Upper School Orientation

At GAAQ, we have high expectations and standards for our young people.  We encourage a professional environment, preparing our young people for the world of work and employability.

Wearing a uniform:

• Removes opportunities for peer pressure and bullying
• Reduces distractions
• Helps all students dress in the same professional standard
• Readily identifies students compared with strangers on campus

On days when students have Gym/PE, they will bring their PE uniform and change into it at school.

Although the initial expense of school and gym uniforms may be costly, over time, it is more affordable and more manageable for both students and parents.

Correctly wearing the uniform is the responsibility of all members of the school community – students, parents and staff.  There are consequences for not wearing the uniform correctly.  We expect the full support of students and parents to maintain a high standard of dress and presentation every day.

The following documents will help parents and students understand the Upper School schedule from our Middle School and High School perspective.

• Summary of Upper School Schedule and Planner
• Upper School Schedule

In addition, students can download planner templates to help stay organized.

• Middle School Planner
• High School Planner

The Alma app is the primary communication tool used for Upper School parents and students.  Alma is a secure, easy-to-use online system that brings important school information together in one place.  The platform helps families stay informed and on track with student learning and activities including attendance history, grades/report cards, administrator notes, email updates and class schedules.

To create, activate and login to your Alma account, please see the links below:

• Create Your New Alma Account
• Login to Your Alma Account

Lastly, for any inquiries about logging into Alma, obtaining your login username or resetting your Alma password, please email the Principal’s Secretary ([email protected]) or our Data Executive ([email protected]). 

GSuites is the technological tool used at GAAQ.  But, what is GSuites?  It is a group of Google Apps that teachers and students use to create, share and submit class work.  A student’s Google Drive is where all Google Docs, Google Slides, Sites and any other apps are stored.

Click here to complete GOOGLE BINGO and practice various ways that GSuites will be used at GAAQ.   If you are unsure about how to complete a particular task, please watch the videos linked to each box.

Student Council

GAAQ provides opportunities for an active, dynamic student leadership culture for our Upper School students.  These student executives are responsible for the chairing of GAAQ’s Student Council and actively oversee the development of the student voice, fundraising, event management, marketing, public relations and many other important functions.

These leadership posts will rotate each academic year as Student Council members are democratically elected.   Elections will happen in the first semester.

Please click here to learn about our Student Council for the 2020 – 2021 school year

Student Events

Student events encourage engagement, promote accomplishment, increase togetherness and provide students with a chance to put their learning to the test in a real-world setting.  At GAAQ, student events are a big aspect of building school spirit as our scholars in Grades 6 – 12 have the opportunity to participate in a diverse set of opportunities that are local, regional and international.  Additionally, Upper School students compete in different scholastic and sporting events each month as a part of competitive House Challenges.

Student Life at GAAQ

GEMS American Academy Qatar provides a rich extra-curricular program that supports a student’s all-around development, providing opportunities for students to develop talents and explore new interests.  Activities include both individual pursuits and team building activities that empower and support students in their quest for global citizenship.

Please click here to learn more about student life at GAAQ.

GAAQ Yearbook: 2020 – 2021 

Our Student Life Coordinator, Ms. Muna, and the Yearbook Club worked diligently this past school year to develop an efficient and safe manner.  In order to showcase their brand-new yearbook, they decided to create a website to house yearbooks from the past two school years. 

Please click here to view our school’s digital yearbooks.

Student Digital Newspaper

Three GAAQ students dreamed to create a newspaper club and went to work to eventually create a top-quality digital newspaper product.  Their team has become the “eyes and the ears” of what’s happening in the school community – all from the perspective of a student. 

Please click here to review the student-led digital newspaper.

GAAQ Senior Leadership Directory

Who do I contact...?

*To contact your subject-specific teacher in Upper School, please email them directly. 

Please find some pictures of our Upper School faculty and key staff members from the 2020 – 2021 school year.

Click here to access a map of the Upper School.

New students should use this checklist to help themselves get ready for GAAQ life!

• I have access to Alma
• I have access to my GEMSAAQ Gmail (…@gemsaaq.org)
• I have access to GEMS Elearning email address (…@gemselearning.com)
• I completed the course request form
  
• I have seen my class schedule on Alma
  
• I have printed a copy of the Upper School Map
• I have my complete uniforms (regular and Gym/PE)

Contact for Alma, Gmail, Elearning accounts | Ms. Shobana; [email protected] 

*Contact for course request forms | Ms. Sima; [email protected] 

Click the link below to download a copy of the checklist for yourself! 

New Student Checklist