K–G6
Year groups
The Ghaf Tree
Our school is rooted in the national tree of the UAE
The name of our school is derived from the 'Ghaf Tree' (Prosopis cineraria) which has been declared the national tree of the UAE. This tree is a drought-tolerant, evergreen tree, native to the desert and known for its resilience. It was nominated as nature's symbol of tolerance for the UAE's Year of Tolerance in 2019.
Declared
UAE national tree · 2019
Native
UAE desert · Prosopis cineraria
Resilience · Tolerance
GPS
21st Century Life Skills
GPS at a glance
1:8
Teacher ratio
21st
Century skills focus
UAE
National curriculum roots
21st Century Life Skills
Six competencies every GPS learner grows into
Skills are at the heart of our curriculum — a personalised and holistic approach to develop every child.
01
Creativity & innovation
Question, design, prototype. Students learn to imagine alternatives and build them.
02
Critical thinking
Reason through evidence, weigh arguments, and form independent judgements.
03
Communication
Listen, speak, write, and present across languages and formats.
04
Collaboration
Build together across cultures, ages, and disciplines with empathy and respect.
05
Character & resilience
Grow a growth mindset that is adaptable, independent, and purposeful.
06
Global citizenship
Appreciate diversity, serve community, and act with moral responsibility.
Goals
Our goals
We want our students to develop:
- 01From root to stem, from flower to fruit, fulfilling their potential
- 02A growth mindset that is resilient, adaptable, independent and purposeful
- 03A global mindset that appreciates diversity and abhors discrimination
- 04As 'digital natives', capable of navigating safely through an inter-connected world
- 05Commitment to moral and ethical values and responsibilities
- 06Attributes of leadership and service to the community — to make a positive difference in the world
Mission
Our mission
It is our mission to provide:
- An embedded ethos of compassion through respect for others and for oneself
- An enriched curriculum with skills for life that transcend culture and gives access to all
- An internationally-minded learning community that celebrates diversity and personal achievement
- A safe, friendly positive environment where well being is at the heart of what we do
- A flexible 21st-century learning space that accommodates 'bricks and clicks' — integrated approaches to learning
- Opportunities for students to become effective, enthusiastic, independent and collaborative life-long learners
A day at GPS
How a typical day unfolds
A rhythm that balances academic rigour, creative play, and quiet reflection — with wellbeing at the centre.
07:30 — 15:00
- 07:30
Arrival & wellbeing check-in
Soft start with circle time, peer check-ins, and a calm transition into the school day.
- 08:30
Core learning blocks
Literacy, numeracy, and sciences delivered through inquiry-led units.
- 10:30
Life skills studio
Project work on the six 21st-century competencies with cross-age collaborators.
- 12:00
Outdoor & play
Movement, sport, and unstructured play in shaded outdoor spaces.
- 13:30
Creative arts & languages
Music, visual arts, Arabic, and a third language — taught by specialist practitioners.
- 15:00
Reflection & home
Daily reflection journal and family handover with the form teacher.
Beyond the classroom
What makes a GPS day different
Six practices that turn a school into a community where every child is known and stretched.
Personalised learning plans
Each child has a quarterly plan reviewed with parents and the form teacher.
Cross-age mentoring
Older students mentor younger ones through shared projects and reading buddies.
Bricks & clicks
Physical classroom meets digital tools — laptops, tablets, and maker spaces integrated.
Wellbeing first
Dedicated wellbeing curriculum, school counsellor, and quiet spaces available every day.
Service learning
Every grade participates in a community-service project tied to the curriculum.
Family partnership
Parents are partners — weekly notes, term conferences, and open classrooms.
Admissions
Joining the GPS community
We welcome families who value resilience, tolerance, and a personalised education. Admissions open for the next academic year.
- 01
Submit an enquiry
Tell us about your child and the year group you're considering.
- 02
Visit the campus
Tour the school, meet the form teacher, and observe a class in session.
- 03
Family conversation
A friendly conversation about your child's needs and our approach.
- 04
Welcome to GPS
Receive your offer, onboarding plan, and join the GPS community.
ELDARY Holdings Ltd.
Learn more about Ghaf Primary School
Visit the school or speak with our admissions team about the GPS approach.