Athletics and Activities 2015 – 2016 Overview
Dear Parents,
Athletic and activity programs are a vital part of our students' education. The GEMS American Academy endorses a comprehensive athletics and activities program intended to enhance the physical, social, emotional, artistic, and intellectual growth of participating students. Our program emphasizes participation in the early stages of the program, while becoming increasingly competitive as the student progresses.
Competitive athletic programs will begin within the first couple of weeks of school, while the after school activities program will begin from the 13th of September. Parents should expect email communication, which will guide you through the sign up procedures for these activities. Some programs will require an extra payment, however most are offered without additional charges.
After School Activity Program (ASA)
Definition: After school activities are those that run from 15:00 – 16:00 Sunday through Thursday. The activities are open to all students from grade 1 through to grade 12. These activities can be sport, creative, academic, student leadership and service learning in nature.
All after school activities will begin at 15:00 and run until 16:00 on the assigned day. At 16:00 teachers will be responsible to deliver students to the lobby where parents can collect students or students can be handed over to the BBT bus company.
All after school activities will run for a six-week period. Dates for this year will be as follows:
- Session 1 - Sunday 13th of September – Thursday 22nd of October
- Session 2 - Sunday 25th of October – Thursday 10th of December
- Session 3 - Sunday 17th of January – Thursday 25th of February
- Session 4 - Sunday 28th of February – Thursday 21st of April
- Session 5 - Sunday 23rd of April – Thursday 2nd of June
Competitive Athletics Program - Junior Emirates Athletic Conference
Definition: This particular program is for students in Grade 4, 5 and 6. This program is focused on inclusiveness and allowing each student to try new experiences.
The Junior Athletic Conference will run on the following season schedules
- Season 1 - 27th of September – 7th of November
- Season 2 - 22nd of November – 23rd of January
- Season 3 -17th of April – 28th of May
The Junior Emirates Athletic Conference programs will run from 15:00 – 16:00. Please review the training schedules. Games schedule to be confirmed.
All competitive Athletic programs will run according to the schedule as set by the athletic director. This is in addition to games that are played on different days throughout the season.
Competitive Athletics Program - Abu Dhabi Athletic School Sports Association
Definition: This particular program is for girls in grade 3. This program is focused on inclusiveness and allowing each student to try new experiences.
- Abu Dhabi Athletic School Sports Association program will run from 15:00 – 16:00. Please review the training schedules. Games schedule to be confirmed.
- All competitive athletic programs will run according to the schedule as set by the athletic director. This is in addition to games that are played on different days throughout the season.
Competitive Athletic Program - GEMS Athletic League
Definition: Competitive activities are defined as those that are attached to the GEMS League. These programs are for students from grade 7 through 12 and split in three divisions. Under 14, Junior Varsity and Varsity.
GEMS League will run on the following season schedules:
- Season 1 - 6th of September - 24th of October
- Season 2 - 1st of November - 13th of February
- Season 3 - 11th of January – 26th of March
- The GEMS Athletic League programs will run from 15:00 – 18:30.
- All Athletic programs will run according to the schedule as set by the athletic director. All U14 athletic programs will be run on Monday and Wednesday. All Junior Varsity and Varsity programs will run on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. This is in addition to games that are played on different days throughout the season.
GAA Philosophy of Participation in Athletics
GEMS American Academy believes that athletics are an integral part of the educational process, providing valuable educational experiences outside the classroom curriculum. Many valuable life-long lessons such as sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, etc. are learned through participation in athletics and activities. It is the goal of GAA to maximize the opportunities and effectiveness of the lessons learned through athletics. The following components contribute to the enhancement of the philosophy:
- Vertical Integration – youth and middle school programs that support the high school athletic programs.
- Development of fundamental sports skills.
- To provide GAA students a diverse array of options for co-curricular learning and growth.
- Competitive athletic programs that promote academic and athletic excellence.
- Programs that allow for maximum opportunities for student participation and that are developmentally appropriate, tailored to the physical, mental and emotional maturity levels of the participants.
- Principles of fair play and sportsmanship, both on the field and in the stands.
- Highly qualified coaches and staff with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- We aim to foster a positive environment in which both coaches and students demonstrate; perseverance, dedication, good sportsmanship and respect for all.
This document serves as an overview of the different programs that are offered to GAA students. More specific and detailed information will be available to students and parents as the year begins.
Ralph Russell
Athletic and Activities Director