GEMS Founders School - Dubai-PO Box 390498

Outdoor learning is central to our school’s vision, with foundations in Early Years and growing practice across the school. FS1 classrooms open directly onto outdoor spaces, FS2 has a large garden and 2 courtyards. Year 1 also benefit from 2 courtyard classrooms. Primary and Secondary students access a large astro, MUGA courts, and rooftop areas. As part of our awards journey, we aim to further develop enquiry-based outdoor learning in Key Stage 1 and embed where possible, it more widely throughout the school. We are committed to ensuring all students participate in regular off-site visits that deepen their connection to the natural world and support meaningful, hands-on learning experiences

Through this award journey, we aim to strengthen and showcase our strategic commitment to resilience as a core driver of student and school success. We see this as an opportunity to reflect, refine, and embed a whole school approach that empowers every learner and educator to grow through challenge, lead with empathy, and thrive in a changing world.

At GEMS Founders School, Dubai, wellbeing is at the heart of our culture and school improvement planning. As a BSO ‘Outstanding’ and KHDA ‘Very Good’ rated school, we aim to achieve the Gold Award by building on our strong foundations to further embed consistent, impactful, and student-led wellbeing practices. This journey will help us refine our provision, extend pupil voice, and ensure every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

At GFS, our goal is to embed a sustainable, whole-school approach to staff wellbeing. We aim to foster a culture of openness, recognition, and support, where staff feel valued, empowered, and engaged. Through structured support systems, staff voice, and inclusive practices, we hope to improve work-life balance, professional growth, and morale—ensuring staff thrive so our students can flourish.