Many thanks for your support.

- Secondary pupils have been supporting Primary pupils to read.

- In Tutor time all students have been engaging in D.E.A.R (Drop Everything and Read).

- All classrooms now have Reading Corners and Vocabulary Walls.

We love Reading at GFD!

Above is a summary of the minimum expectations in terms of home learning each week alongside a brief overview of what each learning platform provides. 

Take the time to learn about these platforms and support your child to access them at home each week.  Home Learning will commence from Monday 13^th September 2025.

You can access each home learning platform here:

Century

Time Tables Rock Stars

Reading Owl

These are complete study and practice guides available for purchase via Amazon.

THESE ARE NOT COMPULSORY

Study guides can be purchased for use at home. Click the links below.

• English

• Mathematics

• Science

• Geography

• History

• Spanish

• Practice Tests Mathematics, English and Science

This week, our secondary pupils will be diving into a reading comprehension passage during RLaG time, with a focus on strengthening vocabulary and developing key reading skills such as summarising, analysing, and evaluating texts through rich discussion.

We are especially excited for Friday’s first Family Reading Picnic of the year 🧺📖 – a chance to come together as a community and celebrate the joy of reading. We can’t wait to see you there!

They have also been exploring the elements of music- like rhythm, melody and dynamics. Discovering how these building blocks are used in every piece of music that we listen to!

Students wrote their individual stories about living in the UAE and were graced with the presence of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence.

11.00 - 11.40

Year 7 in the MPH

Year 8 in the EMPH

Year 9 in the Canteen

Parents welcome - please bring your ID badge with you.

Thanks.

• Family Reading Picnic

• Home Learning launched

• GEMS of the Week

Forward Look:

• Early finish on Monday 22nd (11.40am)

• New Drop off point - 2nd gate.

Year 8:
Year 8 have been exploring the blues style. They began by learning about its historical origins and focusing on one central feature: the 12-bar blues. Students have been discovering what chords are and gradually building their skills to perform the full 12-bar blues pattern. These activities develop both practical performance skills and theoretical understanding.

Year 9:
Year 9 have been studying film music, considering its purpose, what makes a soundtrack effective, and learning to perform selected pieces on the keyboard. Through these activities, students are strengthening their listening and analytical skills, learning to recognise how musical choices contribute to mood, character, and storytelling in film

All KS3 students receive a weekly Literacy intervention lesson. This week we are looking at sentence structures and styles, this should allow our students to become more formalised in both written and spoken English.

Pupils are continuing their work on simplifying expressions and substitution. This week, they are using function machines to practise one-step and two-step algebraic operations, helping them understand how variables behave in different contexts.

🗺️ Year 8 – Multiplicative Change (This Week)

This week, pupils are applying scale factors to diagrams and maps. They are learning how multiplicative relationships affect size and distance, and how to interpret scaled representations in real-world contexts.

⚖️ Year 9 – Equations and Inequalities (This Week)

Pupils are focusing on forming and solving equations and inequalities. They are also practising rearranging formulae, which supports their ability to solve more complex algebraic problems with confidence.

Alongside this, our buddy reading sessions have continued, with both older and younger pupils thoroughly enjoying the chance to share stories together. These activities are helping to build not only analytical and communication skills but also a lasting love of storytelling and reading across GFD.

أما في الأسبوع القادم، فسيتعلم الطلاب كيف يحددون دور اختيار الكاتب لكلمات معيّنة في توضيح الفكرة، ويقيّمون الأدلة الداعمة للفكرة من خلال نص معلوماتي بعنوان المسجد النبوي تاريخ يتجدد، مقترحين بدائل لآراء لم تعجبهم في النص.

وفي الأسبوع القادم، سيتعلم الطلاب كيف يحددون دور اختيار الكاتب لكلمات محددة في توضيح الفكرة، ويقيّمون الأدلة الداعمة للفكرة مبيّنين مدى دقتها، مع اقتراح بدائل لآراء لم تعجبهم في النص من خلال نص معلوماتي بعنوان أسواق شعبية من العالم.

They will be supporting our growing and evolving Trips and CCA programme, working alongside me to:

• Evaluate our current offers with their peers

• Bring fresh ideas and suggestions for trips and clubs

• Help develop new events to enhance our CCA and trips programme

We’re looking forward to seeing their creativity and leadership in action as we continue to enrich our students’ experiences beyond the classroom!

• Please ensure children have full uniform and equipment - ties, black polishable shoes, pen.

• Certificates for achievement points.

• Home learning - spellings.

• Poetry Prince Competition.

i impresionante !

Year 8:
This week, Year 8 have continued their exploration of blues music. They identified key features commonly found in blues songs and revisited the structure of the 12-bar blues. Students have been working on committing the three main chords and their sequence to memory, gradually strengthening both their theoretical knowledge and performance skills.

Year 9:
This week, Year 9 have been developing their understanding of how music is used to represent characters in film. They explored how theme music can be created and adapted to reflect a character’s personality and role, deepening their analytical and creative skills in film music. Looking at a key feature; repetition and the impact this has for a film or movie!

The next units await, which is chemical reactions for year 9, separating techniques for year 8 and particles for year 7.

Another reminder to encourage your child to complete their Century Science homework to support with in classroom learning.

Year 7 have been building on their mime skills, creating imaginative scenarios on a thrust stage and adding narration to bring their performances to life.

Year 8 have been developing their silent movie scenes with slapstick comedy and intertitles, as well as researching music to perfectly match the mood of their films.

Year 9 have been exploring the work of Steven Berkoff, embracing his exaggerated theatre style and experimenting with physical theatre techniques with fantastic energy.

The focus has been on helping students:

• Recognise their own body’s capacity and performance levels.

• Challenge themselves to reach their optimum effort.

• Apply the principles of overload and progression to see improvement over time.

These activities not only improve physical fitness but also encourage resilience, determination, and an understanding of how regular training can positively impact health and wellbeing.

Year 8 - Students are revisiting fractions for the rest of the half term, building upon their prior knowledge. We will be looking at multiplying and dividing fractions with both integers and other fractions.

Year 9 - Students are exploring testing conjectures in year 9. This topic allows students to develop their reasoning - a crucial skill in mathematics! Various previous topics such as factors, multiples, and algebra are embedded within this topic providing some useful retrieval practice.

To build excitement and a sense of fun, each classroom now features a ReadingWise leaderboard – sparking friendly competition and celebrating progress as students climb the ranks. 🎉

We cannot wait to see our students grow in confidence and literacy through this innovative platform!

10th October

House Morning - please wear PE kit

World Mental Health Day

The focus has been on cardiovascular endurance, encouraging students to push their stamina and develop strategies for maintaining energy and performance during sustained activity.

We have been impressed by their determination, teamwork, and growing awareness of how endurance plays a key role in their overall health and game performance.

A huge well done to all our students for their effort and commitment — we are ending the module on a high.

Year 7 are beginning to look at particles and how they are arranged in solids, liquids and gases and how their particle arrangement changes as they are exposed to different conditions.

Year 8 are taking their previous year 7 knowledge and expanding it further by looking at pure and impure substances and how solutions can be made when mixing solutes and solvents.

Finally, year 9 are learning about exothermic and endothermic reactions with everyday examples. As well as what thermal decomposition is, and how specific metal carbonates break down.

Fantastic effort and enthusiasm from all learners — keep up the amazing work! 🎬✨

Year 7 has started exploring the concept of equality in algebra, learning how to balance equations and understand the meaning of the equals sign. Pupils have also been using bar models to extract family facts, helping them visualise the relationships between numbers and operations. This foundational work is supporting their confidence in using algebra to represent and solve problems.

Year 8:

Year 8 has been focusing on multiplying and dividing fractions, applying their understanding to a range of problem-solving contexts. They have been learning how to simplify answers, use the reciprocal when dividing, and work with both proper and improper fractions. These skills are essential for success in more advanced topics involving ratios, proportions, and algebraic fractions.

Year 9:

In Year 9, we are working with algebraic proofs, forming and testing conjectures using both numerical counterexamples to disprove conjectures and algebraic proofs to support them. Pupils are learning to construct logical arguments and justify their reasoning using clear mathematical language. They are also exploring how to generalise patterns and use symbolic notation to represent mathematical ideas. This work is deepening their understanding of algebra and preparing them for more advanced problem-solving.

As part of their project, students are designing a National Geographic–style magazine cover and article on an African geographical feature, ecosystem, or wildlife. This task allows them to combine research, creativity, and geographical knowledge while showcasing their understanding of the continent’s natural wonders.

The work produced so far has been impressive, with topics ranging from Mount Kilimanjaro’s volcanic landscape to the migration of wildebeests in the Serengeti. We look forward to seeing their final magazine creations soon!

Year 8:
Year 8 have been taking their piano skills further, moving from chords to playing the walking bass line that gives blues music its signature groove. They have also been listening carefully to a range of blues songs, identifying the key features and describing the overall “blues sound,” combining practical skills with a deeper understanding of the style.

Year 9:
Year 9 have been diving into the world of film music, exploring how leitmotifs and repetition shape a character or story. Students have discussed how music can heighten the impact of a trailer and imagined themselves as film composers, deciding what musical choices would grab the audience’s attention and bring a scene to life.

All year groups have been preparing and working towards their performances in front the rest of the class!

It’s been wonderful to see how each student is expressing their own ideas and interpretations with such creativity and confidence. They’ve all done an amazing job pushing their artistic thinking and giving their best effort!

📅 Start Dates

• Primary: Tuesday 28th October

• Secondary: Thursday 30th October

📝 Sign-Up Info

• Register via esm.ae/active

• Timetables go live Monday 13th October

• Deadline to register: Friday 24th October

• No late sign-ups or changes after this date

🏅 Sporting Excellence Squads

• Trials: Primary – 21st Oct | Secondary – 23rd Oct

• Sign up for a regular CCA in case your child isn’t selected

• Successful students will be transferred to squad lists

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sibling Supervision

• Primary: Must be in paid sibling club or supervised by a parent

• Secondary: Must be signed up to support clubs or supervised

🏊 Swimming with Hamilton

• Parents must supervise before/after lessons – staff cannot

💬 ESM Paid Clubs (Mon/Wed/Fri)

• Re-registration & new club info will be shared by ESM/school

❗ Need Help?
Contact: hannah@esm.ae or j.gould_gfd@gemsedu.com

🗓 Trial Dates

• Primary: Tuesday, 21st October

• Secondary: Thursday, 23rd October
  ⏰ 3:20–4:20 PM
  👕 PE kit and appropriate equipment for the chosen sport required
  🚫 No bus service – collection at 4:20 PM is essential

✅ Sign-Up Deadline: Sunday, 19th October
No late sign-ups will be accepted due to safeguarding requirements.

🔗 Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/1x2JBG1xJ5
📌 Please see full parent communication for all details.

A key focus has been developing their ability to reflect with confidence and clarity — recognising their strengths, identifying specific areas for improvement, and setting personal goals for the weeks ahead. This reflective practice not only strengthens their musical progress but also builds independence, self-awareness, and a growth mindset that will benefit them across all subjects.

They are also beginning to learn and apply the key rules of rounders through fun, game-based activities.

📅 Trip Date: Wednesday, 19th November 2025
📍 Location: Dubai Airshow
🎓 Open To: Years 6–9 students
⏳ Deadline: Wednesday, 29th October

Due to high demand, the deadline has been extended!
If your child missed the original cut-off, there’s still time to join.

✅ To Confirm:

• Pay via GEMS Connect App

• Complete the form: https://forms.office.com/r/i6rh45eDme

• Submit the DHA Medical Form on GEMS Connect

Already paid? Make sure steps 2 & 3 are done.

🍴 Lunch not provided – food vendors available on-site.

Thank you to all parents who signed up! The deadline has now passed and no further sign-ups are possible.

Students may eat before or after the show, but must bring their own food. No snacks on the bus or inside the theatre there will be time to eat before and after.

✅ Final Reminders:

• Complete the Consent Form: https://forms.office.com/r/8P73pEFELr

• Submit the DHA Medical Form via GEMS Connect

Students will not be permitted to leave the premises without both forms completed.

We are so excited to see pupils already enjoying the activities and taking ownership of their learning journey! 🌟

A friendly reminder to all parents:
👉 Pupils should bring their iPad or laptop to school every day with a charger to access and engage with ReadingWise during lessons.
👉 Please encourage your child to use ReadingWise daily at home as part of their regular home learning routine.

Together, let’s keep building a community of confident and enthusiastic readers! 💬✨

Year 9 have looked at catalysts and their role within chemical reactions, as well as reviewing the last few lessons to cement their memory of important chemistry concepts.

This week, pupils will continue developing their algebraic thinking by solving linear equations using function machines. They will practise identifying and simplifying like and unlike terms to build fluency in expression manipulation. The idea of equivalence will be explored to deepen their understanding of balanced equations and mathematical relationships.

Year 8

Year 8 will wrap up their work on multiplying and dividing fractions, consolidating their skills through applied problems. They will then begin exploring the Cartesian plane, learning to plot points and interpret coordinates accurately. This will prepare them for future work involving graphs and linear relationships.

Year 9

Year 9 have recently started an exciting new topic on 3D shapes. To build a strong foundation, we've been revisiting 2D shapes and their properties before progressing into the world of 3D geometry. Students have been actively engaged in drawing and identifying nets of various 3D shapes, developing their spatial awareness and understanding. This work is setting us up for success as we move on to calculating surface area and volume in the coming weeks.

Next week,:
Students will continue learning by analysing another descriptive text about a school trip, focusing on its elements. They will practice using new vocabulary in sentences related to school trips and work on writing the second draft of their descriptive text, improving their style and organization.

Next week,:
Students will learn about the disadvantages of social media platforms by analyzing a text that discusses these drawbacks while considering its main elements. They will also identify the main idea and supporting details of the text. In addition, they will compare different social media platforms in terms of their disadvantages (through speaking activities), and finally, they will write the second draft of a text about their favorite social media platform, focusing on its disadvantages.

Next week,:
Students will learn to analyze another descriptive text about a famous person, taking into account the main elements. They will also identify the main idea and supporting details from the text, and practice describing a famous person using comparative structures. Finally, they will write the final draft of a complete descriptive text about a famous person, applying the new grammatical and stylistic structures.

الأسبوع القادم إن شاء الله:
سوف ندرس نص الاستماع "البحّارة والدب"، بالإضافة إلى نص المحادثة الذي يهدف إلى تنمية مهارات الاستماع والتحدث لدى الطلاب.

الأسبوع القادم إن شاء الله:
سوف ندرس نص الاستماع "قمحة في حجم بيضة"، بالإضافة إلى نص المحادثة لتطوير مهارات الاستماع والتحدث لدى الطلاب.

الأسبوع القادم إن شاء الله: سوف ندرس نص الاستماع "النبع القديم"، بالإضافة إلى نص المحادثة بهدف تنمية مهارات الاستماع والتحدث لدى الطلاب.

It’s been amazing to see such creativity, confidence, and collaboration in every group. The energy and passion in their performances truly brought the space to life!

Students loved stepping outside their comfort zones and experiencing something new and dynamic in Drama.

QE2 trip Monday

Boys swimming in PE

Dubai Airshow Trip

Lots of Rewards given out

M.Y.T.E. Starts On Monday

الْجَدِيدَةِ مَعَ بَيَانِ الْمُعَنَّى الْإِجْمَالِيِّ لِلْحَديثَ،وَتَقْديمِ وَرَقَةِ عَمَلِ روبريك عَلَى 

مُسْتَوَيَاتٍ هَرَمٌ بِلَوْمٍ لِقِيَاسَ عَمَلِيَّةَ التَّحْصِيلِ،وَالتَّقَدُّمِ عِنْدَ الطُّلَاَّبِ وَأَيْضًا َتَمِّ تَدْوِينِ 

هَذِهِ الْأَنْشِطَةِ في دَفَاتِرَ التَّرْبِيَةِ الْإِسْلَامِيَّةِ بِإِمْكَانِكُمْ تَتْبَعُ الْكَيُو أَرَّ كَوَدٍّ لِلْوُصُولَ لفديو تُوضِحِي للحديث الشريف) 

مُسْتَوَيَاتٍ هَرَمٌ بِلَوْمٍ لِقِيَاسَ عَمَلِيَّةَ التَّحْصِيلِ،وَالتَّقَدُّمِ عِنْدَ الطُّلَاَّبِ وَأَيْضًا َتَمِّ تَدْوِينِ 

هَذِهِ الْأَنْشِطَةِ في دَفَاتِرَ التَّرْبِيَةِ الْإِسْلَامِيَّةِ.

 بتوضيح نعمة الأمن في سياقها الشامل، حيث بيّنا أنها تجاوزت الأمن الجسدي لتشمل الأمن الفكري، والأمن النفسي، والأمن المعيشي. كما قمنا بتحليل أركان الأمن الأساسية التي يجب توافرها في المجتمع، ودرسنا الآثار المترتبة على غياب أي من هذه الأركان. وقد فعّلنا مناقشات صفية وحوارات تفاعلية لترسيخ قيم الحفاظ على هذه النعمة وشكرها.

Year 8:
Year 8 are continuing to develop their musicianship by performing in duets, building their confidence in working with others. They have been learning the key features and musical vocabulary associated with blues music, gaining a stronger understanding of how the style is constructed and why it sounds the way it does.

Year 9:
Year 9 are continuing their study of film music, focusing on how composers use musical elements to create specific moods and emotions in different scenes. Students have been analysing these techniques before beginning to compose their own short motifs that represent a chosen emotion or atmosphere, applying their understanding creatively.

It was a great opportunity to combine critical thinking with AI-powered learning preparing our students to be thoughtful and responsible digital citizens.

We’ve also introduced a weekly leaderboard in all classrooms across the school to spark some friendly competition and celebrate progress across the school. Our tracking and monitoring board is already filling up with impressive achievements, and we are excited to see even more pupils climbing the rankings in the coming weeks!

📚✨ Thank you for your continued support in encouraging pupils to use ReadingWise daily – even 10 minutes each day makes a huge difference in boosting literacy skills.

Let’s keep the momentum going! 💪🧠

Year 8 have come to the end of their unit and have finished off by looking at another separation technique - chromatography. Students have spent a lot of time in the labs over the last few weeks completing practicals, specifically looking at different separating techniques. They will soon revise and complete their end of unit assessment.

Year 9 have come to the end of their unit and have revised in preparation for their assessment. They will move onto electricity next and develop their knowledge from previous years.

Year 7 have been working together as a full ensemble, using physical theatre to bring monologues to life. Their teamwork and imagination have been truly impressive.

Year 8 have stepped into the world of melodrama, exploring classic stock characters such as the hero, villain, and damsel before creating their own wonderfully exaggerated scenes.

Year 9 have been delving into the work of physical theatre practitioner Steven Berkoff, experimenting with bold movements and abstract storytelling to produce striking and original performances.

It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm, creativity, and confidence shining through across all year groups!

Year 8 have started the topic ' working on the cartesian plane'. This week we have been looking at lines parallel to the axis as well as the line y = x. This topic is linked to algebra as students have been substituting to help work out coordinates that fall on a line, this is consolidating their learning from year 7.

Year 9 have been looking at surface area this week. We have looked at a range of 3D shapes from cubes to cylinders. The students have had to use lots of their prior knowledge this week, such as finding the area of 2D shapes and area and circumference of circles, to be able to work out the surface area of 3D shapes. This has helped students to see how theirknowledge develops and how topics can link together.

Secondary Girls:
The girls have been making the most of the outdoors, beginning their Rounders unit. Using their prior knowledge of passing and gameplay, they’ve been building a deeper understanding of this exciting sport. Students have been working on body positioning and batting technique to achieve successful hits, while also learning how teamwork and communication in fielding can prevent opponents from scoring.
To finish, they’ve started applying the official rules of Rounders in friendly matches, growing in both confidence and skill each week!

We are delighted to share that this programme has been successfully launched across all Secondary classes. Each morning during form time, from 7:30 a.m., students take part in practical wellbeing activities that encourage physical activity, mindfulness, and positive daily habits. The students have made an excellent start, and we are proud of their enthusiastic participation.

A rubric-based worksheet was also provided, structured in a hierarchical format, to assess students’ progress and learning outcomes. Additionally, these activities were documented in the Islamic Education notebooks.

I kindly ask those who have not yet sent the memorization video to please send it to me via email.

Dear students,
Next week, we will have review sessions for the lessons we have already studied, which are:
Surah Qaf, Those shaded by the mercy of the Most Compassionate, Mindfulness of Allah, and The Battle of the Trench (Al-Ahzab).

Therefore, I kindly ask all my dear students to review these lessons

Additionally, we examined how the messengers responded to the accusations, highlighting their great patience and steadfastness in their mission of calling people to Allah.

Students engaged in various interactive activities that addressed their learning needs, supported their comprehension, and enhanced their academic achievement. A rubric-based worksheet in a hierarchical format was also provided to assess students’ learning and progress.

Finally, these activities were recorded in the Islamic Education notebooks.

I prefer this response

This week, Year 7 students have been developing their listening skills by identifying whether pieces of music are in a major or minor key. They have been studying a piece with a homophonic texture, learning both the melody and harmony (chords). Working in pairs, students have decided who will perform each part in preparation for their performance assessment.

Year 8 – The Blues: Emotion and Expression

Year 8 have been exploring emotion and storytelling through the lyrics of Blues songs. They have studied how a Blues song is written and identified its key musical features, such as call and response, key instruments, and improvisation. Students are building their musicianship skills by rehearsing in pairs, each taking responsibility for either the walking bass line or the 12-bar Blues chord progression for their upcoming performance assessment.

Year 9 – Film Music and Mickey Mousing

This week, Year 9 have continued their study of Film Music, focusing on tonality and the technique of Mickey Mousing — where the music mirrors the action on screen. Students have analysed a film scene to identify how music and sound are used to replicate on-screen movements, and have expanded their understanding of cue sheets and how composers plan music for film.

Our pupils have been showing incredible dedication and enthusiasm — the top three performers from each class are proudly displayed on our classroom leaderboards, sparking a wave of friendly competition across classes and year groups. It’s wonderful to see how motivated our learners are to expand their vocabulary and strengthen their literacy skills every day! 💪🧠

To keep this momentum going, we encourage all parents to continue supporting their child’s progress by ensuring they spend at least 10 minutes a day on the ReadingWise platform at home. Consistent practice makes a huge difference — and it’s been amazing to see so many learners rising to the challenge! 🙌

Let’s keep the energy high and celebrate every new word learned, every leaderboard climb, and every moment of growth. 🌟

Year 7 have been exploring a brand-new topic Pantomime! Students have been using comedy and exaggeration to create fantastic performances and memorable catchphrases.

Year 8 have continued their work on Melodrama, using physicality and expression to bring over-the-top characters to life and show dramatic emotions on stage.

Year 9 have begun studying Blood Brothers, exploring powerful themes of family and fate, and deepening their understanding of the story by acting out key scenes and breaking them down into important moments.

Year 8 have completed their unit on separating mixtures, finalising their knowledge with Chromatography. Students analysed their practical skills and understood the concept behind mixtures of inks being separated.

Year 9 have completed their chemical reactions unit, sat their assessment and received feedback. Most recently they have begun their physics unit - electricity. Students refreshed their knowledge of year 7 and 8 circuits by heading into the lab and building basic circuits including different components.

This week in Mathematics, Year 7 have been developing their understanding of place value. They began by learning how to position integers on a number line, helping them visualise the size and order of numbers. Pupils then practised rounding integers to the nearest power of ten, an important skill for estimation and mental calculations. To consolidate their learning, they compared and ordered integers using equality and inequality symbols.

Year 8

This week, year 8 have been exploring straight line graphs. They have been combining their prior knowledge of coordinates and substitution to recognise and plot various linear graphs. As well as beginning to understand the complex concepts such as gradients.

Year 9

This week, year 9 have been finishing up their three-dimensional shapes work with some volume. They have looked at volume of cubes and cuboids, and prisms and cylinders. They have also started the next topic - constructions and congruency - recapping the knowledge that is needed to move forward with this unit, such as scale drawings, and drawing and measuring angles.

📅 Trip Date: Wednesday, 19th November 2025
📍 Location: Dubai Airshow
🎓 Open To: Years 6–9 students

• Complete the form: https://forms.office.com/r/i6rh45eDme

• Submit the DHA Medical Form on GEMS Connect

🍴 Lunch not provided – food vendors available on-site.

We’re thrilled to announce that a group of our secondary students have been selected to take part in an exclusive football training session with the PSG Academy at GFD on Thursday, 27th November!

This incredible experience is part of the Dubai 30x30 Challenge, inspiring students across the city to get active and embrace sport.

💪 Details:

• 📅 Date: Thursday, 27th November

• ⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.

• 📍 Location: GFD

• ⚽ Equipment: Full football kit (boots, shin pads, and a water bottle)

Only 15 boys and 15 girls have been selected to represent our school in this special session.
If you have more than one child in secondary, please reach out to confirm who has been chosen.

Students taking part are expected to catch up on any missed learning so they can enjoy this opportunity while staying on top of their studies.

We’re so proud of our students and can’t wait to see them train like professionals with the PSG Academy!

- Continuation of Dubai Fitness Challenge

- Assessments begin

- Rewards assembly

• Link to revision materials here.

• Link to assessment calendar here.

Assessments will be classroom based and facilitated by teachers. Once assessments are marked they will be shared in the end of term report with both students and parents.

Click here to access revision materials in preparation for the assessments.

Good luck :)

Year 8 have reviewed year 7 waves knowledge in preparation for year 8 content. We have looked into the structure of the ear and how sound waves are detected. Pupils have been excellent in showcasing their knowledge of the ear and linking it to the detection of sound waves.

Year 9 have continued their knowledge of electricity and shown their strengths in Maths as we worked through the equation for calculating resistance in a circuit, whilst rearranging the equation when necessary to calculate voltage or current.

All year groups are working hard and getting ready for their end of term assessments independently.

Our students have been showing true dedication, consistency, and enthusiasm — just look at the amazing number of tokens earned and the impressive time spent reading and learning on the platform! 🎉👏

This is exactly the level of commitment we want to see from all our learners — engaging regularly with ReadingWise helps build strong vocabulary, sharper comprehension, and greater confidence in reading and writing. 💪

Parents, please continue to support your child by encouraging at least 10 minutes of ReadingWise practice each day at home. Every token earned and every minute spent makes a real difference!

Let’s keep the momentum going and show what it means to Read Like A GEM! 💎📖✨

This week in Maths, pupils spent time revising all the key topics they’ve learnt throughout the term. They practised solving different types of problems and review important strategies. Everyone showed great focus and determination during our revision sessions. The highlight of the week was their first ever end-of-term assessment. It was a big step, and they approached it with confidence and maturity. We’re proud of their hard work and progress this term!

The girls are finishing up their Rounders module and have been focusing on developing their gameplay and understanding of the rules. They’ve become familiar with the different positions on the pitch and now understand the roles of both short and long fielders. Throughout the lessons, they’ve worked hard to communicate effectively and play as a team, using strategy and teamwork to outwit their opponents. It’s been fantastic to see their confidence and cooperation grow each week!

1. Assessments continue

2. Astronaut Visit

3. Dubai Airshow Trip

4. Rewards Assembly

5. Assessments continue.

   • Link to revision materials here.

   • Link to assessment calendar here.

Payments should be made via the GEMS Connect app:
Activities → Check Available Activities.

If you experience any issues please visit our Finance Team before 3:45 pm Mon–Thurs and 12:00 pm Fri for assistance.

Thank you for your continued support in making this trip possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Our Year 8 boys have started their new football unit, where this week’s focus has been on dribbling and passing skills within gameplay situations. Students have been encouraged to apply their skills under pressure and develop their decision-making on the pitch.

All year groups have shown great enthusiasm and effort, and we look forward to seeing their progress as the units continue.

This week, the girls have been completing their Rounders theory test to assess their understanding and knowledge of the sport, alongside their practical performance. They will also be starting their swimming sessions, where they will be learning water safety and developing their basic swimming skills.

A special highlight this term is the many new names joining the rota — it’s fantastic to see so many pupils eager to take part and help grow this lovely initiative. Their enthusiasm is already shining through in every session!

We are looking forward to watching these reading friendships continue to blossom over the term. Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us nurture a love of reading across the school! 📖🌿

Students have also been given whole class feedback based on their Term 1 assessment.

Weekly Newsletters

Weekly Newsletters

Weekly Newsletters

Weekly Newsletters

Weekly Newsletters

Weekly Newsletters

Year 7 have been performing their exaggerated pantomime scripts, using stock characters to entertain their audience with humour, energy and creativity.

Year 8 have been performing their melodrama scripts, showcasing bold characters, clear storytelling and dramatic expression.

Year 9 have been performing the opening narration of Blood Brothers, using unison, movement and emotion to bring the text to life.

It has been wonderful to see all the amazing work from students this week!

Students are showcasing their learning through a variety of formats such as posters, Canva presentations, digital slides, and Minecraft Education builds, demonstrating both subject knowledge and creativity. The focus this week is on independent research, critical thinking, and linking ideas across time and place.

Re-teaching of specific content has begun to address any common errors or misconceptions.

They have been developing their swimming strokes this week. They have completed an assessment to help us understand their learning group, and have been working on improving their front stroke, with many pupils now progressing onto their back stroke. They have also been developing their dives, submerging skills, and push-and-glide technique.

KS3 Boys

Year 7 & Year 9 – Netball
Students developed their possession skills in attack and strengthened their understanding of defensive skills and rules, including marking, interceptions, and correct footwork.

Year 8 – Football
Year 8 focused on improving their shooting accuracy and power, refining their technique and confidence in front of goal.

Dubai Fitness Challenge
All year groups also took part in the Dubai Fitness Challenge closing ceremony, completing a 30-minute whole-school fitness workout to celebrate health and wellbeing.

Well done to all students for their excellent effort and engagement this week.

GFD shone as a community today.

Please excuse the sore throat.......

Next week:

• Pupils return to school on Wednesday 3rd December.

• Final day of term on Friday 5th December.

• Assessment reports published on 5th December to all parents.

• Mr Paul Online Update Meeting for all Secondary Parents on Thursday 4th December 5.30 - 6.00 - click here to join.

Thanks, Mr Paul.

The end of this week will see students finalising their end of term assessment feedback lessons, as well as completing some stepback/retireval lessons to correct any misconceptions or common errors before the winter break.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive well done to all students across year 7,8 and 9 for their amazing efforts and hard work since August. Enjoy your winter break and come back raring to go for a fresh term in January

We are proud of how actively the students engaged and look forward to seeing them apply this feedback in their upcoming tasks.

Years 8 and 9 are studying reggae music, exploring the influence of Bob Marley not only on reggae but on the wider music industry. These year groups are focusing on syncopation, considering what it is and how to create it within a piece of music.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Winter break! This week, students have settled back into their routines and recapped the geography topics from last term to prepare for their new units.

• Year 7 and Year 8 will be exploring Weather, diving into the patterns and processes that shape our climate.

• Year 9 will begin their unit on Tourism, looking at how travel impacts environments, economies, and communities around the world.

  
  

It’s been great to see students engaged and ready to start the term with enthusiasm!

Each tutor group will receive a class set of novels to enjoy together over the course of a term. Once a book is completed, the novels will rotate around the year group, giving pupils access to a rich range of high-quality texts across the year.

The books have been carefully chosen to reflect our core school values, including:
🚀 Aerospace & Innovation
💛 Wellbeing
👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Relationships

Through shared class reading, students will:

• Build reading fluency and vocabulary

• Develop comprehension and critical thinking

• Learn to discuss and respond to texts with confidence

• Grow a love of reading through engaging and meaningful stories

Reading together as a class helps create a calm, focused learning environment and allows every student to access and enjoy powerful stories — regardless of their starting point.

We look forward to seeing our learners connect with these books and with each other through reading! 📖💬

This week we have dived straight into carrying on with learning content.

Year 7 have finished forces and began learning about atoms and their structure.

Year 8 have finished off waves by looking at primary and secondary colour filters and will be moving onto their next unit, starting with balanced diet.

Finally, year 9 have started their new unit and the first few lessons we have looked at aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Well done to all students for their positive return to GFD.

Year 7 has begun their unit on FDP equivalence, focusing on tenths and hundredths. Pupils are exploring these concepts through diagrams and visual representations. They are also learning to represent these fractions and decimals accurately on number lines.

Year 8:

Year 8 has started their unit on tables and probabilities, concentrating on sample spaces. Students are constructing sample spaces to organise possible outcomes. They are then using these to calculate probabilities in a clear and systematic way.

Year 9:

This week, students explored triangle congruency, learning how to identify when two triangles are exactly the same size and shape. They used simple logical arguments and standard rules to justify their conclusions, helping to strengthen their reasoning and problem-solving skills.

We have also introduced the grid method, helping students carefully observe proportions and draw a detailed, realistic study of an apple. The focus has been on recognising light tones, dark tones, and accurate proportions, encouraging patience, observation, and attention to detail.

Year 8 have been discovering Commedia dell’Arte, using practical games to explore status and learn how movement and expression create character. These activities will lead into creating their own improvisations.

Year 9 have begun their study of DNA, a naturalistic play, exploring key themes and working on their first extract. It has been fantastic to see them analysing characters and performing with energy and creativity.

Year 7 have continued their work on atoms and have been introduced to the periodic table of elements. Students have been working to identify specific elements and practicing where to locate them in the table.

Year 8 have been in the lab this week conducting food tests, as well as looking at healthy/unhealthy diets, with specific diseases related to deficiencies. The practical work has been conducted sensibly and with great cooperation.

Year 9 have also been in the lab this week conducting investigations into if starch is found in a leaf. They have been able to apply their knowledge of photosynthesis recently and conduct a safe and meaningful investigation.

Years 8 and 9 are focusing on ensemble skills. They have learned about musical hooks, identified them in well-known songs, and are now working effectively in pairs to gradually build up Three Little Birds. So far, they have established the chords and the hook, which will be the focus of further development.

The boys have begun their athletics module, focusing on how to start a race correctly, coordinating arm and leg movements, and learning the best techniques for starting and finishing a race. This work is also helping them prepare for Sports Day at the end of the month.

Year 7 students have been stepping into the exciting world of musical theatre, exploring scenes from Matilda and developing their creativity, with dance work to follow in the coming weeks.

Year 8 students are exploring Commedia dell’Arte, using strong physicality and character work to bring classic stock characters to life.

Year 9 students have been interpreting the text of DNA, using naturalistic techniques to create realistic and engaging performances of the opening scenes.

It has been a great week of creativity and performance in Drama.

• Sorting – arranging data in a specific order

• Filtering – showing only the data that meets certain conditions

• Aggregating – combining data to find totals, averages, or counts

Students applied these skills using spreadsheets to analyse real-world data, identify patterns, and answer questions based on the data. Students also explained how digital systems process data to support decision-making.

Reminders:

• Year 9 complete Option Choices.

• Home Learning: Complete weekly home learning via Century Tech, TTRS and Oxford Owl.

• Uniform: Please wear black shoes and only stud earrings allowed.

• Term 2 Assessments begin 2nd February - more information to follow.

Have a great weekend

Thank-you.

• Students must attend school in full school uniform on their scheduled photoshoot day

• PE kits should not be worn on photoshoot days

• Children should be neatly groomed (hair tidy, appropriate accessories only)

GFD Sports Day

All students must attend Sports Day in full and correct GFD PE kit, including:

• GFD T-shirt (house colour)

• GFD PE shorts

• White socks

• Suitable sports trainers

• Hoodies and non-GFD items are not permitted

• No jewellery is allowed, including stud earrings.

• Water bottle

• Hat

• Sun cream

Pupils will be fully prepared in class, and we will be sharing the attached PowerPoint with them beforehand, so they know exactly what to expect. The assessment is completed independently on a computer and is not something pupils need to revise for.

The results help us:

• Track reading progress

• Identify areas for support or challenge

• Ensure pupils are receiving the right level of reading instruction

Thank you for your continued support.

We hope you and your family are keeping well.

As we look ahead to Term 2, Slices will continue to provide nutritious, balanced and freshly prepared meals for students throughout the school day.

Parents are kindly requested to ensure a meal subscription is in place for Term 2 to avoid any disruption to your child’s meal service from the first day of term.

How to subscribe:

Please login into the GEMS Connect App and select a suitable meal plan (Daily, Weekly or Annual) at your earliest convenience.

Menus for Term 2 can also be found on the  GEMS Connect App.

If you have any questions or require assistance, our team will be happy to support you.

Thank you for your continued trust in Slices. We look forward to serving your children wholesome meals in Term 2.

Warm regards,

Slices School Dining Team

Year 7 have been learning how to use and interpret simple pie‑chart data, identifying key information and comparing proportions. They have also been working with fraction diagrams to deepen their understanding of part–whole relationships. Alongside this, they are using number lines to explore equivalences and improve their fluency with fractions and percentages.

Year 8 Maths:

Year 8 are continuing their algebra unit, focusing on confidently working with directed numbers in a range of contexts. They are developing accuracy when forming algebraic expressions from worded descriptions. Students are also practising multiplying single brackets, strengthening the skills needed for more complex algebra later in the year.

Year 9 Maths:

Year 9 have been working on their number skills this week. We have looked at prime factorisation and using this to find the highest common factor and lowest common multiple and have worked on our fractions use. As well as looking at some completely new content such multiplying and dividing surds.

Alongside this, students have been introduced to the grid method, enabling them to carefully observe proportions and produce a more accurate and realistic study.

Year 8 have reached the end of their unit by finishing off smoking and the effects on the human body. This fits nicely into the health unit we have looked at over the past weeks. They are now preparing for their end of unit assessment.

Finally, year 9 are also coming to the end of their unit and finished off by looking at plant minerals and deficiency symptoms associated with plants. They are also preparing for their end of unit assessment.

Students will undergo a reading assessment.

More detail here...

Years 8 and 9 are exploring the importance and role of the bass line in music, focusing on how it supports harmony, rhythm, and structure within a piece. Pupils are learning the bass line for Three Little Birds and developing their ensemble skills by working in pairs to combine the bass line with the chord progression. This allows them to practise timing, coordination, and listening to others, while gaining a deeper understanding of how different musical parts work together to create a complete performance.

Y7 – Musical Theatre

This week, Y7 are exploring Musical Theatre by focusing on a scene from Matilda. They will be learning how to use choral speaking and physical theatre techniques to bring a performance to life.

Y8 – Commedia dell’Arte

Y8 are diving into Commedia dell’Arte. They will use their knowledge of stock characters and physicality to create a funny and engaging scene, making sure each character is included.

Y9 – DNA – Dennis Kelly

Y9 are planning a scene based on the main themes of DNA, the play we are studying. They will explore responsibility, denial, control, and peer pressure, and develop their scenes thoughtfully using these ideas.

• Corbettmaths – FDP Key Equivalents (PDF)

• PixiMaths – FDP Equivalence Lessons & Worksheets

• Woodham Academy – Y7 FDP Equivalence Notes (PDF)

• Shuttleworth College – Y7 FDP Learning Journey (PDF)

Addition & Subtraction (Integers & Decimals)

• Corbettmaths – Adding/Subtracting Decimals Practice Questions

• PixiMaths – Four Operations (Addition & Subtraction)

• Oak National Academy – Integer & Decimal Arithmetic Lessons

Multiplication & Division (Integers & Decimals)

• PixiMaths – Four Operations (Multiplication & Division)

• Oak National Academy – Multiplying & Dividing Integers/Decimals

• MME – Decimals: Add, Subtract, Multiply & Divide

General Year 7 Maths Revision

• Addvance Maths – Year 7 Revision Hub

Videos and Worksheets – Corbettmaths for additional revision resources.

Refer to the video's and practice questions for the following:

• Constructions: angle bisector

• Constructions: equilateral triangles

• Constructions: perpendicular bisector

• Constructions: perpendicular to a point

• Triangles: congruent

• FDP (all subtopics)

• Fractions: addition diff denominators

• Fractions: division

• Fractions: multiplication

• Fractions: improper to mixed number

• Fractions: mixed number to improper

• Standard form

• Surds: intro, rules, simplifying

• Percentages of an amount (calc)

• Percentages: expressing as

• Percentages: change

• Percentages: increasing /decreasing

• Percentages: multipliers

• Percentages: reverse

Year 8 also finished their most recent unit and completed the end of unit assessment. They equally did as well, and feedback was given on how well they did as a group and where improvements on common errors can be made.

Year 9 also finished off their units and completed the end of unit assessment. We went through feedback on how they can improve and addressed misconceptions, as well as highlighted the excellent knowledge they are retaining.

Assessments start next week

Access our new Revision Wall here.

I'm looking forward to seeing all their hard work come through when I mark their assessments and provide whole class feedback!

Good luck to all classes

Students have been using the provided revision sheets and the revision Padlet to review key topics and practise essential skills.

Lessons have been dedicated to strengthening understanding and ensuring all pupils feel confident and ready for the assessment ahead.

Access our Revision Wall here.

Teachers are really impressed with the student's commitment their study.

We have had nearly 4000 views on our Secondary Revision Wall (click here)

Three more days to go! Keep up the great work.

With a quick turn around in marking - some classes have already received their scores and feedback on where we can improve as a class but also highlighting their strengths and Scientific knowledge.

Well done so far and keep going!

KS3 Boys:
The Year 8 boys have been developing their understanding of netball, learning about the different positions on the court and their roles in a game. Meanwhile, Year 7 and Year 9 boys have been working on football, exploring formations and the importance of positioning during matches.

Following this, students took part in a whole-class feedback session where we analysed a performance that achieved full marks. Together, we explored what made the work successful, focusing on the specific skills, techniques, and qualities that met the assessment criteria at the highest level.

To conclude, students completed an “Even Better If” task. This encouraged them to reflect individually on their own performances and identify precise improvements they could make in order to reach full marks in the future. This process has helped to strengthen their understanding of expectations and provided clear, personalised next steps for progress.

Year 8 have also received their feedback and the areas for improvement as well as strengths have been clearly highlighted. Now feedback has been complete, students will begin their new unit of work beginning with a short recap of circuits from year 7 electricity.

Finally, year 9 have begun their new unit this week. We have looked at electron configuration and students practiced how to draw the electron configuration for the first 20 elements in the periodic table.

Next week, students will begin whole-class feedback on their recent assessments and will complete a DIRT (Dedicated Improvement and Reflection Time) task to help them respond to feedback and further develop their understanding.

KS3 Girls:
Year 9 girls have started their theory unit, focusing on key sporting values such as sportsmanship, gamesmanship, and etiquette. They have been exploring what these terms mean and discussing how applying these principles can help them become better athletes both on and off the field

In their second weekly lesson, Year 7 girls have continued developing their mobility, flexibility, and core strength through increasingly challenging yoga movements. They are also learning about the key muscle groups in the body and how these support sporting performance. Year 7 boys have begun their yoga sessions, focusing on the mobility skills particularly important for footballers.

Year 8 students have started their table tennis unit, learning how to control the bat and ball both in isolation and within competitive rallies and games.

Finally, Year 9 girls have been developing their theoretical knowledge, learning about AO1, AO2, and AO3 assessment objectives and understanding command words in preparation for their four-mark exam questions. They have been practising how to apply their knowledge of gamesmanship and sportsmanship effectively in written responses.

Year 7 Teams Code: 4a6um0l
Year 8 Teams Code: amp2qr1
Year 9 Teams Code: 24qglvs

On Teams, you will find the following folders:

• Class Handouts – An information handout on each topic.

• Knowledge Organisers – A summary document that outlines key facts and concepts for the topic.

• Online Resources – A document containing video links to support learning for each topic.

• Revision Resources – Practice papers / mark schemes for each topic to help consolidate learning.

Students are expected to:

• Complete the quizzes posted on General every Friday.

• Use their knowledge organiser or device to support answers.

• Self-mark your answers; the answers will be attached with the quiz.

• Record your answers in ClassNote under the section with your name.

The expectation is that this is independent learning: push yourself further and challenge your understanding. Points will be rewarded for effort and engagement.

At the moment, the quizzes are based on your previous history topics, so only the necessary materials for these topics have been uploaded. All other materials will follow in due course.

Year 8 have begun looking at circuits and in particular parallel circuits. Closely looking in more detail how the current and potential difference change depending on the type of circuit used. Students will be exploring the use of electrical circuits and measuring current/voltage using equipment

Year 9 have been studying displacement reactions and how this can be used to extract metal from ores. Students have used their chemistry knowledge to predict if displacement reactions will occur and if not, why.

Year 7 focused on directed number, working confidently with both positive and negative values. They practised ordering and representing numbers on number lines, strengthening their understanding of size and position. The week finished with applying these skills in addition and subtraction involving directed numbers.

Year 8

Year 8 have now completed their work on sequences, showing improved confidence in identifying and continuing patterns. They have begun their new block on the laws of indices, exploring how powers behave in different calculations. Lessons this week focused on applying index rules accurately and building fluency.

Year 9

Year 9 spent the week going through their recent assessment and reviewing detailed feedback. They completed their DIRT tasks to reflect on misconceptions and make meaningful improvements. This process helped them consolidate key skills and prepare for the next steps in their learning.

Year 7 have begun their new topic on Greek Theatre. Students have been exploring the key conventions of Greek theatre, building their understanding of its history and performance style. This week, they worked collaboratively as a chorus, using voice, movement and gesture to communicate strong emotions and tell a story collectively.

Year 8 have been exploring the stage adaptation of A Monster Calls, linking closely with their English lessons. Students focused on physical theatre and tableaux, using their bodies creatively to communicate emotion, relationships and key moments from the story.

Year 9 have started studying the practitioner Brecht and exploring Brechtian Theatre. They have been examining political theatre and developing their understanding of how performances can encourage audiences to think critically, rather than becoming emotionally absorbed in the action.

Please remember that all lesson resources remain available on the Secondary Padlet.

If you require any support at all, please do not hesitate to message me — I am here to help.

I am also happy to guide students on using BBC Bitesize for extra reading and consolidation.

Well done again to all of KS3 — keep going, and please stay safe and well.

To join and win, students are required to

1. Sign in to Century Tech

2. Complete nuggets and answer the questions.

3. Two winners from each class will be selected once the competition ends.

4. Certificates will be awarded during the Term 3 assembly.

This is taking place now.

Lots of students being rewarded.

7.45 8.20

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/32000190107880?p=8VS2u7goX9aHfYc4YM

In Weeks 1 and 2, Year 7 explored the foundational conventions for naming shapes using capital letters, identifying line segments, and interpreting geometric diagrams accurately. They also revisited their prior knowledge of angles, including key vocabulary and angle relationships, to strengthen their understanding before moving deeper into the Measurement and Geometry unit. These early lessons have helped build a strong foundation for the upcoming work on constructing, measuring, and reasoning with a variety of geometric figures

Year 8

In Week 1, Year 8 pupils covered the laws of indices and learned how to manipulate powers accurately. In Week 2, they focused on fractions, decimals, and percentages, developing confidence in converting between these forms. Together, these topics provided a strong foundation for more advanced mathematical skills later in the year.

Year 9

We have been looking at similar shapes this week. Students have been learning how to recognise similar shapes and to use the components of similar shapes to find missing sides and angles in 2D shapes. We have linked our learning to the previous ratio topic as well as comparing similar shapes to congruent shapes, another topic studied in term 2. Well done for a successful week of online learning year 9.

- Teachers have been trained.

- Students have been updated.

- Parents informed.

Please watch our webinar for an overview of our approach starting on Monday!

• Watch our live webinar here for all the detail.

  
  

• Click here to view our 'How to access live lessons guide'

  
  

• e-mail ict_gfd@gemsedu.com for technical support.

  
  

• Access the document in this post for an overview of our timings.

See you all tomorrow at 7.45am.

Best wishes.

Students also looked at different ways to apply progressive overload in their training, such as increasing weight, repetitions, or improving technique. This has helped them understand how structured training leads to continuous improvement.

In addition, they discussed the importance of strength in sport, particularly for a netball player. They recognised how strength can provide a competitive advantage by improving power, stability, and overall performance on the court.

Year 8 and 9 Music students have been developing their understanding of ostinatos while improving their ability to recognise notes and rhythms through listening, notation, and composition tasks. As part of their online learning, they are exploring minimalist music by studying how repetition, layering, and gradual change are used by composers to create effect. Using natural sound sources from their surroundings and online digital tools, students are creating their own original minimalist compositions, applying their knowledge creatively in a virtual environment.

All groups were able to use the mics during their performances, and I’m especially impressed with those who really used their voice and delivery to bring their monologues to life. Well done everyone!

Students have shown excellent engagement this week and have commented that their lessons are easy to access, more engaging and have a good balance of on screen/off screen time.

We need your feedback.

Please spend 2 minutes providing feedback below:

• Parents click - here

• Students click - here.

Next week

• Launch of our online CCA competition - click here and get involved..

• BE a GEM assembly.

• Continuation of online learning.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mr Paul.

Year 8 & Year 9
This week, Year 8 and Year 9 are developing their understanding of ostinatos. They will be practising their rhythm skills and then building these rhythms into simple melodies, exploring how repeated patterns can form the foundation of a piece of music.

There are some who need extra help and GFD is here for you.

Please communicate to the below people for any technical assistance or support:

Technical Support: ict_gfd@Gemsedu.com

Language Support: d.harji_gfd@gemsedu.com

Well-Being Support: counsellor_gfd@Gemsedu.com

Inclusion Support: counsellor_gfd@Gemsedu.com

For more general support please contact your child's Form Tutor. A list of contact details for each Form Tutor can be found here.

Best wishes, Team GFD!

Students have also worked on improving their flexibility and balance, gaining a clearer understanding of how both contribute to effective movement and overall performance in the game. In addition, we have introduced yoga to support their range of motion and help develop greater control and mobility in their bodies.

Year 8 have looked at energy and how energy can be stored and transferred. They specifically looked at conduction, convection and radiation as well as how energy loss can be reduced in homes/buildings.

year 9 have looked at the beginning of their IGCSE content. They have looked at the characteristics of organisms, and looked more in depth at specific eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.

Year 9 students have been developing their own plays in the style of different practitioners, using their knowledge to shape performances and explore imaginative and thoughtful approaches to theatre.

Until we receive official approval from the Ministry of Education we will continue to deliver distance learning.

Monday 20th April

On Monday, our staff will be engaged in a day of training at school as we prepare for re-opening. Due to this, learning will be asynchronous. Students will still access their lessons at the normal time. Teachers will set work via each Teams page for students to independently complete.

If you haven't already done so please complete our return to school survey here.

Please keep checking our Padlet, Instagram and Facebook pages for updates and look out for notifications via e-mail and/or GEMS connect.

Best wishes, GFD.

Coming to school?

From your drop off point make your way directly to your form time. Do not stay outside.

Distance Learning?

Join your form time at 7.45am

Complete your work independently on Microsoft Teams.

Join RLAG at 9.50am

See you all tomorrow.

Best wishes, Mr Paul.

Year 8 & Year 9 are focusing on minimalist techniques, exploring how simple musical ideas can be developed into melodies. They are experimenting with repetition, layering, and gradual change to create their own pieces.

They have been learning how to perform a backhand serve, concentrating on control, accuracy, and consistency. Some students have also started progressing to an underarm serve, building confidence in different serving techniques used during matches.

In addition, students were introduced to net play. They explored how playing close to the net can give them a tactical advantage, helping to place the shuttle in difficult positions for their opponent and control the flow of the game.

It’s been great to see students improving their coordination, decision-making, and understanding of game strategy.

Year 8 - Have been looking at how to work scientifically. To begin with this, we have looked at variables in more detail and the reason why scientists need variables in their investigations. Students were able to identify the variables in a range of different scientific questions

Year 9 - Have been looking at how to work scientifically. To begin with this, we have looked at variables in more detail and the reason why scientists need variables in their investigations. Students were able to identify the variables in a range of different scientific questions

Year 8 have been creating stylised movement sequences using physical theatre techniques. It’s been great to see their creativity and confidence grow as they communicate emotion through movement.

Year 9 have been working on abstract and epic theatre, exploring techniques such as breaking the fourth wall. It’s been great to see them experimenting with new ways of engaging the audience.

Year 7 have been exploring the Early Islamic Empire, building their understanding of how it expanded and the key factors behind its success. They have also begun practising GCSE-style 8-mark questions, focusing on structuring clear, well-explained responses.

Year 8 have been studying Indian Indentured Labourers, examining why indentured labour developed and the experiences of those involved. Alongside this, they have been working on GCSE 8-mark questions, developing their ability to explain causes and consequences in detail.

Year 9 have been investigating Crime and Punishment, focusing on how laws, enforcement, and attitudes to crime have changed from the Industrial Revolution through to the 20th century. They have also been practising GCSE-style 8-mark questions, with an emphasis on using evidence to support their explanations.

All students must be collected at the end of the regular school day, as there will be no after‑school supervision.

Further communication will be shared soon with full details of what will be offered and how to sign up. Thank you for your understanding.

Our KS3 girls have continued developing their badminton skills. They have been focusing on net play and the underarm serve, building control and consistency. They are also learning how to combine net shots with overhead clears in a sequence, helping them move their opponents to the back of the court and gain a tactical advantage during rallies.

Meanwhile, the KS3 boys have been progressing well in table tennis. They have been practising both the forehand and backhand serve, while also learning and applying the rules of serving in competitive play. Year 9 boys have taken this further by developing their topspin technique, understanding how to use spin effectively to gain an advantage in matches.

It’s been great to see students applying these skills in game situations and growing in confidence each week.

As part of the competition, students will explore one of the five participating UAE companies and work creatively to identify challenges, propose solutions and present innovative business ideas. Through this process, they will strengthen key skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, critical thinking and enterprise.

We look forward to seeing how our students apply their ideas and creativity to real-world business scenarios.

This week, KS3 students learned about prompt engineering using the CREATE framework. They used this approach to design a coin, a mascot and a logo for Dubai AI Week, thinking carefully about how to structure clear and detailed prompts to guide AI outputs. Students experimented with different prompt ideas, refining their work to improve the quality of their designs. It was great to see their confidence grow as they combined creativity with structured thinking and developed their problem-solving skills.

Year 8 have been looking at graph skills and how to correctly draw their graphs and the importance of plotting data. They discussed why Scientists would use graphs after conducting their investigations. Students have spent time practicing drawing and plotting their data onto line graphs.

Year 9 have been looking at graph skills and how to correctly draw their graphs and the importance of plotting data. They discussed why Scientists would use graphs after conducting their investigations. Students have spent time practicing drawing and plotting their data onto line graphs.

This week in Drama, Year 7 students have been rehearsing their chorus speeches from Antigone. They explored the message of the story and brought this to life using exaggerated movement, unison, and a range of performance techniques. I’m really looking forward to them sharing their performances next week!

Year 8

Year 8 have continued developing their work in movement and physical theatre. Students have been creating their own sequences inspired by different emotions, using stylised techniques alongside music. The atmosphere they created was highly effective and engaging.

Year 9

Year 9 have been exploring abstract theatre, focusing on the practitioner Antonin Artaud. They have been experimenting with his distinctive style and applying his ideas in practical work, pushing their performances in bold and creative directions.

We hope you are all safe and well.

As the school is following the directions of the Ministry of Education, distance learning will take place from today until Friday, 8th May 2026. We would like to update you on our plans for this week.

All Form Times, Breaks and Lessons will follow the normal school timetable starting at 7.45am each day.

Tuesday, 5^th May 2026

Lessons will be asynchronous, with work set for independent completion. Teachers will provide materials including a slide deck, assignment, and video instructions for each lesson.  These can be accessed via the Microsoft Teams calendar and Teams Pages.

Wednesday, 6th May - Friday 8th May 2026

We will begin delivering live lessons via Microsoft Teams for each subject following our normal school timetable. Attendance will be recorded for each lesson, in addition to the Form Time check-ins.

How To 

See below how to access live lessons via Microsoft Teams and our ‘How To’ video here.

Getting Support

Please communicate your child's Form Tutor or the below people for any technical assistance or support:

Technical Support: ict_gfd@Gemsedu.com

Language Support: d.harji_gfd@gemsedu.com

Well-Being/Inclusion Support: counsellor_gfd@Gemsedu.com

We understand that this may be a challenging time for both students and families. However, we are confident that our students will continue to demonstrate the same commitment and resilience they have shown in recent weeks. We look forward to welcoming students back to school soon and celebrating their achievements together.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards, GFD.

Year 7 are developing their awareness of the roles different instruments have when performing in an ensemble. They are building their performance and rhythm skills by exploring the cello, double bass, and harp parts in Viva La Vida, while also continuing to develop their keyboard skills.

Year 8 & Year 9 are developing their listening skills and learning to recognise key minimalist techniques used to develop musical ideas. Their focus has been on augmentation, diminution, inversion, and retrograde (playing ideas backwards), applying these techniques to understand how music evolves over time.

🎧 Great focus and progress across all year groups!

KS3 Boys – Table Tennis
Students have been developing their table tennis skills, focusing on different types of serves and introducing forehand topspin as a key technique. They first practiced these as isolated skills before applying them in competitive game play.

Great progress has been made by all students in both skill development and game understanding.

Year 8 have been looking at how to explicitly revise using a range of different revision techniques ranging from: flash cards, mind maps, knowledge organisers, annotating diagrams, storyboards and key word glossaries. They key for pupils is how to use these resources and a useful method is the look, cover, say, check.

Year 9 have been looking at how to explicitly revise using a range of different revision techniques ranging from: flash cards, mind maps, knowledge organisers, annotating diagrams, storyboards and key word glossaries. They key for pupils is how to use these resources and a useful method is the look, cover, say, check.

I hope you are well, we are writing to share important information regarding the upcoming end of year Secondary assessments.

Assessment Schedule

• 18th May – 5th June 2026: Assessment Window
  (This period includes Eid week. All subjects will conduct an end-of-year assessment.)

• 8th – 12th June 2026: Arabic and Islamic Studies assessments

• 15^th – 25^th June 2026: Progress Tests – Additional information sent out about this.

End of Year Assessment Schedule

To support with preparations please find attached our assessment schedule.  Separate communication will be sent out by form tutors and we will share this with students in school to ensure everyone is clear about what assessments are taken place and when they will be.

Preparation and Support in School

To ensure all students feel confident and well-prepared:

• Dedicated time will be built into lessons for students to familiarise themselves with the topics being assessed.

• Students will be guided on what to revise utilising our Secondary Revision Board – click here.

Revision Support at Home

We encourage students to make full use of our Secondary Revision Board, which includes:

• Subject-specific revision materials.

• Key knowledge and topics.

• Practical revision strategies.

Reporting Student Progress

Following the assessment period, we will share your child’s performance in their End of Year Report, providing a clear overview of:

• Attainment across subjects.

• Responsibility to Learning.

Working Together

We kindly ask for your support in helping your child to:

• Establish a consistent revision routine.

• Maintain a positive and focused mindset.

• Balance revision with rest and wellbeing during the assessment period.

For further information about our internal assessments please click here, in this video we explain the importance of assessments. 

At GFD, we remain committed to ensuring every student is well-prepared, confident, and able to demonstrate their full potential.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

I hope you are well, we are writing to share important information regarding the upcoming end of year Secondary assessments.

Assessment Schedule

• 18th May – 5th June 2026: Assessment Window
  (This period includes Eid week. All subjects will conduct an end-of-year assessment.)

• 8th – 12th June 2026: Arabic and Islamic Studies assessments

• 15^th – 25^th June 2026: Progress Tests – Additional information sent out about this.

End of Year Assessment Schedule

To support with preparations please find attached our assessment schedule.  Separate communication will be sent out by form tutors and we will share this with students in school to ensure everyone is clear about what assessments are taken place and when they will be.

Preparation and Support in School

To ensure all students feel confident and well-prepared:

• Dedicated time will be built into lessons for students to familiarise themselves with the topics being assessed.

• Students will be guided on what to revise utilising our Secondary Revision Board – click here.

Revision Support at Home

We encourage students to make full use of our Secondary Revision Board, which includes:

• Subject-specific revision materials.

• Key knowledge and topics.

• Practical revision strategies.

Reporting Student Progress

Following the assessment period, we will share your child’s performance in their End of Year Report, providing a clear overview of:

• Attainment across subjects.

• Responsibility to Learning.

Working Together

We kindly ask for your support in helping your child to:

• Establish a consistent revision routine.

• Maintain a positive and focused mindset.

• Balance revision with rest and wellbeing during the assessment period.

For further information about our internal assessments please click here, in this video we explain the importance of assessments. 

At GFD, we remain committed to ensuring every student is well-prepared, confident, and able to demonstrate their full potential.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Students have also been responding carefully to green pen feedback in their books. They have been correcting misconceptions, improving the detail and accuracy of their answers, and completing DIRT tasks to strengthen their historical and geographical skills. It has been encouraging to see many students taking pride in improving their work and engaging positively with feedback.

The Year 9 girls have progressed to learning an attacking shot called the “smash pass” and are developing their understanding of when and how to use it effectively during match play.

Year 8 students have been continuing to develop their composition and theory skills, with a focus on creating and developing melodies. They have been exploring how musical ideas can be built using repetition, variation, and structure, and how small changes in pitch, rhythm, and dynamics can transform a simple idea into a more engaging musical piece. Students are also strengthening their understanding of how melodies are constructed and how composers develop ideas over time.

Year 9 are developing their listening and composition skills through the study of musical development techniques. They have been focusing on how composers transform musical ideas using augmentation, diminution, retrograde, and inversion. Students are applying these techniques to their own work, developing melodies and experimenting with how changing a motif can alter its character, mood, and impact. This is helping them to build a deeper understanding of how music is structured and developed over time.

Have a restful break.

We will see you all on 1st June.

Best wishes.

Year 7 are developing their keyboard skills by exploring some of the earliest keyboard instruments. They have also begun practising a range of warm-up exercises designed to improve finger dexterity, coordination and overall keyboard technique.

Year 8 are studying 1950s Rock and Roll music, exploring how music, fashion and the purpose of music have changed over time. They are investigating the cultural impact of this influential genre and its lasting legacy on popular music.

Year 9 have started their final topic of the year, Chart Hits. They are exploring the key ingredients that make a successful song, analysing musical features commonly found in popular chart music and discussing what appeals to modern audiences.

🏸 Boys' Badminton
The boys started their badminton module this week, learning both the forehand and backhand serve while developing their understanding of the rules of serving. They practised these key techniques through a variety of activities before applying them in game situations. Students showed great enthusiasm and made a strong start to the unit, demonstrating increasing confidence and accuracy in their serving skills during competitive play.

Year 7 have been studying the Black Death. They have explored how the disease spread across Europe, the symptoms experienced by those infected, and the impact it had on medieval society. Students have also examined the different methods people used to try to prevent and treat the disease.

Year 8 have been learning about the Industrial Revolution. They have investigated the key inventions and technological developments of the period, as well as how industrialisation transformed work, transport, and everyday life in Britain.

Year 9 have been studying the Cold War. They have explored the origins of the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, including the impact of the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences and the growing tensions that emerged after the Second World War.

Year 8 have been studying living and working conditions in factories and cities, focusing on the Industrial Revolution and how rapid urbanisation led to overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, and challenging and often unsafe working environments for many people.

Year 9 have been learning about the Berlin Wall and early Cold War tensions, including how Germany was divided after World War II, why the Berlin Wall was built in 1961, and how it became a powerful symbol of the political and ideological conflict between East and West.

• we finish progress tests next week.

• Reports are now released- please check your e-mails.

• PTCS commence from Monday - details sent out via email and GEMS connect

• Rewards trips on Tuesday and Wednesday

• End of Year Rewards Assembly - 3rd July.

Attendance, Attendance, Attendacne - please ensure your child is in school every day from now until the end of the year.

bets wishes, Mr Paul.

Year 8 have been studying life in Victorian Britain, focusing on working conditions, child labour and social differences.

Year 9 have been exploring the Cold War, including the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Well done to all students for their hard work this week.