Welcome to
Secondary
Broad and balanced learning experience enabling access to the most diverse Post 16 curriculum offering in Dubai
About
Secondary
At GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, our Secondary School (Years 7-11) offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment centred around the National Curriculum for England. Students begin their journey in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-8) with a broad and balanced curriculum designed to cultivate curiosity, independence, and resilience. As they progress, learners transition into Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11), where they personalise their academic pathways through a diverse (i)GCSE options programme.
WSO emphasises not only academic excellence but also the development of global citizenship. Through initiatives like our wellbeing GROWELL programme and a rich pastoral framework, students are supported in becoming eloquent, knowledgeable, and responsible individuals. The curriculum is designed to inspire students to take ownership of their learning, encouraging them to explore their passions and strengths.
Beyond the classroom, WSO offers an extensive extracurricular programme that enriches our students’ experience.
Whether through sports, performing arts, leadership opportunities or the academic curriculum, every student is encouraged and empowered to write their own story and become World Class and World Ready.
Welcome from our
HEAD OF SECONDARY
It is with great pride that I welcome you to the Secondary School at GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis. At the heart of our school are the values of Unity, Integrity, and Aspiration, which guide everything we do.
Unity is the foundation of our inclusive and diverse community. We believe in the power of collaboration, among students, staff, and families, to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and connected.
Integrity shapes our culture of respect, honesty, and responsibility. We encourage our students to act with moral purpose, to make thoughtful decisions, and to contribute positively to the community around them.
Aspiration drives our commitment to excellence. We challenge our students and staff to aim high, pursue their passions, and embrace every opportunity to grow, academically, personally, and socially.
Together, these values create a unique blend of scale and personalisation, where every student can thrive.
Along with the most incredible group of educators and support staff, I look forward to working in partnership with you as we support your children on their journey to becoming confident, compassionate, and capable global citizens.
Andrew Kai Fong – Head of Secondary
Explore our
Secondary Curriculum
The WSO Secondary curriculum offers a broad, values-driven education rooted in the National Curriculum for England. With personalised pathways, specialist teaching, and enriching experiences, students grow as confident, independent learners—ready for IGCSEs, future study, and the wider world. Leadership, wellbeing, and innovation are embedded at every stage.
KEY STAGE 3
Year 7 & 8
At Key Stage 3, WSO offers a rich and diverse curriculum designed to inspire curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.
Students in Years 7 and 8 engage with a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic, Modern Foreign Languages, History, Geography, Art, Design & Technology, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Moral, Social & Cultural Studies.
The curriculum is enhanced by the GROWELL programme and an extensive extracurricular offering, supporting both academic and personal development.
From the end of Year 8, students begin shaping their own learning pathways, preparing them for informed choices in Key Stage 4 and beyond.
KEY STAGE 4
Year 9-11
Building on the strong foundation of Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 at WSO empowers students to take greater ownership of their learning journey.
Beginning in Year 9, students explore a carefully designed curriculum that blends core subjects with a wide range of optional GCSE, IGCSE, and BTEC courses. This personalised approach allows learners to pursue their interests while developing essential skills for future success.
In Year 10, students begin their GCSE and BTEC courses, focusing on building subject knowledge and the associated skills to manipulate that knowledge.
By Year 11, the emphasis shifts to coursework completion and exam preparation through refining understandings. Students receive targeted support and guidance to ensure they are confident and ready for their post-16 pathways.
Performing Arts
As a recognised Centre of Excellence for Performance and Theatre Tech, WSO blends academic learning with real-world industry exposure through partnerships with institutions like West End Stage and Urdang, providing access to professional training and mentorship.
Students pursue qualifications such as LAMDA and UDO, with the bespoke BTEC Performing Arts pathway offering an industry-relevant route equivalent to three A-Levels.
With expert staff and visiting professionals, students take part in productions, technical theatre, and high-quality performance workshops. Under the patronage of West End star Tarinn Callender, the programme nurtures emerging talent and builds a lasting love for the arts.
At WSO, Performing Arts is more than a subject, it’s a launchpad for passion and purpose.
Sports
The Sports Programme at GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis (WSO) fosters excellence, teamwork, and lifelong participation. With state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching, students engage in a diverse range of competitive and recreational sports. Core offerings include football, netball, rugby, swimming, and cricket, with squads competing in prestigious leagues such as DASSA, DAPSA, and the GEMS Sports Cup. WSO’s elite teams regularly represent the school in regional and international tournaments, with many students achieving national recognition.
The programme supports leadership and personal growth through roles such as team captains and sports ambassadors. Inclusive participation is a key focus, ensuring all students from aspiring athletes to recreational players find their place. As a lead school for the Unified Games movement across Dubai, WSO promotes resilience, respect, and a passion for physical excellence. Whether training for competition or staying active, students benefit from a sports culture that values holistic development and prepares them for future challenges.
Enrichment
The Extracurricular Programme at WSO provides students with broader and deeper learning experiences, some integrated into the curriculum, others to enhance and broaden the student experience.
It offers a range of self-selected activities in creative, action, and service-based options, promoting personal development, creativity, innovation, and leadership.
The programme includes opportunities like Model United Nations, World Scholar’s Cup, and TedX, fostering skills essential for future study and employment. Other opportunities include Aviation Society, Dungeons & Dragons, all manner of sports and Debate Club.
Students engage in leadership roles, social enterprise, and community projects, ensuring they develop as confident, articulate, and active global citizens.
Pathways
At WSO, students benefit from a uniquely crafted progression through the National Curriculum for England, culminating in personalised qualification pathways.
In Key Stage 4, students can choose from a diverse range of GCSE and IGCSE courses, including core subjects and electives tailored to their interests and career aspirations.
Post-16 pathways offer options such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IB Careers Programme (IBCP), A-Levels, and BTEC courses, ensuring students are well-prepared for university entrance and future careers.
Language choices at WSO are extensive, with students having the opportunity to study Arabic, French, Spanish, and Mandarin. These language programmes are designed to enhance global citizenship and intercultural understanding, providing students with valuable communication skills for the international stage. The curriculum is enriched by a strong emphasis on blended learning and technology integration, supporting a modern and dynamic educational experience.
Wellbeing
At GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, student wellbeing is a top priority, integrated into every aspect of school life. The GroWell programme is central to this, focusing on five core skills adapted from CASEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Through dedicated lessons and activities, which are responsive to student needs, all year levels learn to navigate various scenarios and situations, developing resilience and emotional intelligence.
WSO offers a range of initiatives to support mental health, including Teen Mental Health First Aiders, peer mentoring, and social groups. These programmes empower students to take an active role in their wellbeing and that of their peers. The school also provides access to professional counselling services and wellbeing workshops, ensuring comprehensive support.
The emphasis on wellbeing incorporates physical health, with numerous sports and fitness activities promoting a balanced lifestyle.
By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, WSO helps students build confidence, empathy, and a sense of community, preparing them to thrive both academically and personally.
A Virtual Tour Across Our Secondary School
Step inside our dynamic Secondary School and explore the vibrant learning environments, modern facilities, and engaging classrooms that shape our students’ daily experiences. From state-of-the-art science labs to creative arts studios, this virtual tour offers a glimpse into the inspiring spaces where students grow, learn, and thrive.
Real Stories
Real Experiences
Discover the impact of our community through the voices of parents who are part of our journey. Hear heartfelt testimonials sharing their experiences, insights, and the difference our school has made in their children's lives. Learn how we partner with families to create a thriving learning environment.
What truly sets WSO apart is how they prioritise the wellbeing of every child. Students’ happiness, mental health, and emotional growth are always at the heart of the school’s approach. Our children are supported and encouraged to thrive — not just academically, but as individuals. As parents, we feel heard, and their educational journey is a real partnership.
Alison Caldwell
Parent of Y9, Y8 & Y4
GEMS WSO first caught my attention for the tailored post-16 pathways, allowing a rare bespoke journey for both our children’s individual academic needs following on from the structure of the British curriculum up to GCSE, our curriculum of choice. Secondly, for the high standards offered by the Sports and Wellness and Performing Arts Academics and ECAs that cater to diverse interests and provide an opportunity to build a broad social network outside of our children's studies.
Hill Family
Parent of Y7 & Y9
frequently asked
questions
Which Post-16 pathway is “better” to gain entry into university
The true value of the different pathways is to allow us, alongside parents and students to find the most suitable pathway to the next destination. All pathways have value and your choice will often be determined by a combination of desired destination, desired course of study, associated entry criteria and most importantly understanding how your child likes to learn. From Year 8-9 the conversation between school, parents and student intensifies to focus on answering those questions above.
“The best pathway is the one that supports your child to gain entry to their chosen course, at their chosen university(ies) and in doing so, ignites further, their passion for learning, especially in their areas of choice”
What are your class sizes?
KS3: 24-28
KS4: 15-28 depending on options chosen
KS5: 5-20 depending on subjects chosen
How much homework do students receive?
Year 7 and 8
Students are expected to read for 30 minutes each day
Compulsory Homelearning for Maths, English and Science of 20 - 30 minutes will be set each week Optional homelearning will be set by all other subjects. This may be set weekly (20minutes), or may be an open-ended question for students to explore through a unit or half term
Year 9
Students are expected to read for 30 minutes each day
Compulsory Homelearning for Maths, English and Science of 30 minutes will be set each week Optional homelearning will be set for all other subjects. This may be set weekly (30minutes), or may be an open-ended question for students to explore through a unit or half term
Year 10 and 11
We recommend for students to read for 30 minutes each day
30minutes of compulsory homelearning will be set each week for each
Year 12 and 13
We recommend for students to read for 30 minutes each day
A minimum of one-hour computsory home learning each week will be set for each subject, as directed by the classroom teacher. Different pathways' home learning needs will vary throughout the academic year.
ARE ECAs included in the fees or are they additional costs
Most of our ECA’s are free of charge. Occasionally we have some that incur additional cost. Currently our Centre of Excellence activities eg Boys Can Dance has an additional cost.
Blog
HIGHLIGHTS
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