Academics – Secondary school

The aim of our curriculum is to provide a challenging course of study with high standards that will make the students responsible learners who can not only work collaboratively, but also be accountable for their own academic and developmental progress. Students will graduate as lifelong learners who will make valuable contributions to society. The graduates will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to empower their success in our diverse and interdependent world.

Students in Year 7 and Year 8 follow a common curriculum designed to provide a broad and balanced knowledge base and learning skills appropriate to high achieving students. In the year 7 & 8, students choose one language (French, Hindi or Urdu). In addition to the full range of National Curriculum subjects, students study PSHE, Art and Design, Information Technology, Moral Social Cultural Studies (Moral Education & Social Studies).

Year 7 & Year 8

We offer a wide range of subjects and a choice of Languages in Year 7 & 8.  The table below shows this.

Year 9, 10, 11 (IGCSE)

In Years 9, 10 and 11 we work with parents and students to help them become architects of their curriculum pathways ensuring that students make the right choices and the right combination for them as an individual. Advice and guidance is offered by staff to both parents and students on an on-going basis.  Students can choose from our broad and evolving range of options which includes the Arts, Languages and Humanities. Most students sit 8 IGCSEs, and all students study Mathematics, English language and Information and Communication Technology/Computer Science and students must choose five subjects from the Option blocks (one science subject is compulsory).   

The table below gives further details of these choices.

AS/A Level (Sixth Form)

The DGPS Sixth Form curriculum is a unique combination of elements which together will provide you with excellent preparation for entry to university and for life beyond it. At Dubai Gem Private School, Sixth Form students can choose from a uniquely flexible menu of courses, allowing them to select the most appropriate options. Unlike many schools, we do not start with a pre-determined list of options but design our timetable afresh each year to accommodate the choices of students. Although no guarantee can be given that every choice of subjects will be accessible, we are usually able to provide most students with their first preferences.

The AS/A level and IAL are undertaken over the two years of Key Stage 5, i.e. Years 12 and 13. The standard offer at DGPS is for students to begin with three or four subjects in Year 12, depending on student ability.

We expect all students who choose to study in the Sixth Form at DGPS will have achieved an A /B grade at IGCSE in their chosen A Level. In addition, for subjects that students did not take at IGCSE, they will need to show that they have researched the course content and are clear about why they want to take the subject. In all instances, there will be an opportunity for them to discuss the entry onto the course with the Head of Department of that subject.

We offer International AS and A Level qualification with Pearson and Cambridge International (Year 12, 13). These qualifications are still linear in assessment; however, the units will be taken over the 2 years with 2/3 unit exams taken in Year 12. The remaining units will be taken in Year 13 to make the full IAL. The IAS units will contribute towards the final IAL results, meaning the IAS is mandatory.

Note 1: If the numbers for any given subject are too small, we may not be able to run the course.

Note 2: Moral Social Cultural Studies are compulsory for all

Islamic Studies is compulsory for Muslim students.

Arabic-A is compulsory for Arabs

Note 3: The courses listed here are available during the academic year indicated, but no guarantee can be given about their future availability.

Arabic: Students considering attending universities locally are advised to research their entry requirements, specifically with regard to the study of Arabic.  Students may be required by some universities to study and pass examinations in Arabic until the end of Year 13. We facilitate Arabic lessons and examinations but the onus is on the student to notify us of this as part of the application process if this is required.