Dear Families,

We had a very busy week with getting back into in person learning and assemblies. At our assemblies this week, Mr. Paul went over expectations for behavior and academics and our new safe zones in case there is an alert. We also had our course selection for grades 6 and 7 where the students picked their elective for the next school year. It was a learning experience for us all!

On Thursday morning we had a safe zone drill with the entire secondary. Our Manager of School Operations and ADEK have designated safe zones for students to go to in case we get an alert. Our students have one minute to get to their designated spot and everyone did! 

We also had our Read Marathon Assembly on Thursday, a big thank you to Ms. Anna Parente for all of her hard work with it. 

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Williams

email: m.williams3_gaa@gemsedu.com 

As we have come to the end of the Quarter 3 reporting cycle, I would like to thank our students, families, and staff for their patience, flexibility, and support in the face of recent disruption. At challenging times, the strength of our IB community becomes especially clear, and I have been very grateful for the resilience and understanding shown by all.

I would also like to thank our staff for the care, commitment, and hard work they continue to show in supporting both Grade 11 and Grade 12 students – and myself. From preparing students for assessments to guiding them through coursework and final submissions, their support has made a real difference.

One of the highlights of this period has been meeting with our Grade 12 students for their CAS interviews. It has been genuinely inspiring to look through their portfolios and hear about the many ways they have contributed to the life of the school. Their creativity, initiative, service, and commitment to others are a powerful reminder that an IB education extends far beyond the classroom.

As Quarter 3 reports are published, families will see an important snapshot of student progress. For Grade 12, these reports include predicted grades, which would be used in place of the examined component under the IB’s non-examined contingency route, while Internal Assessment weighting remains unchanged. Further information about these grades is included in my reporting letter at the beginning of each student’s report.

For Grade 11, the next key milestone will be the June mock examinations, which will take place from 8–23 June, depending on subject. These exams are an important opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, prepare for the demands of Grade 12, and build confidence for the final stages of the Diploma Programme. Students will already have received their timetables and further details by email. 

As students continue preparing, the most important advice remains simple: prioritise sleep, work consistently, focus on understanding key concepts, and use past paper practice to sharpen exam technique.

Thank you, as always, to our parents and guardians for your continued support. Your encouragement and partnership make a significant difference to student confidence and wellbeing.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Elliot Brodie

email: e.brodie_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Final Stretch: Preparing for AP Success as Exams Approach

As we enter the final two weeks before AP examinations, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the effort, resilience, and adaptability our students have demonstrated throughout this unique academic year. Transitioning between online learning and an imminent return to campus is no small feat, and yet our students continue to rise to the challenge.

With students returning to campus next week, this period marks a crucial phase: consolidation, confidence-building, and strategic preparation. Whether you will continue learning online or resume in-person classes, the goal remains the same—approach your AP exams with clarity, discipline, and a well-structured plan.

One of the most important steps in these final weeks is to focus on active review rather than passive reading. This means practicing with past exam questions, timing yourself under exam conditions, and reviewing scoring guidelines. Understanding how answers are evaluated is just as important as knowing the content itself. For students studying online, this can be done by setting up quiet, timed practice sessions at home. For those returning to campus, make the most of teacher-led review sessions and opportunities to ask targeted questions.

Equally important is consistency. Avoid the temptation to “cram.” Instead, break your study time into manageable daily goals, focusing on one or two topics at a time. Short, focused sessions are far more effective than long, unfocused ones. Create a realistic study schedule that balances revision with rest.

Students should also prioritize areas of weakness. It is natural to gravitate toward topics you already feel confident in, but the greatest improvement comes from addressing gaps in understanding. Use available resources—teachers, online platforms, peer study groups—to clarify difficult concepts.

Whether online or on campus, maintaining a structured routine is key. Set specific study hours, minimize distractions, and ensure your environment supports concentration. If you are returning to school, re-establish productive habits quickly—arrive prepared, stay organized, and use your time efficiently between classes.

Finally, do not underestimate the importance of well-being. Adequate sleep, regular breaks, and healthy habits will significantly impact your performance. The goal is not just to study hard, but to study effectively and sustainably.

As your AP Coordinator, I am confident in your preparation and proud of your perseverance. These final two weeks are not about learning everything anew, but about refining what you already know and approaching the exams with confidence.

Stay focused, stay balanced, and finish strong.

Andreia Barbu

email: a.barbu_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Dear Secondary Parents/Guardians and Students,

we would like to share the confirmed schedule for the Secondary End of Semester 2 Assessments. The assessment period will be as follows:

End of Semester 2 Assessment Dates - Grades 6-11

• Grades 6-11:  June 17th to 24th, 2026

(Make-up assessments: June 24th to 30th)

Notes: 

• The detailed timetable of assessments will be shared closer to the dates, along with study leave details.

• Grade 12 families will receive a separate letter shortly, as G12 dates are different.

• AP exams details have been shared to AP families (updates will be provided when new information is available).

• DP exams have been cancelled, with students now receiving grades via the IB Non-Exam Contingency Measure, and details shared to G12 DP families. 

Importance of Semester Assessments

The Semester Assessments are a vital part of our academic programme. Research shows that final assessments:

• Provide a cumulative measure of student learning across Semester 2

• Allow students to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of key standards

• Support preparation for senior pathways, including AP and IB programmes

• Contribute to final reporting and promotion decisions

Support and Preparation

Students can expect a structured and organized assessment period. Should online learning continue in accordance with UAE authorities’ directives, assessments may be conducted through Exam.net or may take the form of project-based evaluations. Further details regarding procedures, expectations, and preparation guidance will be shared in Quarter 4 to ensure clarity and reassurance for all.

Our teachers will continue to guide and support students through review and skill development in the coming weeks. We encourage students to maintain steady study habits and approach the assessment period with confidence and a positive mindset.

Student Voice: Celebrating the UAE

During Arabic class, Grade 9 student Bana Khair El Din delivered a heartfelt speech expressing her pride in and appreciation for the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership.

Her words beautifully reflected a deep sense of gratitude, national identity, and respect, highlighting the strong connection our students feel toward the UAE.

We invite parents to view her speech, which stands as a wonderful example of student voice, confidence, and cultural appreciation.

في مادّة اللّغة العربيّة في أكاديميّة جيمس الأمريكيّة، أعربت الطّالبة بانة خير الدّين بكلمات صادقة عن فخرها واعتزازها بدولة الإمارات العربيّة المتّحدة، وبصاحب السّموّ الشّيخ محمّد بن زايد آل نهيان، رئيس الدّولة، حفظه الله ورعاه

حفظ الله الإمارات، وأدام عليها العزّ والمجد والرّخاء

REMINDER: Entering University Acceptances and Destinations

As we reconnect and move into this final stretch of the year, we need your help with one important task on Unifrog.

Please take a few minutes to log into your Unifrog account and make sure all of your university applications are entered and up to date.

This includes:

• Universities applied to through UCAS (UK)

• Universities in the UAE

• Universities in any other countries

If you applied through the Common App, those universities should already appear in your account. However, any other applications will need to be added manually.

Once all your universities are listed, please also:

• Update the response/outcome for each university (if you have received one)

• Indicate your final decision, where applicable

• Add details of any scholarships received

• Complete your Application Preferences by ranking all the universities you applied to in order of preference (for example, if you applied to 7 universities, please rank them from your 1st choice through to your 7th choice)

If you are still waiting to hear back from a university, you can leave that section blank for now.

Please see the Instructions to guide you through the process—it should only take a few minutes to complete.

Please try to have this done before Monday, April 27th.  You must have this completed in order to participate in Movie Night.

Why this matters:

• This data helps us identify popular colleges and programs among our students, so we can better tailor future college counseling workshops and resources

• Understanding your application outcomes and scholarships allows us to refine the support we provide to future students

• Keeping your Unifrog profile updated ensures we can efficiently send letters of recommendation and final transcripts to the university you choose to attend

We’re also especially excited to see where you’ve been accepted so we can celebrate your achievements together.

If you have any questions or need help, just reach out—we’re happy to support you.

Enriching Student Opportunities (Grades 9-11)

Counselors are pleased to share the latest GEMS For Life Student Opportunities Pack, which includes a wide range of enriching opportunities available from April through August.

This collection features over 80 curated opportunities designed to help students:

• Explore potential career pathways

• Gain meaningful experience

• Develop new skills

• Strengthen their profiles for future university applications 

Opportunities include a mix of virtual and in-person programmes, such as:

• Internships and career shadowing experiences

• University summer programmes and international tours

• Skill development workshops (e.g., AI, public speaking, finance)

• Research and publication opportunities

• Career-focused webinars and competitions

Please note that these programmes are offered by external providers and are not supervised by the school. Some opportunities may involve a fee. Students and families are encouraged to review options carefully to identify those best aligned with their interests and goals. 

Students who are interested should apply directly using the links provided in the document.

We strongly encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities to further develop their interests, build valuable experiences, and prepare for future academic and career pathways.

Creativity and Purpose in French

During our recent period of distance learning, students in the French department continued to demonstrate exceptional creativity and engagement. One standout example comes from India Sullivan, who produced an impressive project as part of her online learning.

India designed a social media-style poster for an activist group titled “La vague de changement,” focused on raising awareness about water pollution. What makes this project particularly remarkable is the level of detail and effort involved - every element of the artwork was carefully hand-drawn, showcasing both strong artistic talent and dedication.

The project thoughtfully explores the definition, causes, and serious consequences of water pollution. It also highlights powerful testimonies from individuals in Francophone countries affected by this issue, alongside practical and meaningful solutions to address it.

This work is a wonderful reflection of how our students continue to stay motivated, creative, and purposeful, even in a remote learning environment. We are incredibly proud of India’s achievement and the impact of her message.

• April 29: AP & IB Information Session for Grade 10-11 Parents @GAA Auditorium

• May 26-29: Expected Public Holiday Eid Al Adha (no school in session)

• June 5: Senior Walk

• June 7: Graduation Ceremony Class of 2026

• June 17-24: Grade 6-11 End-of-Year Exams