Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the programme? The programme lasts for 8 weeks with 15 hours per week tuition. This is split into 4 blocks of 2 weeks. The more blocks a student can attend, the greater their proficiency will be at the end of the programme. How many children in a class? A maximum of 14 students. Who will teach my child? English speaking GEMS Teachers with internationally recognised teaching qualifications and/or proven experience. What kind of supervision is there? The programme teachers will be supervising the students at all times. However, it is very important that we have your contact details in case of an emergency. Any changes to the contact details that we have on your registration form should be notified to the programme administrator in writing via email to ellprogram@gemseducation.com. Teachers will supervise students from 08:55 when they are collected until 12:00 pick-up. Parents are not allowed to leave their child unsupervised on the premises outside of these times. All programme requirements will be clearly explained to parents and students on the first day of every 2-week block. What does the 2-weekly fee cover? Tuition, workbooks, materials, stationery and end of course certificates. Will there be a cafeteria? No, parents will be responsible for providing their child with a suitable snack and drink. Please note our no nuts and/or fizzy drinks policy.

GEMS English Language Programme

Summer 2013

What is the GEMS English Language Programme?

The GEMS English Language Programme enables students aged 4-14 to improve their English language learning skills. By developing their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing, students can better access the main school curriculum. The programme has been designed using the most up to date learning approaches and runs for 3 hours per day for either 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. The programme is held at GEMS American Academy, Khalifa City A Abu Dhabi from 30 June 2012 - 26 August 2013, 09.00 to 12.00, Sunday to Thursday. Parents are not allowed to leave their child unsupervised on the premises outside of these times.

How do I register?
By online registration and payment at: http://www.gemseducation.com/ellprogramme or By online registration and manual payment at the Accounts Department of any of the following schools: GEMS American Academy, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi GEMS New Millennium School, Al Khail GEMS Wellington International School, Sheikh Zayed Rd GEMS Wellington Primary School, Sheikh Zayed Rd GEMS Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis GEMS World Academy, Al Barsha South GEMS Westminster School, Sharjah

Who is the programme for?

The programme is for students who wish to develop their English language learning proficiency to adjust, extend and access the school curriculum.

All registration and payment must be completed by Sunday 23 June 2013.

The key features of the programme

Small teaching groups - maximum 14 Teacher groups that are appropriate to age and levels of English proficiency Individual and collaborative learning opportunities Assessment of English proficiency upon entry to the programme On-going assessments using internationally recognised methods Certificate after completion of the GEMS English Language Programme

What will it cost?

The programme lasts for 8 weeks with 15 hours per week tuition. This is split into 4 blocks of 2 weeks. Students can attend one or more two-week blocks. Each two-week block costs AED 3,000. The more blocks a student can attend, the greater their proficiency will be at the end of the programme. The dates for each block and cumulative prices for successive attendance are as below: Block 1 2 3 4 Dates Sunday 30 June Thursday 11 July Sunday 14 July Thursday 25 July Sunday 28 July Wednesday 7 August* Tuesday 13 August Monday 26 August Per 2 week block 3,000 AED 3,000 AED 3,000 AED 3,000 AED Cumulative prices 3,000 AED 6,000 AED 9,000 AED 12,000 AED

The curriculum
The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of learners at all levels, ensuring the following key outcomes: Improved communication in school Strategies to help students become independent learners Easy transition into the classroom environment Spelling and grammar development as appropriate Expanded vocabulary Improved pronunciation skills

* Block 3 is scheduled for 9 days to finish before the expected first day of Eid Al Fitr. Timing will be adjusted to provide 3 hours and 20 minutes of teaching per day

How is the programme taught?

After an initial assessment, students are placed into a small group that considers both their age and level of proficiency. Students are taught targeted speaking, reading, writing and listening skills. Our English language teachers use a range of resources including workbooks, textbooks, visual aids, audio and online interactive programmes. Teachers adapt their planning according to identified learning targets. The programme is devised and taught by trained teachers with internationally recognised qualifications and relevant experience.

Who do I contact?
Email: ellprogram@gemseducation.com or call Lady Sheryl Castor on +971 4 347 7770 x 510

How do I know if my child is making progress?

All students are assessed after registration using an internationally recognised format. This ensures that students are placed in the most appropriate group. Student progress is monitored at regular intervals to support future target setting. At the end of the 2, 4, 6 or 8 week GEMS English Language Programme, students receive a report and are awarded a certificate.