GEMS Wellington International School to offer IB Diploma Programme

Programme to be offered from next academic year, September 2009

GEMS Wellington International School has been authorised by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Organization (IBO) to offer the prestigious IB Diploma Programme, a pre-university preparation for advanced studies and symbol of academic excellence worldwide. The school will offer the programme from the next academic year starting September 2009.

The authorisation was based on the experienced leadership of the school, the performance of students, the high quality of the teaching staff, and the modern and well-resourced facilities. Wellington International School is the second GEMS school to offer the IB Diploma Programme, after Dubai American Academy.

Geoff Turner, Executive Principal, GEMS Wellington International School, said: “Gaining authorisation for the prestigious IB Diploma Programme has been part of our long-term strategy. We are honoured that IBO has recognised the capabiliities of our school in offering the programme, which will benefit the multicultural community here.”

“The Diploma programme will be an added feature to the high quality education that we offer, as it prepares students for the university and encourages them to develop critical thinking, intercultural understanding, citizenry and communication skills,“ he added.

The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19 and incorporates the best elements of several educational systems with a focus on academic rigor and an international perspective. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognised by the world’s leading universities.

About GEMS Education:
GEMS manages a growing network of nearly 100 high quality international schools around the world. GEMS network of schools provide a unique brand of holistic education to 100,000 students from over 124 countries, employing over 6,200 education professionals, specialists and staff from over 50 nationalities. Supported by a network of eminent international advisors in the field of education, GEMS global network of multi-skilled specialists and in-house experts provide invaluable support and guidance in all areas related to schools, delivering world class standards of education. ‘GEMS Education’ offers total school management solutions. From project inception and planning to ongoing operations of schools, GEMS offers a total solutions approach to the management of new school projects and existing schools.