primary school at FPS

Primary School 

Welcome to GEMS FirstPoint Primary School! Much more than a place of education, we are a thriving community of learners committed to supporting one another to Find Personal Success. 

With our curriculum rooted in the very best of the National Curriculum for England and complimented by the unending opportunities afforded to us through our location here in Dubai, our students grow into inquisitive, empathetic, world-ready learners with the resilience to flourish in all their endeavours. 

We celebrate our students as individuals, we nurture and support their academic and personal growth whilst unashamedly putting our students’ wellbeing first. We believe in a positive psychology approach, one which values strong relationships and provides a sense of purpose and meaning in all that we do, as our students seek to question critically, engage enthusiastically and perform passionately. 

Upon entry into our purpose built Nursery and EYFS classrooms or, indeed, further up the Primary School, we aim to ensure our students feel a true sense of belonging – whether that grows in the classroom, on the sports field or on stage in the auditorium, our students know that their own interests, passions and pursuits provide them with the confidence they need to succeed across the whole of school life.

I invite you to browse our website to gain a feel for what makes FPS Primary School special. Of course, nothing beats coming to see us in person and you are very welcome to visit us as any time to meet with senior leaders, tour the school to see our inspirational learning taking place.  

If you would like to experience our Primary School in person, you may book a school tour here - Virtual School Tours | GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa (gemsfirstpointschool-dubai.com). We all look forward to welcoming you soon.

Matthew Barrett

Head Of Primary SChool

Meet The head of primary school

I am delighted to introduce myself as the Head of Primary at GEMS FirstPoint School, from August 2022.

My philosophy of delivering world class learning experiences in an emotionally comfortable but academically challenging environment, where our youngest students show courage in their endeavours and the eldest display conviction in their ideals, is crafted from 16 years’ experience in education. This experience spans Deputy Headship of both UK independent preparatory schools and international schools as well as qualifications inclusive of a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

I am honoured to lead such a vibrant, innovative and caring community. We embrace an empathetic and collaborative approach to supporting one another; we are much more than a school, we are an inclusive community where each child thoroughly enjoys being themselves.

Having taught and held leadership posts throughout the 3-18 age range, I fully appreciate, value and understand the learning journey our students are embarking upon. I believe it is our responsibility in the Primary School to inspire individuals through real-world learning opportunities, enabling children to question critically, engage enthusiastically and perform passionately.  We equip our students with the tools they require to flourish in their exciting futures.

I am fortunate to be joined in the Primary School by my two young sons who are also members of the GEMS FirstPoint family and, away from school life, we enjoy playing sports, travel and reading together. I look forward to working closely with you, as parents, to support your children and family on this exciting educational journey together.

Overview of Primary School

  • Core Subjects

    Core Subjects 

    Our core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Moral, Social, Cultural Studies (MSCS), Arabic and Islamic (for our Muslim students). These subjects provide a comprehensive foundation for your child's learning journey, fostering essential skills and knowledge to support their academic and personal development.

    English


    The National Curriculum for English develops student’s understanding of the English language, focusing on four key areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. In the Early Years and Key Stage 1, students follow the Essential Letters and Sounds Systematic Synthetic Phonics Programme. Essential Letters and Sounds teaches students to decode words by associating individual sounds with letters or letter groups, providing a strong foundation for reading and spelling skills development.

    At FPS, our English curriculum is underpinned by the Talk for Writing approach. Our curriculum boosts student’s writing skills through the development of oral language, storytelling and structural understanding, empowering creativity and fluency. 

    Maths

    At FPS, the National Curriculum for Mathematics isn't just about mastering mathematical strategies; it's about igniting a passion for reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Influenced by White Rose Maths, diverse mathematical concepts are taught in Place Value, Number, Calculations, Shape and Space, Measurement, Data Handling, and Algebra. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences that integrate concrete, pictorial, and abstract approaches, ensuring a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. 

    Science

     

    The aim of the National Curriculum for Science is to foster the development of scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding, encompassing the disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics. At FPS, we pride ourselves on designing lessons that not only impart scientific knowledge but also ignite curiosity and passion for exploring the wonders of science. Our goal is to empower  every student with the essential scientific understanding needed to grasp real-world applications and long-term impact of science, not just for today but for future generations.

    Arabic A (specialist)

    Our specialist Native Arabic curriculum mirrors the richness of our English curriculum. Students develop skills around the four areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Students attend Arabic A specialist lessons four to five times a week, depending on their age. 

    Arabic B (specialist)

    Our specialist Arabic curriculum aligns with our dynamic Modern Foreign Language curriculum. Students from FS2 develop skills around the four areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Children attend Arabic B specialist lessons two- four times a week, depending on their age.

    Islamic (specialist) 

    For our Muslim students, our dedicated Islamic curriculum offers an enriching journey on developing their understanding of Islamic values. Muslim students attend Islamic lessons two to three times a week, depending on their age.

    Moral, Social and Cultural Studies (MSCS)

    The UAE’s Ministry of Education Moral, Social, Cultural Studies (MSCS) Curriculum is designed to shape well-rounded individuals, instill national identity, and foster good citizenship. At FPS, MSCS is intertwined through our connected curriculum, learning nurtures a sense of belonging within the school and community, enriching students’ learning and understanding.

  • Subjects Taught

    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    • Information and Communications Technology
    • Arabic (for native speakers and for non-native speakers)
    • Islamic Education
    • Thematic Curriculum: which is a project-based approach to learning that encompasses History, Geography and Visual and Performing Arts.
    • Physical Education
    • Personal, Social and Health Education
    • Enterprise
    • Design Technology
    • Desert School
    • Moral Education
    • Performing Arts
  • Extra Curricular Activities

    Information & Technology

    Creative Arts

    Humanities

    Sport

    Languages

    Science & Maths

    STEM Club Sketchbooking  Mindfulness (Lunch)

    Year 3 Football

    Qur'an Recitation & Memorisation Maths Mastermind

    Hama Beading 

    Board Games

     Year 4 Football

    Awesome Authors Maths Club
     

    Desert Dance

    Film Club

    Netball

    Reading Club Times Table Club 
      Creative Art  Sustainability Club (Lunch)   Yoga Arabic A Reading Club   Science Ambassadors 
      Junior Choir    Rugby   Arabic A Reading Club  
       School Production   Cross Country     
      Jewellery Club    Swim Squad     
       Art Club   U11 Boys Football     
          U11 Girls Netball     
          Rock Climbing     
               
               
               
               
               

 

 

Explore All Our Curriculums

  • fs

    FS and KS1

    Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1

  • ks2

    Key Stage 2

    Development of leadership qualities and skills will be...

  • ks3

    Key Stage 3

    The KS3 mini school builds robust learners who constantly view...

  • ks4

    Key Stage 4

    We inspire our senior students by providing them with skills...

  • ks5

    Key Stage 5

    Our aim is to provide the support that prepares you...

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