teach gratitude, resilience, and positive connections. For MYP students, voice and agency become integral to learning through various leadership opportunities:

• Model United Nations — diplomatic debates
• Big Vote — democratic school council elections
• House Leadership Programme — managing school houses
• Heads of House — senior house representatives
• Advisory sessions — character development workshops
• Peer mentoring — older students guiding younger ones

These initiatives create balanced environments where students express themselves, forge connections, and contribute to their school community.