Dear Parents,

Welcome to GAA!

Athletic and activity programs are a vital part of our student's education. The GEMS American Academy endorses a comprehensive athletics and activities program intended to enhance the physical, social, emotional, artistic, and intellectual growth of participating students. Our Athletic program emphasizes participation in the early stages of the program while becoming increasingly competitive as the student progresses. 

We hope that students will try-out for whichever team/activities that interest them.  It is our responsibility to encourage students to achieve their highest potential in academics, activities, and athletics by growing a little each day, always seeking the limits of his/her capabilities.

At GEMS American Academy we believe that the soul of our school is reflected in what happens before and after the normal academic day. This extension of the school day, whether it be in athletics, in the arts, or in clubs sets the tone for the school year.

Our athletes are therefore a valuable component of the school's education program and as such, GAA attempts to provide avenues for all students who wish to take part in them.

At GAA we encourage our students to be both motivated and competitive while learning valuable life skills involved in being part of a team.

PLEASE FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE THE AMAZING ACTIVITIES OUR STUDENTS PARTICIPATE TO: https://www.instagram.com/gaa.athletics/

GAA Philosophy of Participation in Athletics

GEMS American Academy believes that athletics are an integral part of the educational process, providing valuable educational experiences outside the classroom curriculum. Many valuable lifelong lessons such as sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, etc. are learned through participation in athletics and activities. It is the goal of GAA to maximize the opportunities and effectiveness of the lessons learned through athletics. The following components contribute to the enhancement of the philosophy:

• Vertical Integration – youth and middle school programs that support the high school athletic programs.

• Development of fundamental sports skills.

• To provide GAA students with a diverse array of options for co-curricular learning and growth.

• Competitive athletic programs that promote academic and athletic excellence.

• Programs that allow for maximum opportunities for student participation and that are developmentally appropriate, tailored to the physical, mental and emotional maturity levels of the participants.

• Principles of fair play and sportsmanship, both on the field and in the stands.

• Highly qualified coaches and staff with opportunities for professional growth and development.

• We aim to foster a positive environment in which both coaches and students demonstrate; perseverance, dedication, good sportsmanship and respect for all.

More specific and detailed information about our Athletic program can be found in our Athletic and Activities Handbook.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need more details at c.davies_gaa@gemsedu.com

Hello all! Welcome to the GEMS American Academy Community, we are so happy to have you come learn with us! My name is Amara D. Pugh and I am the K-12 Arts Coordinator here at GAA. I also serve as a 4th and 5th grade music teacher. I have been teaching for 16 years and have immensely enjoyed these last 6 years at GEMS.

The Arts Department offers students the opportunity to acquire a background of knowledge and skills, and to develop their abilities in music, the visual arts and theater. 

More specifically, in Elementary we offer a General Visual Arts and General Music Education program along with an Elementary Choir and Musical Theater Program. 

In Middle School, students can explore Drama, Music, Design, Band, Digital Music  and Visual Arts. In High school, we offer in the American Curriculum, Concert Band 1 and 2, Digital Music, Theatre Arts 1 and 2, Visual Arts 1 and 2, and Film Studies. 

In IDBP we offer Music and Art. Some of our after-school activities included Musical Preparation (choreography, singing, prop making, costume making, acting skills), Pep Band, and Elementary Choir. We hope to see your child on the stage, in the choir stand, in the band, and their artwork in the art galleries. We can’t wait to work with our future actors, musicians, and artists!

PLEASE FOLLOW US GAA ARTS DEPARTMENT ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE THE ARTS ACTIVITIES: https://www.instagram.com/gaa.artsdepartment/

Ms. Amara Pugh

Head of K-12 Arts Department

email: a.pugh_gaa@gemsedu.com 

We have launched our new and upgraded system for booking Activities & Clubs that are offered. These are both for free activities (GAA Provided) and paid activities (ESM provided). 

Season 1 will start in September and parents will be notified at the beginning of each season!

Please make sure that you follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you can book the activities for your children.  We have attached a comprehensive Step-by-Step guide for you.  You can also watch this video which give you’re a demonstration for getting setup. 

Please note that if you already have an account with ESM, you will need to update your child’s information to allow you to see the activities on offer.  We have attached a comprehensive Step-By-Step guide to show you how to update it. 

All of the information for all of the activities is available on the website.  

Here is the link to the website that you will use www.Esm.ae