GEMS schools

[mbabanemummy]

Anyone got an opinion on the GEMS chain of schools? We're looking at one in a more obscure location but I know there are lots in the ME.

[Isthiscorrect]

In the Middle East people moan all the time about them being a for profit school and it's true they are. However in Dubai their results are second to Dubai College 'the' top school in Dubai regardless of what anyone likes to tell themselves.
Classes can be large. On the other hand I know many people who are very happy and have children at top unis world wide having attended a GEMS school. I know the ones in the UK are different and I couldn't comment on those. Just make sure you see the school and it's student body before you commit to spending a penny.
If you have any extra requirements as to see what support they give in writing. However I would say that about any school.

[mbabanemummy]

Thanks isthis. It's actually for a job, although DD would join the primary.

[partialderivative]

I started a similar thread no too long ago.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/living_overseas/2491260-Gems-Wellington-School-Dubai-Any-opinions

In the end I turned them down as it would have meant a salary cut for me, though I was uneasy with working for a profit school

[mbabanemummy]

Thanks partial. We're actually really struggling to get any information on the job/school/expectations/salary and are not too impressed so far. As I said not ME though and I don't know if that makes a difference. Did you find out why marmite was so anti? Thanks!

[MarmiteAndButter]

Basically, partial has it in one, they don't pay their teachers very much.
There are a couple of issues about results in Dubai 1) there is scant information and little over view so comparing is hard and 2) many schools have not yet done exams.
But even so, there is this report:
whichschooladvisor.com/guides/how-well-did-uae-schools-do-in-their-exams/
BUT I would expect all that to change as more and more schools take exams.
However, and even bearing in mind my reservations. I am not "anti-Gems schools" and if it was the best option where I lived, for my child, they would go. Of course they would. If it was the best option work wise for me, especially in a remote location, I'd work for them. I wouldn't choose to go and live somewhere to take a job with them though.

[Tram10]

Have you checked out schools review.com. (Think that's the name). There may be reviews for your school. It's s review site for teachers for International schools. some limited info is free, the more detailed reviews are accessed by subscription.

My kids went to a Gems school in Dubai, they do have a high turnover of staff in some schools, but I think that is mainly because they hire young staff who are out for an adventure also. I am ok with that ! We always had great teachers, very motivated, and the average time most of them spent in the school was 4 years, so not too bad for an intl school.

I do know that recently Gems in Dubai, have changed their accommodation policies, which has upset a lot of teachers, and they have ended up living far away from the school. But that is not unique to Gems, most companies have had to make changes because of the spiraling costs of rent and greedy landlords.

[Tram10]

//Www.internationalschoolsreviews.com

[mbabanemummy]

Thanks Marmite. They seem reluctant to discuss t&c so we're put off.

Unfortunately the school isn't on that site Tram, nor the last we were at. But thank you.

[Tram10]

Not sure if that site has a forum for users, but if they do, maybe you could ask your question there.