GEMS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR
PERFORMANCE & THEATRE TECH
Offering outstanding learning experiences in the Arts.
ABOUT OUR
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis is a vibrant hub where creativity, confidence, and collaboration come to life. We believe that the Arts are essential to a well-rounded education, empowering students to express themselves, think critically, and connect with others. Through music, drama, dance, and performance, students discover their unique voices and develop skills that support success across all areas of learning.
Led by expert teachers, our arts-rich programmes ignite imagination, build self-belief, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Our Centre of Excellence is more than a stage, it is a launchpad for personal growth and academic achievement. Whether in a rehearsal room, studio, or theatre, students are encouraged to take creative risks, work as a team, and shine in their own way. At GEMS WSO, the Performing Arts are not just part of the curriculum—they are at the heart of who we are.
Welcome from our
Director of Performing Arts
As Director of Performing Arts, I feel incredibly privileged to lead such a vibrant and creative community. Our recognition as the Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts and Theatre Technology reflects our deep commitment to providing exceptional, future-ready arts education.
From Foundation Stage to Post-16, our student pathways are thoughtfully crafted to develop holistic skills, both on and off stage. We offer globally recognised qualifications such as UDO, LAMDA, and Urdang syllabus exams, and integrate real-world experience through collaborations with West End Stage, Wellington Singing Scholars, and our outstanding dance partners: United Dance Organisation and Urdang International.
At WSO, we also have elite gifted and talented teams to ensure students receive the best training in their specialism. Delivered in partnership with leading industry professionals, our provision offers outstanding school-based vocational training within the region.
These rich opportunities empower students to explore creativity, build technical expertise, and develop confidence in professional settings. By identifying emerging talent early, our Performing Arts Academy nurtures potential and prepares students for future success in the creative industries and beyond. At WSO, the Arts are where passion meets possibility.
Jodie Quirke – Wellington Director of Performing Arts
Explore Our
PROGRAMME
Academic
Holistic Primary Performing Arts
Our Primary Performing Arts curriculum fosters creativity through dynamic lessons that build communication, confidence, and coordination. With rich cross-curricular links to core topics, students explore music, drama, and dance through lots of performance opportunities. Every lesson inspires self-expression, collaboration, and a love for learning through performance and play.
Academic
Secondary Drama, Acting and Theatre Studies
Our Secondary Drama department offers an enriching curriculum, including GCSE Drama, IB Theatre, globally recognised LAMDA examinations, and a wide range of performance events. Students develop creativity, confidence, and stagecraft through dynamic lessons and have the opportunity to take part in musicals, competitions, and our annual PlayFestival, celebrating talent and leadership at every level.
Academic
Secondary Dance and Movement
Our Dance programme offers GCSE Dance and IB Dance and empowers students through training in contemporary, street, and commercial styles, while developing strong choreography skills. Through partnerships with UDO and Urdang International, students gain industry experience and can train to become qualified UDO instructors, preparing them for future pathways in dance.
Academic
Secondary Music and Music Technology
Our comprehensive Secondary Music curriculum offers GCSE Music and Music Production pathways. Students explore performance, composition, music theory, and modern production techniques, developing both artistic and technical skills. With expert guidance and professional equipment, they gain the confidence and experience needed for further study and careers in music.
Academic
Extensive Post 16 Pathways
WSO offers exceptional Post-16 PA training through IB Theatre/Music/Dance, or the vocational BTEC Extended Diploma. Our BTEC course is delivered in partnership with industry partners, providing students with authentic, real-world training in: acting, singing, musical theatre, and a wide range of dance styles (ballet, jazz, contemporary, and street). Alumni conservatoires include: NYU, RADA and ArtsEd.
PARTNERSHIPS
Urdang International
Urdang International is a globally respected performing arts organisation, renowned for its elite training in dance, musical theatre, and performance. With roots in London’s professional theatre scene, Urdang brings West End-calibre coaching to our international students through vocational workshops, and industry-led masterclasses—bridging the gap between education and professional performance
PARTNERSHIPS
UDO Academy Dubai
UDO is a driving force for all dancers across the global stage. WSO proudly leads as the flagship school for UDO Academy Dubai, offering dynamic opportunities in street dance, including an array of syllabus examinations. Our Centre of Excellence Friday Academy, guided by industry experts, ensures unparalleled dance education for all levels.
PARTNERSHIPS
West End Stage
Immersive performing arts experiences and bespoke residencies with professional artists, choreographers, actors and vocal coaches. For aspiring young talents, West End Stage provides a gateway to the world of musical theatre and the West End stage, through once in a lifetime experiences.
PARTNERSHIPS
Wellington Singing Scholars
The Wellington Singing Scholars are an elite group of vocalists selected annually from each Wellington school. Selected students per school receive academy-funded singing scholarships, including weekly coaching with West End professional: Gemma McMeel. These talented scholars also represent the academy by performing at high-profile events and prestigious venues across Dubai.
performing arts
virtual tour
Step behind the scenes of our Performing Arts programme and explore the spaces where talent takes centre stage. From music suites to drama studios and rehearsal rooms, discover how we empower students to express themselves through creativity and performance.
Real Stories,
Real Experiences
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found the WSO Performing Arts Department. Transferring our daughter to GEMS WSO was the best decision, we no longer need to consider sending her overseas for world-class training in her dream career.
The leadership and teaching team bring unrivaled expertise, passion, and global performance experience, ensuring every student thrives.
Victoria Thatcher
Year 11 Parent
We are truly grateful for the incredible opportunities our son has experienced at WSO in just under two years. Through the Dazzle musical theatre group, he has had daily workshops in singing, dancing, and drama. He has performed in two musicals (Matilda and We Will Rock You), participated in a Performing Arts Gala with West End stars, and received one-on-one coaching from renowned professionals, including Tarinn Callender.
We’ve seen significant improvements in his confidence and performance depth, thanks to the passionate performing arts team.
Tasha Allen
Year 8 Parent
Being part of all the shows has really helped me grow in confidence. My favourite moment was playing the lead in Annie The Musical, it was such a fun and exciting experience!
The best thing about WSO is that the teachers always believe in me. They cheer me on, help me do my best, and make me feel proud of what I can do.
I’m so happy I get to do what I love at school, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Jasmine Spence
Year 6 Student
GEMS WSO quickly became our top choice because of its outstanding Performing Arts programme, and it has far exceeded our expectations. In just three years, Bokang has received incredible support and countless opportunities to grow as an actor and singer. He has played major roles in primary school productions and even had the chance to perform in the secondary school’s show. Thanks to the school’s performing arts programme, Bokang has been able to fully embrace his deep-rooted passion and natural talent for dance. performers, and learned invaluable lessons in discipline, dedication, and staying true to his God
Manasoe Family
Year 6 Parent
frequently asked
questions
Are students required to participate in all Performing Arts lessons?
Yes, if a student is injured or not as confident, they can still be involved in lessons by supporting as a class leader. We can adapt activities accordingly to suit, when needed and our trained teachers ensure that all students develop their communication skills and confidence throughout their Performing Arts lessons.
How many performance opportunities are there at WSO?
At WSO, we offer a wide range of performance opportunities and pride ourselves on producing productions of the highest quality. Through the Performing Arts curriculum, students regularly perform in class and share their work digitally with families.
In Primary, FS2, Year 1, and Year 2 students take part in an inclusive Performing Arts Showcase, while Year 3 and 4 students participate in a Mini Musical, both staged in our state-of-the-art Auditorium Theatre. In Years 5 and 6, students can audition for the Junior Theatre Company and may be selected for the Performing Arts Elite Academy and the annual Secondary Musical.
In Secondary, there are countless curriculum and GCSE showcases, shared with parents but students also get the chance to audition for a Secondary Play, Musical and Dance Show.
What is the WSO Performing Arts Academy and what are the Performing Elite Teams at WSO?
At WSO, we pride ourselves on offering and delivering the best Arts training in the region and that starts with recognising and nurturing talent from an early age.
GEMS WSO offers a bespoke and prestigious elite team programme in the Arts. During our production audition process, we highlight students as gifted and talented in specific areas and then place them in an appropriate Performing Arts Elite Team. Through the Performing Arts tutor groups, students receive extra development, training and growth from specialist Performing Arts tutors on a daily basis, to ensure that they develop their technique and skill in their chosen area of performance.
Dazzle are the Musical Theatre Elite Team
Illuminate are the Acting Elite Team
Resonance are the Choir Elite Team
Adrenaline are the Dance Elite Team
Amplified are the Band Elite Team
Who are the Wellington Singing Scholars?
Wellington Singing Scholars are an elite group of vocalists across the Wellington cluster. 8 students per Wellington school audition and are awarded the Wellington Singing Scholarship on an annual basis. After recognising their exceptional vocal talent, these students receive weekly singing lessons on a scholarship basis, funded by the academy, with West End industry professional, Gemma McMeel. The Wellington Singers Scholars also perform at VIP events and venues across Dubai.
What are the WSO Performing Arts facilities like?
GEMS WSO boasts the best school Performing Arts facilities in Dubai, including the UAE’s second-largest school theatre, a professional recording studio, an Apple Mac music lab, and green screen production suite, giving students daily access to the tools of the professional performing arts industry.
What Performing Arts qualifications does WSO offer?
GCSEs in: Drama, Dance, Music and Music Technology
IBs in Dance, Theatre and Music
BTEC Level 3 in Musical Theatre and Performing Arts
LAMDA examinations Entry Level – Grade 8 in Acting, Public Speaking and Musical Theatre
Urdang Syllabus exams in Musical Theatre
UDO Syllabus Examinations and Teacher Qualifications
Blog
HIGHLIGHTS
At GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, Performing Arts isn’t just a subject — it’s a platform for expression, confi..
200 singers and musicians from seven GEMS Wellington schools came together to record a charity single released on iTunes..
The biggest stars and biggest names in Musical Theatre will perform alongside GEMS Wellington students at the Dubai Oper..