Welcome to
 Primary

Where interests, talents, values, and confidence is developed.

About
Primary

At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, our Primary Academy delivers exceptional learning for children aged 5 to 11. We believe these formative years are crucial for developing each child’s interests, talents, values, and confidence. Our mission is to nurture curious, compassionate learners who not only understand the world around them but are equipped to shape its future through innovation, collaboration, and a social entrepreneurial mindset.

We follow a rich, balanced curriculum aligned with UK National Curriculum standards, ensuring students are well prepared for a seamless transition into Secondary School. Learning is carefully tailored to each child’s abilities and interests, with teachers designing creative, meaningful lessons that connect subjects and encourage real-world thinking.

Every day, our classrooms are filled with inspiring activities, engaging challenges, and open-ended tasks that spark imagination and deepen understanding. Our educators are passionate about fostering inquiry, asking thought-provoking questions, and guiding students to solve problems independently and collaboratively.

With a strong emphasis on personal growth, academic excellence, and holistic development, our Primary phase empowers children to thrive today and lead tomorrow. Discover why GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail is the ideal choice for outstanding primary education in Dubai.

Welcome from our
HEAD OF Primary

At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, we provide high-quality, personalised learning experiences for children across the school, including in Primary.

We believe that children learn best when they are provided with opportunities to problem solve, apply their learning to real life and think deeply about skills and concepts.

In Primary, children make meaningful links between subjects to ensure learning remains relevant. Our small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding teaching team allow for every child to aspire, create and excel.

We place high emphasis on physical development and wellbeing across the school, recognising that successful learning relies on children feeling safe, valued, healthy and happy in their environment.

Ben Cooper – Primary Principal

STEAM Education

Our STEAM programme blends Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics into an exciting, hands-on learning journey. Beginning in Year 1, students explore the world of Robotics, progressing to advanced coding and programming by Year 6. Through a wide range of resources—including digital tools, LEGO robotics, and 3D printing—students creatively solve real-world challenges while deepening their understanding across subjects.
 
Learning takes place in dynamic environments including our Computer Suites, STEAM Room, and Science Labs, where students experiment with technology, use age-appropriate woodwork tools, and engage in engineering-based tasks. Our “Projects for Change” initiative further connects STEAM learning to real-life applications, encouraging children to think critically and act purposefully.
 
Partnerships with external organisations provide enriching experiences and industry-relevant insights. From robotics competitions to innovative design challenges, students build problem-solving, collaboration, and creative thinking skills. At GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, our STEAM education prepares students to shape and lead the future.

Projects 4 Change

Projects 4 Change empowers students to believe they can create meaningful, lasting change in the world. This innovative programme combines the Discovery phase—where children build essential knowledge and skills in Geography, History, Art, Design and Technology, and Computing—with the Social Enterprise phase, where they apply their learning to real-world challenges.

In the Discovery phase, students explore global and historical contexts, express creativity through the arts, and develop key digital and design skills. These foundations are then used in the Social Enterprise phase, where students take purposeful action through charity work, problem-solving projects, and community-focused initiatives.

This powerful integration of thematic learning and social action encourages children to see themselves as active global citizens. It not only deepens subject understanding but also builds critical thinking, empathy, and leadership. Through Projects 4 Change, students gain the confidence and capabilities to positively shape their communities and contribute to a better world.

LAMDA

The Drama department at The Academy have some incredible partnerships and performing arts opportunities available to students. Recently, we launched our new Elite Performing Arts Program where successful students will be coached and trained by professionals from Urdang International and United Dance Organisation DXB (UDO DXB). Students can audition to be a part of our elite teams and if successful, they will receive bespoke, professional training. An example of this is our Elite Acting Up Theatre Company, and successful students are entered for their LAMDA qualification. LAMDA Speech & Drama classes are drama lessons leading to exams set by the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. These exams are designed to develop the skills necessary to communicate dramatic text to an audience. This is just one of the fantastic opportunities in which students will develop interpretative skills, technical skills and knowledge of the performance process.

Student Leadership

Each year group provides opportunity for student leadership. These help students develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. It also allows them to take an active role in their education and school community. Examples of our student leadership roles in primary school include elected student council members, digital leaders who help with technology-related tasks and initiatives, eco-warriors who work on environmental projects, and playground leaders who help to create a positive and inclusive play environment for their peers. By participating in these leadership roles, students can learn to be responsible, confident, and capable leaders, which can benefit them both in and out of the classroom.

Enrichment

At GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, enrichment is a core part of our learning experience, designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and nurture individual talents beyond the classroom. Our extensive enrichment programme offers a wide variety of activities that allow students to explore their interests, discover new passions, and develop essential life skills.

Whether it’s sport, performing arts, coding, creative writing, or sustainability initiatives, our enrichment opportunities are inclusive, diverse, and age-appropriate. Through engaging clubs, themed days, workshops, and external partnerships, students are encouraged to try new things, collaborate with peers, and grow in resilience and creativity.

These experiences not only complement academic learning but also support personal development by fostering independence, teamwork, and a love of lifelong learning. Enrichment at the Academy is carefully planned to ensure every child can thrive, enjoy school life to the fullest, and uncover their unique potential.

frequently asked
questions

What are the timings for the Primary School?

The school day begins at 7.45am (doors open at 7.15am) and finishes at 3.00pm (11:50am Fridays).

What are the class sizes and how many adults are there?

Our small class sizes of 27 ensure that all children experience personalised learning to enable them to quickly meet their next steps. There is one Teacher and one Teaching Assistant in every class from Years 1 to 4. In Years 5 and 6, there is one Teacher and a Teaching Assistant shared between two classes. For our younger students, our Teaching Assistants accompany children to their specialist lessons with specialist teachers.

Do I need to provide lunch for my child?

Parents have three options for snack and lunch. They can provide their own packed lunch from home. They can pre-order a packed lunch from our catering company, Slices. Alternatively, you can allow children to purchase their own lunch with Slices with either cash or adding money to their student ID.

How will I know what my child is learning?

We strive to work in full partnership with parents, sharing information, progress and achievements throughout the year to best support children’s learning in school and at home. We have three formal parents’ evenings across the school year, however we have an open-door policy and encourage parents to meet teachers frequently to discuss progress and next steps in learning. We also offer regular opportunities for parents to ‘drop in and join in’ with learning in the classroom.

Does my child need an iPad?

All Primary classrooms have interactive touch screens to support learning across the curriculum. Children in Years 1 and 2 have frequent access to iPads and electronic programmable devices. Children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 are asked to bring their own Apple iPad from home as part of our Bring Your Own Device Scheme which transitions into Secondary School. Digital learning is integrated into all areas of learning to ensure children can apply their digital literacy in all contexts. However, children’s well-being is extremely important and so teachers closely monitor to ensure that there is a balance between digital and ‘unplugged’ activities. Technology is only used when it will enhance learning and not to replace other learning opportunities.

Blog
HIGHLIGHTS

May
2025
How STEAM Inspires Creativity and Problem-Solving in Primary Years

Through PE, students develop essential physical skills such as coordination, balance, agility, and endurance, ensuring that their overall well-being is prioritised.

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May
2025
Why Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities Matter in Primary Years

Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure, especially when selecting the right school for your child.

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May
2025
Things to Consider When Choosing a Primary School in Dubai

At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, we follow the National Curriculum of England (NCoE), providing a broad and balanced education.

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