Middle School : Grade 6 to Grade 8
Grades 6 to 8
Middle School
At GEMS Al Khaleej International School (AKIS), our middle school program is purposefully crafted to bridge the transition from childhood to young adulthood by fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
We recognize that these crucial years require a balanced approach, one that honors the developmental need for structure while empowering students to take ownership of their educational journey.
Our curriculum is designed to inspire intrinsic motivation and critical thinking through a blend of academic rigor and real-world application. To support this exploration, students build a strong foundation in core disciplines while gradually exercising their autonomy, choosing two half-year electives in Grade 6 and two year-long electives in Grades 7 and 8.
American Curriculum
Academic Program
As a NEASC-accredited U.S. curriculum school, we align our academic experiences with the following core characteristics:
We use the distinctive physical, social, and emotional nature of young adolescents as the foundation for all decisions regarding school organization, policy, and instruction.
We maintain high expectations for every member of our learning community, ensuring that all students are pushed to achieve their full potential through a rigorous, standards-based framework (including Common Core and NGSS).
We advocate for every student’s right to learn by providing a truly inclusive environment. This is driven by our English as an Additional Language (EAL) Program, which ensures language proficiency is never a barrier to academic success. Our dedicated support for Students of Determination provides individualized accommodations and resources necessary for every learner to thrive.
As the home of the Centre of Excellence for Arabic Language and Culture, we provide an immersive environment that transforms Arabic education. By blending traditional heritage with modern technology, like AI robotics and VR, we foster deep linguistic proficiency and cultural appreciation, aligning with Dubai’s Education 33 strategy to make Arabic a language of choice for the next generation.
Subject Choices
Subjects and Electives
The Middle School curriculum consists of both compulsory and electives.
The core subject areas include English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic, Islamic Education (for Muslim students), and Social Studies (Social Studies Arabic for Arab passport holders and Moral, Social and Cultural Education for other passport holders).
Physical Education is also compulsory for all students.
Electives are offered by our Art, ICT, Music, and Modern Languages departments. Students select two electives each year.
- Art
- ICT
- Music
- Modern Languages
Culture of Excellence
Be a GEM
Our approach to student management is encapsulated in our Be a GEM philosophy.
- Care
- Always Learning
- Excellence
- One Team
- Accentuating the Positive: Our rewards system celebrates students who exemplify our core values of Care, Always Learning, Excellence, and One Team.
- A Culture of Excellence: By maintaining clear boundaries and consistent expectations, we ensure school feels fair and safe for everyone, allowing optimum learning to flourish. We focus on a restorative approach, providing students with the opportunity to learn from their mistakes through a “Pause, Reflect, and Reset” process.
