Our specialist classes are an important part of developing the whole child at GAA. PE, Art, IT, Music, Arabic and Library are integral to our enriched American curriculum and complement the core classroom areas. IT and Library information can be found in their own sections. section. Here we highlight our other important specialist areas.
Physical Education and Health - GAA’s comprehensive physical education program emphasizes both physical and social development. Physical education is a continuous process to motivate each student to make wise choices. Through this program, students will demonstrate an understanding of sportsmanship, cooperation, respect for and acceptance of self and others, self-discipline and confidence. Concepts of safety, knowledge of rules and game strategies and the promotion of a lifelong physical fitness program are emphasized. Related programs include:
• Sports/field days
• Health Week
• Intramural programs & tournaments
• Eventual EMAC sports opportunities.
Arabic Studies - Arabic language and culture instruction is provided for all elementary grade students, Kg1 and up. Students learn basic conversational patterns in Arabic that can be applied in everyday situations. Students also learn about the culture and customs of our host country by experiencing music, food, games, art and literature.
Music - GAA believes that music plays a major role in society as a means of self-expression and cultural enrichment. Knowing and practicing the art of music is vital to the lifelong development of a child's mind and spirit. GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi’s music program includes creating music through rhythm, listening to and analyzing music, understanding music in relation to history and culture, the care and use of a variety of instruments, and the participation in performances in band, orchestra or choir and when ready, learning to read music notation.
Art - All students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 receive regular instruction in art. Students learn by creating art, responding to and making judgments about art, acquiring historical and cultural knowledge about artists and their works and understanding how people justify judgments about art objects.
Languages - Arabic is GAA’s second language in accordance with Ministry of Education requirements. However, with a diverse student population, GAA encourages its community members to develop additional language programs by offering classroom space, where available, for language schools as an after school activity. Examples could include Dutch, French, Swedish, Farsi, Korean or Spanish programs.
English Language Learners (ELL) - At GAA, the language of instruction is English and a minimum level of English proficiency is required for mainstream enrollment after Kindergarten2. Beginning in Grade 1, mandatory supplementary ELL instruction is provided for a fee to those students requiring assistance with the English language. In addition to their scheduled ELL classes, students are required to follow a regular English language instruction schedule. A limit is placed on the number of ELL students per classroom in order to maintain the level of academic rigor for those with English proficiency. In order for ELL students to fully benefit from this program, parents are encouraged to support the English spoken in the home.
Drama - The Elementary program incorporates drama skills into their everyday class activities and assemblies. Speaking in front of large groups is a valuable life skill that students will have many opportunities to develop. Seasonal productions also play an important role in building community spirit and giving students who are dramatically inclined a forum for their skills and interests.
Top