GEMS Al Barsha National School Review
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The story so far...
In July 2020, GEMS advised that the GEMS Al Barsha National School for Boys would merge with the neighbouring GEMS Al Barsha National School for Girls, with the new school named GEMS Al Barsha National School (GNS). There is a certain sense of 'déja vu' here - the Boys section started life in the Girls School and seems to be continuing its life back there...whilst the Boys school has now been added to the adjacent GEMS Founders School Al Barsha.
The newly merged school's Mission is "to nurture our community and empower our students to achieve excellence:
Nurturing by including all learners, prioritising their safety and happiness and promoting their character development rooted in the national values of the UAE.
Empowering by providing an exciting, enriching and ambitious learning experience where students excel by fulfilling and exceeding their academic potential."
The school has what it describes as a unique offering.
A premium British Curriculum rooted in the Culture, Values and Vision of the UAE;
Character and Leadership Development programmes;
Arabic language development, outcomes and bi-lingualism;
Developing students' understanding of the role and values of Islam in UAE Society;
Single gender provision from Year 4 upwards.
GEMS Al Barsha National School, housed in an impressive building which reflects the colours of the Emirati flag, opened as the Girls school back in 2016 with just over 120 students in mixed gender Foundation classes and gender-separated classes for children from Years 1-8. With approximately 20 children per class, this was a very low student to teacher ratio.
The school has since opened to Year 13 and grown to 1,200 students at the time of writing in August 2022. The first cohort of Year 13 students will graduate in June 2022.
In June 2022, the KHDA's DSIB inspection team issued the Inspection report for the 2021-22 academic year for GEMS Al Barsha National School, giving the school an Acceptable rating - the minimum requirement. Officially, the KHDA has listed this as the first inspection - which it is since the GEMS Al Barsha National School for Boys and the GEMS AL Barsha National School for Girls merged in August 2020.
However, prior to this, the Boys school had achieved an Acceptable rating in 2019-20 and a Good rating one year prior. Given that the leadership of the merged school includes the former Principal of the Boys school, we believe it is relevant to include the previous achievement of the latter school.
We understand that approximately 30 nationalities are shared by staff and students in the community of GEMS Al Barsha National School. The largest student nationality group by a very long way is Emirati, with over 900 of the total of 1,200. Classes are mixed gender from FS1 to Year 3 inclusive, separating into separate Girls and Boys sections from Year 4.
Students are supported by 105 teachers and a further 21 teaching assistants. Teachers are recruited largely from the UK, with Jordanian staff making up the majority of teachers for the Ministry of Education curriculum. The school says that it has a "good blend of experience and more junior teachers bringing new and innovative ideas to the organisation".The teacher:student ratio is an impressively low 1:11 students.
All teachers for the English National Curriculum are expected to have Qualified Teacher Status (generally requiring a minimum of a Bachelors' degree and post-graduate teaching qualification), together with a minimum of two years experience. Teachers are supported to engage with NPQ Programmes and to progress within the school organisation, taking on additional responsibilities.
Staff turnover at 30% was above the top end of the average for the UAE of 20-22%, having fallen to 20% in 2020, from a high of 57% from 2019. This increase is potentially a concern, although it is likely that the part of the figure relates to new staff employment for the opening of the Sixth Form in 2021.
The Senior Leadership Team of the school, led by Principal Karim Murcia who has joined from the original Boys' school, has significant experience and a proven track record in leading Outstanding Schools in the UK and UAE. Interestingly, Mr. Murcia's last UK Principalship was at a Girls' school. He is a linguist by background and will lead the team of highly qualified UK trained English and Arabic speaking teachers in the delivery of a rich bilingual curriculum in both Arabic and English.
What about the curriculum?
GEMS Al Barsha National School follows the English National Curriculum including the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum from Year 1 to Year 9. It offers IGCSE in Years 10 and 11 and 'AS' and 'A' Levels for Years 12 and 13. Children in the Foundation Stage to Year 2 split 50% of their learning time between Arabic and English. Spanish is offered from Year 5 as an additional language.
The leadership of GNS believe that the school offers "a broad and balanced curriculum in the belief that all subject areas play an important role in contributing to the development of students’ skills, abilities and character."
In the Foundation Stage, (FS1-FS2) children follow the seven core areas of the EYFS Framework and in addition, participate in Physical Education, an Arabic Bilingual Curriculum and Islamic Education.
Core subjects in the Primary section include English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, MoE subjects, (Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies) and Spanish from Year 5. Once students move on to Secondary, they follow the same core subjects from Years 7 to 9 of English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and the MoE subjects of Arabic, Islamic Education, and Social Studies (the latter until Year 10).
From Year 10, students prepare for their International GCSE examinations which include a core of English Language, English Literature, English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Science Double Award, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Additionally students may select among the options of Arabic, Art and Design, Business Studies, Geography, History and Spanish.
On entry to post-16 studies, students in Years 12 and 13 select between two and four AS Level subjects and continue with Physical Education and the MoE subjects of Arabic and Islamic Education. AS and A Level options include Arabic, Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, History, Mathematics, Psychology, Physics, Sociology and Spanish.
GEMS recognised that parents want a high quality international curriculum for their children together with equally high quality teaching of Arabic, Islamic and social studies. Koran recitation is included in assemblies.
The school also has plans to develop its curriculum and provision, focusing on two enhancements that have been adopted by a number of GEMS schools - HPL (High Performance Learning - initially introduced by Outstanding-rated GEMS Jumeirah College) and ArtsEd - an initiative from the UK-based organisation led by Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber which seeks to support schools in the provision of Performing Arts, which has been adopted by several GEMS and other Dubai schools. GNS is also apparently considering the introduction of the IB Career-related programme (IBCP) which would potentially offer a more vocational route for students.
Commenting on the curriculum plans, GNS told us "Our vibrant and dynamic curriculum is enhanced through partnerships with High Performance Learning and Arts International. Plans are in place to add greater curriculum breadth at Post-16 through the introduction of the IB Careers Pathway."
However, the curriculum is not all about the academic. The school offers a range of Extra-curricular activities, the majority of which are free of charge. Highlights include Sports including Football, Tennis, Jiu Jitsu, Trampolining and Swimming; Innovation including Graphic design and animation, and Robotics coding; Skills including Public speaking, Drama and Music, and Interests including Scent-making, Chess, Heritage heroes, Wellbeing champions and Architecture Club. The school also partners with provider ESM to provide optional paid options.
GNS also hopes to be able to offer international trips as the school joins educational institutions across Dubai in developing plans as Covid-19 restrictions are eased this academic year.
What about support for students of Determination and those with Gifts and Talents?
GNS has over 150 students (9% of students) who have been identified with additional learning needs. High attainers and gifted and talented students are identified and are supported in nurturing their abilities and talents.
GNS has ensured that a Senior Leader has responsibility for inclusion and personal development, working closely with the School SEND Coordinator and a Local advisory Board Member who has responsibility for SEN. GNS has three dedicated Inclusion teachers, and a team of Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) trained to support students with SEN. The school sources Shadow teachers or LSAs if required.
SEN staff use the Edukey Provision Map to support effective management of students’ progress towards Individual Education Plan (IEP) targets.
The school’s team of teachers are trained to meet the needs of students with English Language Learner (ELL) requirements and all students with ELL needs are supported in accelerating their acquisition of English language skills.
The cost of additional support for students with SEN varies depending on the needs of students and levels of support required.
The KHDA inspection team found that "Procedures for identifying students’ special educational needs are well established. Support for students with significant barriers to learning is a strength of the school."
What about Academic Achievement?
GNS uses both GL and PT assessment as part of its programme.
In August 2021, GEMS Al Barsha National School provided its I/GCSE examination results to WhichSchoolAdvisor.com. As a result of the Covid 19 pandemic, examinations were cancelled for the second year, with exam entries being awarded Centre (Teacher) Assessed Grades, based on students' performance and assessment over the two years of the IGCSE programme.
The school revealed that 42 students were entered for 313 examinations. 4.2% of entries were awarded the highest Grade 9, with 13% awarded A* (Grades 9-8), 27% achieved A*-A (Grades 9-7) and 69% A*-B (Grades 9-6). 87% of entries were awarded A*-C (Grades 9-4) resulting an overall pass rate of the same percentage. 43% of students achieved at least one Grade 9-8 (A*) award. The highest number of grades achieved by an individual student: was 4 passes at Grade 9 and 4 at Grade 8.
The school also shared its first set of International As Level results for its Year 12 students. The cohort consisted 33 students who were entered for 75 examinations. 24% of exam entries were graded A, 35% of exam entries were graded A-B, and 76% of exam entries were graded A-C. The highest number of grades achieved by three individual students were best possible set of results at AAA.
A dedicated Careers Counsellor, Post-16 Phase leader and Head of Secondary support students through a comprehensive programme providing information, advice and guidance towards the selection of the subjects and their onward transition to university, further education and future careers.
What about the Facilities?
The school offers the usual range of high-quality facilities commensurate with the price point. Main facilities include 70 Classrooms, two libraries (one each for primary and secondary schools), an Auditorium, a Fitness and Dance Studio, Music Rooms, an Art Room, a Fashion Design Room, a Design Technology Workshop with state-of-the art equipment, a Food Food Preparation and Nutrition Workshop, two ICT labs, 8 specialist Science Laboratories - specifically for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, - a School Clinic, Canteen and dedicated Prayer Rooms.
Sports facilities include a Tournament-Standard 25-Metre Swimming Pool, two Shaded Multi Use Games Area offering Multiple Tennis, Basketball, and Volleyball Courts, a Full Size Sports Field, a Primary Sports Hall, and two Secondary Sports Halls.
What the inspectors say
GEMS Al Barsha National School for Girls received its second KHDA inspection in January 2020. The school was rated Good at its initial inspection in 2018-19, but unfortunately, it was not able to maintain this rating and received instead the minimum Acceptable rating for 2019-20. The Boys' school was inspected for the first time in 2019-20, and achieved an Acceptable rating.
GEMS National School Al Barsha confirmed to WhichSchoolAdvisor.com that it planned to participate in its first British Schools Overseas inspection in the current academic year. BSO inspections are accredited by the UK Department of Education and conducted in line with the Department's OFSTED inspections.
The postponed KHDA inspection did take place in March 2022, when the school was awarded an Acceptable rating. This will no doubt have come as a disappointment to the school.
In summarising the performance of the school and its students, the inspection team noted that, in terms of Student Achievement, "Students’ rates of progress are inconsistent across subjects, between year groups and boys and girls. Girls generally make faster progress than boys. Standards of attainment are weaker in the primary phase in English, mathematics and science than in other subjects and phases." The majority of ratings for progress and attainment were a mix of Acceptable and Good, but with several Weak ratings for attainment in the Primary section.
The inspection team also noted, in regard to the two Key Performance Standards that have the most direct influence of Student Achievement, those of Teaching and Assessment and the Curriculum; "The quality of teaching is strongest in Foundation Stage (FS) and in Post-16. Most teachers have good subject knowledge. They use a variety of teaching methods to engage students in learning. The curriculum provides students with interesting topics linked well to student interests. In Secondary and Post-16, the curriculum is planned to enable students to study a range of subjects to IGCSE and AS levels." They noted that there is a restricted range of subjects offered at Post-16.
A further Key Performance Standard directly linked to Students' Personal and Social Development and their Innovation Skills - again aspects that directly impact Student Achievement - were rated Good across the school, whilst students' Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world cultures was found to be Very Good. The inspectors found that students have good relationships with their peers and teachers. "Students have a very good knowledge of Islamic values and are proud of their own cultures. They take on leadership roles and make good contributions to the school community."
In terms of the remaining Key Performance Standards of the Protection, Care, Guidance and Support of students, the inspection team found that "Staff provide a caring and welcoming environment for students. Health and safety arrangements are good throughout the school."
The criteria for Leadership and Management of the school were again a mix of Acceptable and Good, although Management, staffing, facilities and resources were deemed to be Very Good.
Overall the inspection team defined the strengths of GEMS Al Barsha National School as:
- Students’ consistently good progress in learning Arabic
- Students’ knowledge and understanding of the role and values of Islam in UAE society
- The quality of the support provided for those students of determination who have significant barriers to learning
- The day-to-day management of the school and the quality of the facilities and resources to support student learning
In terms of areas for improvement, the DSIB inspection team recommended that GEMS Al Barsha National School should:
- Increase the rate at which students make progress to raise standards of attainment.
- Improve leaders’ understanding of the assessment systems, linked to the NCfE (National Curriculum for England), in order to:
- ensure accurate measures of students’ attainment and progress against the curriculum standards;
- improve curriculum adaptation to allow all students to independently reach high levels of attainment. - Improve the effectiveness of the self-evaluation processes by ensuring accurate internal assessments provide data that is used to measure the impact of the quality of teaching on student learning.
Although at first sight, these may seem to be a relatively short list of recommendations, parents should not underestimate the work and effort that will be involved to enable the school improve student achievement through a better understanding of students' abilities and more targeted adaptation and delivery of the curriculum to meet individual student needs. There is a clear need for a better understanding of available data and its use.
If you would like to read the full inspection report - and we strongly recommend that you do so in order to understand the reasons behind the ratings and the detailed recommendations - you will find it here.
The Buzz
A very limited number of parents have responded to the WhichSchoolAdvisor.com Parent Survey and we believe it to be insufficient to draw conclusions at this stage.
If you are parent, teacher or student at GEMS Al Barsha National School and would like to share your experience with other potential members of your community, please do so by completing our survey here
There was no pre-inspection survey prior to the visit by the DSIB inspection team, but the inspection report does mention that "Parents have mostly positive views of the school." There were clearly some concerns with respect to the frequency and standard of communication with parents - "Regular newsletters inform parents of day-to-day events. Workshops help parents understand how to guide their children's learning at home. Information to parents about what their children are studying is not extensive, or informative. Reports to parents lack personalised detail and do not help parents understand what their children need to learn next to be successful."
Our View
The team at WhichSchoolAdvisor.com was truly impressed by its visit to GNS in October 2021 and therefore somewhat disappointed in the outcome of the inspection six months later. This is a school that has clearly been through some ups and downs as its owners determined what would work best for parents and students as well as for shareholders. In adopting the more traditional approach to gender-separation in Primary school, it has clearly recognised the preference of its community in this context, without the need to operate two separate schools. However, the implementation of these changes, and the bringing together of an entire new leadership team, middle management and teachers is clearly taking some time to bed in.
An important detail shared with WhichSchoolAdvisor.com when we visited the school in October 2021 was the GNS is now part of the 'Wellington cluster'. The significance of this is that the school is now working with, and being actively mentored by, the leaders of the other established GEMS Wellington brand schools, including Outstanding rated GEMS Wellington International School under the leadership of Maryssa O'Connor. This will ensure that best practice is shared across the schools in the cluster - something from which they will all benefit.
GNS told WhichSchoolAdvisor.com that "Our status as a Wellington Partner school provides us with a strong network of support to maintain the continuous raising of standards in our provision."
GNS also shared with us its priorities for the next period from 2021-25 which focuses on six key areas.
- Curriculum: Enhancing the curriculum through HPL and ArtsED partnerships, greater curriculum breadth at Post-16 including the introduction of the IB Careers Pathway.
- Teaching: Very good and outstanding teaching provides dynamic learning experiences for students and impacts directly on achievement.
- Achievement: Consolidating good attainment and very good progress in IGCSE/AS and A Level results as public examinations return.
- Innovation: Innovation strategy implemented delivering high-profile and newsworthy initiatives in robotics, artificial intelligence and coding.
- Inspection: BSO and KHDA Inspections securely Good with Very Good elements of VG
- Partnerships: Build on Wellington Partnership and network support to raise standards in provision.
Clearly GNS has already identified the key performance areas that it believes are necessary to enable the school to deliver the standards of curriculum, teaching and achievement for its students.
The school is clearly ambitious in terms of the curriculum and standards of education it wishes to offer its students, and has ambitious plans in this context. It also has a strong leadership team with a mentoring and support structure in place to ensure that the academic standards it wishes to see are achievable.
Clearly, there had been insufficient time for this process to be effective ahead of the inspection, but we would expect to see considerable strides made by the time of the 2022-23 inspection visit.
For the growing number of families in Dubai who seek an education that integrates the best of international curricula and staff within a setting that honours and encourages the UAE's values and beliefs, we believe that GEMS Al Barsha National School has the potential to meet those needs.
What about the fees?
KHDA approved fees range from AED 42,000 for FS2 to AED 62,000 for Year 13. However, for the 2022-23 academic year, discounts of 5% mean that the fees range from AED 39,900 to AED 58,900 . There is an application fee of AED 525 per child.
This school is in a Best School by parents ranking
GEMS Al Barsha National School is a Best of school, a ranking determined by parent surveys on the site. It can be found in the following Best of rankings:
- #96 in Best Schools in the UAE
- #41 in Best Premium Schools in Dubai
- #32 in Best Premium British Schools in Dubai
- #27 in Best A Level Schools in Dubai
- #45 in Best British Schools in Dubai
- #66 in Best Schools in Dubai
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