I was able to draw on the research from Duxbury et al. (2021), which compared A Level students to IB students and how they perform at university. IB students are three times more likely to attend a top 20 higher educational institution in the UK, 21% more likely to continue to the second year of study, and 40% more likely to gain a first or upper second-class degree. To educators at GIS, this data comes as no surprise, given the cognitive challenge and real-world application of the PYP, MYP, DP and CP. 

I was also able to mention the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which tests 15-year-olds’ ability to use their reading, mathematical and scientific knowledge. The results for the IB in Dubai were impressive, with the IB students coming top, beyond students in all other curricula, for mathematics and science, and second in reading. It is no surprise that the IB is the fastest growing curriculum in Dubai, with more and more families heading in this direction. 

This week I was also asked to speak about GIS and our curriculum to a large group of Chinese parents. My thanks to Ms Marina from GEMS School Support Centre for organizing this. I worked in Beijing for eight years prior to coming to Dubai, and it was a pleasure to see so many families with such enthusiasm for an IB education.

It is always impressive when students teach other students, and I was delighted to see this in Ms Ellie’s class today, as PYPx Students from Grade 5E presented a puppet show to the students of KG2D, addressing gender equality. Following the presentation, KG2D students reflected on how they collaborate with their peers fairly and what they can do in the future to ensure they are all treated equally. 

This week we enjoyed World Family Day and Ms Helen was active again with her photo frame, welcoming our families to have a picture together! Children also enjoyed hearing some stories in the libraries, read by parents on Wednesday morning.

Again, as places are filling fast in all year groups, I would urge all families to reserve your child’s seat, if you have not already done so. Please contact our Head of Admissions, Ms Maria, on m.arias_gis@gemsedu.com  Those who have re-enrolled are of course given priority for class placements and options choices. 

Kind regards and have a good weekend,