At FPS, our foundation subjects are delivered through Connected Curriculum lessons, which are taught thematically and meaningfully. These lessons enable students to forge connections between subjects, drawing on their prior learning and life experiences, thereby providing opportunities for them to deepen and apply their understanding.

Social, Moral and Cultural Studies

Social, Moral, and Cultural Studie is a core subject which is seamlessly integrated into all lessons, alongside explicit teaching. Students engage with the Social Studies curriculum outlined by the UAE Ministry of Education, which focuses on nurturing personalities, instilling national identity values, and fostering good citizenship practices. Fostering a sense of belonging within both the school and local community.

Geography

Geography education at FPS sparks students' curiosity and allows students to explore the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Lessons equip students with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. This knowledge supports students in understanding the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time.

History

Our history curriculum empowers students to develop a coherent understanding of Britain's past and the wider world's history. It inspires students’ curiosity to know more about the past. Teachers encourage students' curiosity, encouraging them to delve deeper into historical inquiries. Through asking perceptive questions, thinking critically, weighing evidence, sifting arguments, and developing perspective and judgement. Teachers help students to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

Design and Technology

Design and technology at FPS is an inspiring and practical subject. Students use creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real life problems within considering their own and others’ needs and wants. Students build a broad range of subject knowledge and apply skills from mathematics, science, engineering, computing, and art. Lessons develop students’ ability in how to take risks, become resourceful, innovative, and enterprising. Students evaluate past and present design and technology and think critically about the impact on daily life and the wider world.

Art and Design

At FPS our art and design lessons engage, inspire and challenge students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. Students explore how art and design has both reflected and shaped our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity, and wealth of our nation.

Computing and Robotics

Computing and Robotics equips students with computational thinking skills and creativity to navigate and shape the modern world. With deep connections to mathematics, science, design and technology, computing provides insights into natural and artificial systems. Students learn how digital systems operate and apply this knowledge to create programs and content. Computing develops students’ digital literacy, ensuring students can competently use technology to develop and share their ideas preparing students as active participants in the digital age. 

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.

Advanced Cognitive Performance Characteristics (ACPs)

As a World-Class High-Performance Learning School, we strive to actively involve students in their learning journey. Our main focus is on nurturing your child's mindset, knowledge, and practical learning strategies. Through our Advanced Cognitive Processes (ACPs), we introduce twenty thinking methods, grouped into five categories, presented in language easily understandable by students and associated with achieving excellence. These skills are seamlessly woven into our teaching methods across all subjects, and we make a point of highlighting them to students when relevant. Within each lesson, we provide regular opportunities for students to actively participate, explore, and improve these skills. We recognise their efforts and commitment through house points and High-Performance Learning awards, fostering the development of lifelong skills.

Values, Attitudes and Attributes (VAAs)

At GEMS FirstPoint School, we foster a positive atmosphere for learning, aiming for our students to embody qualities of responsibility, resilience, and respect as global citizens. As an accredited World-Class High-Performance Learning School, we integrate the Values, Attitudes, and Attributes (VAAs) associated with HPL into our everyday routines. We aspire for our students to demonstrate diligence, adaptability, and empathy across all aspects of school life.

Arc Pathway (Nursery – FS2)

Arc Pathway is our online learning journey designed for our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) students. In EYFS, each student has a personal online learning journey, whereby teachers record photos, observations, and comments in alignment with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. Arc Pathway provides a comprehensive overview and closely tracks progress across all seven areas of learning. In addition to viewing observations and teacher contributions, parents are able to share special moments and achievements that occur outside of school via the platform. This supports with building a holistic profile of your child’s learning journey.

EducationCity (FS1 – Year 1)

EducationCity provides engaging online educational content for students, covering a range of subjects and topics.  At FPS, EducationCity is integrated into both home learning and classroom activities for FS1 to Year 1 students. The interactive resources cover foundational skills in phonics, English, maths, and science. Learning outcomes and resources are aligned to the Early Years Framework (EYFS) and the National Curriculum for England.

Century Tech (Year 2 – 6)

Century is an AI-driven online learning platform designed to personalise learning materials to meet students' individual needs. At FPS, Century is utilised as part of our home learning provision as well as in the classroom to support and enhance learning for students in Year 2 and above. Leveraging its AI capabilities, Century crafts individualised education plans for every student, personalised to challenge students of all abilities, ensuring each student receives targeted support and appropriate levels of challenge. 

Seesaw (Year 1 – 6)

Seesaw is an online learning platform that enhances student engagement. Teachers upload educational content and empower students to create, reflect, share, and collaborate in order to achieve various learning objectives. Students demonstrate their understanding using a variety of media such as photos, videos, drawings, text, PDFs and links. Additionally, students can utilise voice recordings to respond to next steps in learning. Parents have access to the learning materials posted on Seesaw through their child's family account.

Timestables Rockstars (Year 1 – 6)

Times Tables Rock Stars is a carefully sequenced programme of daily times tables practice. Each week focuses on a specific times table, with a recommended consolidation week for reinforcing recently practiced tables. At FPS, we host a variety of Times Tables Rockstars competitions and challenges to enhance engagement and foster students' mental arithmetic skills and quick recall abilities.

NumBots (Year 1)

NumBots incorporates effective teaching methods to guide children from relying on finger counting to confidently adding and subtracting two-digit numbers. Specifically designed for Key Stage 1 (KS1) students, NumBots supports KS1 students in developing understanding, recall and fluency in mental addition and subtraction, so that they move from counting to calculating.

Extra-curricular activities at GEMS FirstPoint Primary School are specifically designed to complement our inspiring curriculum and exciting trips and visits. We provide our students with the opportunity to engage in a range of sporting activities such as football, rugby, basketball, rock climbing and swimming alongside academic activities including creative writing, mathematics masters and a range of academic booster classes. We also enthuse our students with artistic classes inclusive of mindful colouring, dance and yoga. 
Students can enjoy taking to the stage with music activities, singing and performing arts clubs too. There is an ECA for everyone at GEMS FirstPoint Primary School!
Please see an exemplar list below of just some of the activities on offer -

In addition to these teacher–led Extra-Curricular Activities, our students have the opportunity to engage in ECAs led by our dedication paid provider – ESM.
An example of the offer from ESM includes the below:

Robotics
Fine Arts
Kung FU
Parkour
Functional Fitness
Gymnastics

At GEMS FPS, students are offered a diverse array of opportunities aimed at empowering them to lead positive change. From participating in Mini and Junior Dukes, to applying for the role of Wellbeing Warrior, Council Ambassador to a Play Leaders; the school fosters a culture of leadership development from an early age. Through various classroom-based activities, students are encouraged to lead their peers and work collaboratively to generate innovative ideas. As students move through the school, the scope of their impact widens as they eventually lead projects that make a difference beyond the school, both locally and internationally. 

Among the plethora of leadership roles available, an Executive Leadership Team is elected in Year 6 through a meticulous and robust campaign process. While leadership is commonly perceived as a formal role, at GEMS FPS, we advocate for all students to embrace leadership qualities, equipping them with the confidence to navigate challenging situations and make the right decisions. We believe that leadership is inherent in every child, and the values instilled at GEMS FPS will continue to guide them effectively beyond their academic journey.

The school day starts at 7:30am for all students. The school gates open at 7:15am with all students expected to be in class by 7:28am. Registration takes place from 7:30am – 7:50am, focusing on key skills and morning routines. Students in Year 1 – 6 finish at 3pm. On Fridays, all students finish school at 12:00pm. Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) take place after school Monday – Thursday from 3:10pm – 4:10pm. Please visit our ECA page for further information.

Depending on their year group, students have various options for snack and lunch. Nursery to Year 2 students can either bring their own snack and lunch or pre-order from our catering company, Slices. Students in Year 4 and above can choose these options or purchase food from our canteen using their Student ID card, which parents top up.

Students from Nursery have access to the School Transport Service. Foundation Stage bus services arrive in time for the start of the school day and leave campus at either 12:00pm or 3pm. On Fridays all bus services leave at 12pm. Our Teaching Assistants and Bus Conductors accompany children to and from the bus daily, ensuring there is always an adult-to-adult handover. CCTV, GPS tracking, live updates and ‘sleeping child’ checks are some of the key safety features on board our STS buses. 

Class Capacity is 18 students

Our small class sizes ensure that all children experience personalised learning to enable them to flourish in their learning. There is one Teacher and one Teaching Assistant in every class from FS1 to Year 4. In Years 5 and 6, there is one Teacher and a Teaching Assistant shared between two classes. For our younger students, our Teaching Assistants accompany students to their specialist lessons with specialist teachers. 

At GEMS FirstPoint School we have an open-door policy so you can speak to your child’s class teacher at pick up and drop off, you have their direct email address, and arrange a face to face meeting or request a phone call within school hours. We also use an online learning journey, Arc Pathways, which is a way to share photographs and videos as well as a clear and concise assessment tracking tool for full transparency of your children progress and development across the seven areas of the EYFS curriculum. We encourage parents to add to this too so we can see achievements from home as well to get a complete insight into your child’s development and application of skills. We share a report termly and also offer parent meetings each term to discuss your child’s learning and progress.

Yes, following the termly assessment weeks, you will receive three reports throughout the year. In Term 1 and 2, you will receive a data report outlining key targets for the upcoming term. Then, in Term 3, you will receive a comprehensive end of year written report, detailing your child's academic progress for the current year and setting targets for the following year. All reports can be accessed conveniently through the GEMSCONNECT app.