Dear GAA Families,

I hope this message finds you well and safe after another rainy few days in Abu Dhabi.

I'm thrilled to share with you our continued commitment to fostering student engagement and authentic learning experiences. At GEMS American Academy, we firmly believe in equipping our students with not just knowledge, but the skills and mindset needed to excel in an ever-evolving world. To that end, we are doubling down on our efforts to integrate Project-Based Learning (PBL) instructional strategies across our curriculum.

Project-Based Learning is more than just a teaching method; it's a philosophy that empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey. By immersing themselves in real-world challenges, our students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills that are essential for success beyond the classroom.

Throughout a student’s journey through GAA, you can expect to have your child experience innovative PBL initiatives that span various disciplines. Whether it's designing sustainable solutions for environmental issues, exploring historical events through immersive simulations, or crafting multimedia presentations to advocate for social change, our students will be actively engaged in meaningful, hands-on projects that ignite their curiosity and passion for learning.

As partners in your child's education, I encourage you to support and celebrate their endeavors in PBL. Ask them about their projects, inquire about the challenges they're tackling, and enjoy the creativity and ingenuity they demonstrate along the way. Together, we can foster a culture of lifelong learning and empowerment that extends far beyond the walls of our school.

Garth Wyncoll

Secondary Principal

This is a reminder…

In order for a senior to be cleared through the counseling department, they must provide information relating to university applications, preferences, and destination.

All seniors must:

• List all universities to which they applied.  These include universities in the UK and UAE and those applied to on platforms other than the Common Application.  This includes NAPO and UCAS.  

• Include universities applied to through an agent/agency.

• Remove universities from their list of applications if they did not apply to them.

• Rank the universities to which they applied.  (First choice, second choice, third choice).

• Indicate each institution’s decision.

• Indicate their decision for each university.

• Enter their final decision.

• Indicate whether they receive any scholarship money.

Please see below document for assistance in entering this information.  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Agu19mWANLNYaFqnyST29auzJIFj5iNyGEJTV7MVe1Y/edit?usp=sharing 

Failure to complete this task may result in the withholding of diplomas and transcripts.

If you already completed this task, please disregard this request.

HS Counselors

To the Attention of UAE National Students and Parents,

There will be an introductory meeting for the Scholarship of His Highness the President of the UAE on May 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.  The meeting is for UAE National students scoring over 90% that are currently in grade 11 and 12.

Please refer to the linked document's QR code to access the Zoom link for the meeting.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z57n1auR2M772GGIs2aPJMO6N8ZLgBVn/view?usp=sharing 

• May 8-9 - Grade 6-7 Islamic Exhibition 

• May 10 - Deadline to submit Candidacy for GAA Parent Association

• May 16 - A Night of Music @6pm, GAA Auditorium

• May 17 - GAA Parent Association Annual General Meeting

• May 22-23 - Middle and High School Arabic Exhibition

• May 24 - Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club

• May 28 - Senior Gratitude and Senior Walk

• May 30 - Senior Graduation Ceremony