
Arabic
Arabic Studies at GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
At GEMS Jumeirah Primary School, we are committed to delivering a high quality Arabic language programme that nurtures confident communicators, critical thinkers and culturally aware global citizens.
Our Arabic curriculum supports students from Foundation Stage to Year 6, ensuring strong foundations in phonological awareness, reading, writing, speaking and comprehension, while progressively developing higher level literacy, analytical thinking and expressive skills.
We believe Arabic is not only a subject to be learned, but a language to be lived. Through meaningful immersion, structured teaching, guided reading, social studies integration and enrichment opportunities, students experience Arabic as a language of communication, identity, culture and academic growth.
At JPS, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of the Arabic language while equipping our students with the skills to use it purposefully, accurately and confidently.
How We Structure Arabic Learning (Foundation Stage to Year 6)
Foundation Stage and Year 1
In the early years, Arabic is delivered through an immersive, play based approach that builds strong foundations in vocabulary, speaking and phonological awareness. Specialist teachers integrate storytelling, rhythm, sound games and structured language activities to develop early literacy skills in a meaningful and engaging way.
Arabic is integrated into one third of the instructional day, allowing children to experience authentic and purposeful language use across a variety of contexts. Arabic speaking and non Arabic speaking students receive differentiated instruction according to their language pathway, while immersion sessions bring students together to promote inclusive language exposure and shared learning experiences.
Years 2 to 6
From Year 2 to Year 6, students study Arabic as either:
- Arabic A (for native speakers)
- Arabic B (for non-native speakers)
Arabic A students receive 240 minutes of instruction per week, and Arabic B students receive 160 minutes of instruction per week.
The curriculum progressively develops reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills, while fostering cultural understanding, national identity and academic excellence.
Enrichment
Students take part in a range of internal and external competitions that celebrate language, creativity and confidence. These include poetry, spelling and public speaking initiatives, along with national platforms across the GEMS network and beyond.
Guided Reading for Arabic Speakers
JPS has a dedicated guided reading programme for Arabic native speakers. Guided reading plays a vital role in developing fluency, comprehension and higher order thinking skills. It supports students in strengthening their reading foundations and enhances writing and analytical abilities.
Social Studies in Arabic
Social Studies is taught in Arabic for Arabic speaking students from Year 2 to Year 6. This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening the Arabic language and national identity within education. Teaching Social Studies in Arabic enables students to connect with their heritage, develop critical thinking skills and strengthen their sense of national belonging.
Lesson Structure
Social Studies is taught once per week (50 minutes) from Year 2 to Year 6.In the early years, elements are integrated within the curriculum. Lessons are delivered at the same time as Moral Social Cultural (MSC) lessons for non Arabic speaking students.
Our Resources
JPS follows the KHDA approved National Curriculum for Arabic A and Arabic B.The Arabic B curriculum is adapted based on students’ instructional levels to ensure appropriate challenge and progression.
Students engage with Arabic texts, digital resources, interactive technologies and a range of age-appropriate literature to support language development.
“I love being in JPS as all teachers treat me as part of their family and they make the learning fun. What I enjoy the most is Math and I love learning Arabic, as it is my mother tongue and my favorite time is when we read Arabic fiction, especially fantasy.” - Lina Soudani

