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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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