Welcome to
Secondary
Where students thrive, learn, and grow under the dedicated guidance of our outstanding teaching team.
About
Secondary
The Secondary School at GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail is committed to delivering academic excellence and fostering personal growth, preparing our students for university and the ever-changing world beyond. As the global landscape evolves rapidly, we emphasise the importance of resilience and adaptability, equipping our students to thrive in a dynamic environment.
Our aim is to inspire them to exceed personal goals both inside and outside the classroom. We take pride in being an inclusive school, which offers an outstanding education that truly caters to the individual needs of every student in our care.
What sets us apart is our unique pedagogical approach, embedding the Science of Learning into classroom practice. As a school, we are continually evolving, ensuring that our teachers employ the highest-quality teaching techniques. This commitment ensures that our students consistently receive the very best education.
Welcome from our
HEAD OF SECONDARY
My philosophy in education has always centred on the ability to learn independently. Developing the skills to decode text, calculations, social situations, and draw accurate conclusions, allows individuals to excel, solve problems, and make impactful decisions. As a school, we are committed to providing our teachers with continuous professional development, ensuring they remain at the top of their fields. However, this is just one piece of the puzzle.
Year after year, we watch our students graduate from the Secondary School and go on to achieve remarkable things, attending prestigious universities and excelling in their chosen paths. This success is not solely the result of outstanding teaching—it stems from fostering independent learning and a thirst for knowledge. These essential skills and passions are cultivated over time and are woven into our curriculum from Year 7 to Year 13. It is something I am deeply passionate about, ensuring every GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail graduate leaves with the tools to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Benjamin Parkes – Secondary Principal
Explore our
Secondary Curriculum
At GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, our Secondary School offers a dynamic and personalised British curriculum through Key Stages 3 and 4. With expert teaching, diverse subject choices, and tailored pathways including GCSEs and BTECs, students are empowered to thrive academically and prepare for future success.
KEY STAGE 3
Exploration and
Variety
Key Stage 3 offers students a rich and varied curriculum, giving them the chance to explore a broad range of subjects. This foundational stage encourages curiosity, helping students discover their strengths and passions across academic, creative, and practical disciplines.
KEY STAGE 3
Specialist Teachers and Facilities
Students benefit from our outstanding subject-specialist teachers and world-class learning environments. From science labs to creative studios, every space is designed to support high-quality teaching and engage learners in meaningful, hands-on experiences that deepen understanding and boost confidence.
KEY STAGE 3
Future Preparation
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum lays the groundwork for academic success in GCSE and BTEC pathways. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, independent learning, and personal development, students are fully equipped for the next phase of their educational journey.
KEY STAGE 4
Personalised Pathways
Key Stage 4 empowers students to shape their learning by selecting subjects they’re passionate about, alongside a strong core in English, Mathematics, and Science. This personalised approach fosters deeper engagement and motivation as students begin to focus on their future aspirations.
KEY STAGE 4
Qualifications for Progression
Students work towards GCSEs and BTECs, gaining qualifications that open doors to post-16 options, including A Levels, further BTEC study, or blended pathways. The curriculum is designed to ensure academic rigour while supporting each learner’s individual goals and strengths.
KEY STAGE 4
Skills for Life
Alongside academic success, Key Stage 4 emphasises the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills. These essential life skills equip students to navigate future challenges with confidence, both in education and in the wider world.
KEY STAGE 4
Expressive
Arts and Design
Expressive Arts and Design (EAD) is encouraged through creative play, music, movement, and art. Children explore different materials, textures, and techniques to express their ideas, emotions, and imagination, fostering confidence and creativity in a fun, inspiring environment.
Student Leadership
Alongside our world-renowned curriculum and outstanding teaching, we offer a robust programme of student leadership development and super-curricular opportunities. At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, students enhance their academic and personal growth through qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification, the Sports Leaders Award, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In addition, leadership opportunities like Model United Nations and social enterprise initiatives further enrich their educational experience. We believe it is imperative for students to broaden their horizons, engage meaningfully with the world around them, and strive for exceptional outcomes both in and beyond the classroom.
LAMDA
The Drama department at GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail offers exceptional opportunities for students to grow as performers and creatives. Our recently launched Elite Performing Arts Programme gives passionate students the chance to train with professionals from Urdang International and United Dance Organisation DXB (UDO DXB). Entry is by audition, and successful students join elite teams for bespoke coaching in acting, dance, and performance.
One key strand is our Elite Acting Up Theatre Company, where selected students work towards their LAMDA qualifications. These Speech & Drama exams, set by the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, help students develop the skills to communicate dramatic text with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Through these enriching experiences, students gain valuable interpretative and technical skills while deepening their understanding of the performance process. Drama at the Academy is about more than performance, it's about unlocking potential, building confidence, and nurturing future talent.
Sports
At GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, Secondary students benefit from an outstanding sports programme that promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and personal development. With world-class sports facilities—including indoor sports halls, a climbing wall, swimming pools, football and rugby pitches, basketball and tennis courts, a dance studio, and a fully equipped fitness suite—students have access to everything they need to thrive in sports.
Our diverse Physical Education curriculum and extracurricular activities include football, rugby, swimming, basketball, netball, and more. Competitive opportunities across school leagues and tournaments help students build confidence and resilience. As part of our commitment to excellence, our Swimming Centre of Excellence and Elite Sports Programmes offer specialist coaching for aspiring athletes looking to train and compete at higher levels.
Sport at GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail is more than just physical activity—it’s about fostering leadership, wellbeing, and a lifelong love of sport within a supportive and inspiring environment.
Academic Pathways
At GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, academic performance is driven by high expectations, personalised support, and a rigorous curriculum designed to meet the needs of every learner. In Key Stage 4, students follow a broad and balanced programme of GCSEs and BTECs, enabling them to tailor their academic pathway based on their strengths, interests, and future aspirations.
Our experienced subject specialists ensure that students are fully prepared for external examinations, combining in-depth knowledge with critical thinking and real-world application. GCSEs provide a strong academic foundation, while BTEC qualifications offer a practical, skills-based approach that supports a range of career and post-16 education routes.
We take pride in our strong results, with students consistently achieving above national averages. Through personalised tracking, academic mentoring, and targeted intervention, every learner is supported to achieve their full potential. Academic success at the Academy opens doors to top post-16 pathways, universities, and global opportunities.
frequently asked
questions
Can students join your school from other curricula?
Yes, students can join our school from any curriculum. We are committed to catering to the individual needs of each student to ensure a smooth transition and personalised learning experience.
Do you offer extracurricular activities (ECAs)?
Yes, we provide a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, scuba diving, and the arts. These activities are designed to enrich students’ experiences beyond the classroom.
Are there opportunities for educational and skill-building trips?
Absolutely. We run a variety of educational and skill-building trips throughout the year, offering students the chance to enhance their learning and develop important life skills.
Do you provide guidance for careers, subject options, and university applications?
Yes, we offer comprehensive careers, options, and university guidance to students across the Secondary School, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
How do you support students’ personal and academic growth?
We combine a personalised curriculum with a strong focus on leadership development, super-curricular opportunities, and skill-building, ensuring students are prepared to achieve their personal goals and succeed in their future endeavours.
Blog
HIGHLIGHTS
GCSEs offer an academically rigorous route across traditional subjects like English, Maths, Sciences, and Humanities, while BTECs provide a more applied, skills-based approach in areas such as Creative Media, Business, and Health & Social Care.
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We offer an outstanding sports programme that nurtures physical fitness, team spirit, and resilience through a wide variety of competitive and recreational opportunities.