Below are a series of 'Frequently Asked Questions' from new students who are joining WSD. Each of these questions have been answered by current students in their own words - we hope you find this helpful!
Are lessons difficult when you join WSD?
At WSD the teachers and students are there to help anytime in need. We are provided with email addresses to which you can send mails also to clear any doubts, to share ideas and other thoughts. We students also help each other to surpass those challenges and thereby making the journey fun & easy!
What opportunities are there for Student Leadership?
Student Leadership opportunities are numerous at WSD and is an excellent platform if you wish to polish your leadership skills. Apart from Primary and Secondary Student Council, there are other positions such as Learning Ambassador and House Captain. Head Girl and Head Boy Positions, Assistant Student Leaders (For Wellbeing, For Health & safety, For Student Behaviour and For Project & Events) along with Student Leadership Coach for Senior Students. Other exciting titles include Extra-Curricular Leadership, Heritage Heroes, Moral Ambassadors and other Tutor Leadership Roles which are related to subjects. For more information, click here.
Do students choose which class and sets they are in?
No. Your class is based on giving a mix of abilities, personalities and backgrounds. Most classes are mixed ability, but when we do have set you are placed into them by your grades, so aim to work hard if you want to be in the top sets!
How much homework do you recieve?
It varies; the older you get the more homework you recieve. However, it is always a manageable amount and teachers can be contacted if you need help or an extension.
Are students allowed to bring a phone to school?
Yes, but it should be switched off and not used during the day. Phones are seen as distractions, and therefore are not allowed during class. However, students are encouraged to bring their iPads and/or laptops to assist their learning.
Are the teachers strict?
The teachers are only strict when they need to be, and that depends on the behaviour students demonstrate. Everyone is expected to maintain decorum in classes to ensure that learning isn’t disrupted.
Our KS3 motto is #WorkHardBeGood. As long as we abide by the school rules and focus on our academics, teachers are never strict. Overall, at WSD all teachers are kind and respectful.
Our KS3 motto is #WorkHardBeGood. As long as we abide by the school rules and focus on our academics, teachers are never strict. Overall, at WSD all teachers are kind and respectful.
Are the classes a mix of boys and girls?
Yes, WSD is a co-education school where boys and girls study together to enhance understanding between one another and to be well-prepared to face the real world after school.
Do students have regular assemblies?
Students in KS3 have a weekly assembly during their Extended Learning sessions. In KS4/5 they are less frequent, but they happen every 2-3 weeks. At the end of each term, each year group also has a celebration assembly.
What extra-curricular activities can students take part in?
You name it and WSD has got it! WSD offers an array of activities to choose from based on your interests. Just to name a few; sports, culinary classes, robotics, journalism, arts and crafts and dancing are some popular choices. If you would like something we don't offer currently, you can always ask the teachers to consider putting it on!
How big are the class sizes?
Class sizes are normally around 30 students per class in each year group - in some of the older year groups (KS4/5) class sizes can be much smaller, depending upon how popular a subject is.
How are students rewarded in the secondary phase?
Our school provides multiple platforms of rewards, especially in the Secondary phase. Every term we have 3 educational awards for each subject (Academic Award, Progress Award & Effort Award) from each Grade. Other awards include First 3 for Best Achievement Points.
Apart from these we also have periodic challenge in connection with WSD 7Cs (Highest Achievement points earned for the respective 7C). Students awarded will get certificates & exciting prizes too. Check these out by clicking here.
Apart from these we also have periodic challenge in connection with WSD 7Cs (Highest Achievement points earned for the respective 7C). Students awarded will get certificates & exciting prizes too. Check these out by clicking here.
What can new students to do to prepare for joining WSD?
New joiners can easily get useful information about our school from the Gems Winchester School Dubai Website and, we are pretty active on all social media platforms. Any additional queries can be sent to our school mail- id given in the contact tab of this website too. WSD is very welcoming and caring towards new students, as we want them to feel they have a place in the WSD Family.
Make sure you have all your notebooks and coursebooks ready. Along with that, a curious mind that is ready to learn new things is a great way to prepare for joining WSD.
Make sure you have all your notebooks and coursebooks ready. Along with that, a curious mind that is ready to learn new things is a great way to prepare for joining WSD.
What subjects do students study in KS4/5?
The common subjects students are required to study till Year 9 include: Mathematics, English, Science, History, Geography, ICT, PE, Art, Arabic, French, Islamic/PSHE, UAE Social Studies and Moral Education. Upon entering KS4/5, students can choose the subjects they want to study for their iGCSEs/A-Levels. Some examples include: Business, Computer Science, Media
Studies and Sociology… this list is ever growing!
Studies and Sociology… this list is ever growing!
How do students choose which subjects they will be taught in KS4/5?
WSD hosts 'Options Evening' for students to get a clearer understanding about new subjects so that they can make better decisions. 'Taster Lessons' also take place for students to experience a sample lesson for certain subjects to know more about the content they will study.
Still have a question?
If you still have a question that hasn't been answered above, please complete the form below and we will add it to the site for future reference. If this is an urgent question, please make contact with the school using the following email address [email protected].