Sustainability

At GEMS Founders School – Dubai South, sustainability is more than a value – it is a way of thinking and acting that we embed across our school community.

We recognise the importance of preparing students to become responsible global citizens who can meet the environmental and social challenges of the future. To drive this commitment, we have a dedicated Sustainability Lead who coordinates whole-school initiatives and ensures sustainability is woven into both our curriculum and co-curricular programmes. Students are actively engaged through events and campaigns across the year, from eco-projects to community action, while explicit curriculum links help them understand the global impact of sustainable choices. By combining learning with meaningful action, we empower our students to make a difference today and lead with purpose tomorrow.

Student Leadership in Sustainability

GFD places a strong emphasis on student leadership, providing various roles and opportunities for students to lead and participate in sustainability initiatives:

  • Student Council: Elected representatives from each year group who act as the voice of the student body, participating in school governance and decision-making processes.

  • House Captains: Leaders who promote school spirit, organize house events, and encourage healthy competition and camaraderie among students.

  • Prefects and Head Students: Senior students who take on responsibilities such as mentoring younger peers, assisting in school events, and representing the school at external functions.

These roles empower students to take initiative in promoting sustainability within the school and the broader community.

Integration of the OIC Sustainability Curriculum

GFD integrates sustainability into its curriculum through thematic and experiential learning opportunities:

  • Key Stage 1 Curriculum: Includes topics such as ‘Let’s stop waste’ and ‘looking after our commons’, which are designed to give students a basic understanding of what sustainability is and promotes collaboration and critical thinking about sustainability.

  • Key Stage 2 Curriculum: Includes topics such as "Saving The Rainforests" and "Climate Control," which are designed to deepen students' understanding of environmental issues and develops problem solving about sustainability.

  • Experiential Learning: Educational visits to wildlife centres and local heritage sites to understand environmental conservation and cultural sustainability practices.

These curriculum components align with the principles of the OIC Sustainability Curriculum, fostering environmental stewardship and social responsibility among students.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives

GFD serves as an innovation and sustainability hub, committed to cutting-edge research and sustainable practices:

  • Innovation and Sustainability Focus: The school incorporates principles of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, emphasising the importance of sustainability in modern business operations.

  • Project-Based Learning: Students engage in real-world problem-solving through projects that address environmental challenges, promoting innovation and practical application of sustainability concepts.

  • Oxford International Curriculum: Students from years 1-6 for 1 hour a week follow a creative and structured curriculum that supports students developing their subject knowledge and eco-literacy.

These initiatives ensure that students are at the forefront of industry advancements and prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.

If you need further details or assistance in developing specific sustainability programs or student-led initiatives, feel free to ask!

Green Curriculum

Integrating sustainability topics across all subjects, with a particular focus on science, humanities and Moral Social Cultural Studies

Eco-friendly practices

Implementing sustainable practices within the school, such as recycling programmes, energy conservation initiatives, and sustainable campus design

Community projects

Engaging students in community service projects that promote environmental awareness and sustainable living.

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Innovation:

Innovation is at the heart of preparing students for future success. Our approach to fostering innovation includes:

STEAM Educaiton

Emphasising Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics through hands-on projects, competitions, and specialised courses.

Creative Thinking

Encouraging creative problem-solving and critical thinking across all disciplines.

Maker Space

Providing state-of-the-art facilities where students can experiment with new ideas, develop prototypes, and work on collaborative projects.

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