GEMS Modern Academy

SEL at GEMS Modern Academy is integrated into its holistic education model, with the IB/PYP framework explicitly aiming to develop students' social and emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging. The IB Primary Years Programme emphasizes the development of the whole child, including social and emotional wellbeing and international-mindedness. The Kindergarten curriculum includes a focus on students' wellbeing, describing provisions that support physical, social and emotional development. Inclusion leadership is provided by an Inclusion Head (Pashu Bhattacharya), guiding inclusive practices for students with diverse learning needs. A House system supports pastoral care and fosters cooperation, resilience, and belonging through inter-house events. The school's wellbeing efforts have been recognised with awards such as the 2022 GESS Wellbeing and Inclusion Award and the 2024 SEND Inclusion Award.

GEMS Modern Academy publicly states an inclusive education approach and welcomes students with diverse learning needs, with inclusion leadership and dedicated support structures. The Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) is incorporated to guide working practices and systems at the school. Support for students begins at admission through a thorough identification process and continues via academic and student support networks. The Inclusion Head is Pashu Bhattacharya, signaling formal SEN leadership within the school. The school identifies itself as an Inclusive School rather than a specialist SEN institution. The public materials do not publish a specific list of SEN categories the school supports.

The language of teaching at GEMS Modern Academy is English. Public materials do not describe a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. Second language offerings in the senior curriculum include Hindi and French or Malayalam. EAL-related support details are not publicly disclosed. The school emphasizes inclusive education to support diverse learners, including those with EAL considerations, through its inclusion framework. English-language instruction is the default across the curriculum.

The IB Primary Years Programme targets the development of students' social and emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging. The Kindergarten curriculum explicitly addresses students' social and emotional wellbeing as part of its learning design. A Pastoral Care approach and a House system contribute to social support, cooperation and resilience. Career Counselling provides holistic guidance to students, supporting their personal and academic wellbeing. The school's wellbeing initiatives have been recognised with awards, including the GESS Wellbeing and Inclusion Award (2022) and the SEND Inclusion Award (2024).

Safer recruitment practices at GEMS Modern Academy align with the International Task Force on Child Protection, and the school states a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. The school notes it has a team of trained counsellors who can assist GEMS people with a wide range of professional and personal issues. Safeguarding-related policies and practices are publicly highlighted within the Work With Us materials. The Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) is incorporated to guide safeguarding-related inclusive practices. These elements together indicate a formal safeguarding framework within the school's public materials.