Curriculum Overview
Secondary Curriculum Overview
The Secondary School program is based on the US Common Core Standards and International aims – with a focus on deep understandings and transferable skills. An American curriculum offers a wide range of academic subjects along with a holistic approach to learning. The core academic program intends to build knowledge, skills and understandings around literacy, numeracy, creativity and sustainability. This core is supplemented by instruction in Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Informational Technology, World Languages and Physical Education.
The American approach offers more than a larger selection of course offerings and activities; this American education can be described as a student-centered, inclusive and adaptive approach to learning. Curriculum and instruction at GAA celebrates and cultivates students’ ability to problem-solve, and use their imagination and creativity while becoming critical thinkers. Our students also develop important social/emotional skills and confidence that is essential in personal development.
At GAA, each student’s program is made up of a combination of different courses:
- GAA Core Academic Courses
- ADEK Required Courses
- GAA Elective Courses
Grade 11 and 12 students may also take the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or Advanced Placement Courses matching their interests and goals.
Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) requirements vary depending upon a child’s nationality and religion. (Our school uses information provided by parents during the school registration process.)
In order to comply with ADEK regulations, every student has specific course requirements for Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and UAE Social Studies according to one of the following four categories:
- Group 1 – Arab Muslim
- Group 2 – Arab Non-Muslim
- Group 3 – Non-Arab Muslim
- Group 4 – Non-Arab Non-Muslim
Please click on the links below to view our Secondary School Program of Studies and UAE/ADEK High School Equivalency Requirements:
