GEMS to host International Education Symposium

The one-day symposium will be inaugurated by Dr. Jamal Al Muhairi, Under Secretary, Ministry of Education and Youth and will focus on the International Baccalaureate Programme over two sessions; one for educators and the other for interested members of the community.

Hugh MacPherson, Chief Operating Officer, GEMS, said: "We are thankful to His Excellency, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan who is an inspiration to us for such initiatives and for his constant support that helps to raise the standards of education in the country. This event is part of our commitment to the community to offer forums that provide information about education and educational issues, where we intend to reach out to all parents in the UAE."

The symposium will provide an opportunity parents to learn about the IB Programme and consider it as another option when choosing a curriculum to secure their child's future.

The symposium will be chaired by Sir Michael Tomlinson FRSA who is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of GEMS and has formerly been Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of schools in the UK. He is a notable contributor to the education sector in the UK and has been instrumental in the development of school inspections in China, Mexico and Kuwait.

Professor J.J Thompson CBE, another keynote speaker, who is currently Head of the Research Unit for the International Baccalaureate Organisation, at the University of Bath has been involved in the development of the International Baccalaureate for over thirty seven years. He has contributed significantly to education projects in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia and his expertise will help parents and educators to have a clear understanding of the IB Programme, its benefits and its relevance for higher education pursuits.

GEMS has recently applied to the International Baccalaureate Organization for including the IB programme in more of its schools. "At GEMS we aspire to continually provide the best education services, therefore organizing this symposium illustrates that GEMS practice what they teach their students and believe strongly in reaching out to the society as a whole" concluded, MacPherson.