Partnership Case Study
GEMS Dubai American Academy: Study 5
Students often ask where maths “fits” into real life, and this project set out to answer that question with authenticity. Learners explored how mathematics helps communities make better decisions—analysing real scenarios, collecting data, and applying mathematical reasoning to solve problems that mattered to them. What emerged was a renewed sense of purpose, excitement, and confidence.
Our PARTNER
GEMS Dubai American Academy
SETTING
IB High School
Dubai, UAE
ENGAGEMENT
Multi-year partnership
FOCUS AREAS
Whole-staff implementation of the Culture of Excellence Program
Beyond Procedures and Worksheets: Stepping Into an Inspired Sense of Mathematical Identity.
Case Summary
Students used mathematical tools to investigate real problems—from measurement challenges to data-driven decision-making. They applied concepts in authentic contexts, explained their reasoning, and collaborated to create solutions. The project demonstrated how meaningful maths can be when connected to real-world inquiry and strengthened the school’s culture of purposeful, student-led learning.
The Culture of Excellence process helped strengthen what already makes our school great.
98%
The frameworks provided clear, practical structures that support my everyday teaching.
100%
Our team now shares a more consistent language and approach to improving learning.
98%
Professional learning and conversations increased my connection to our collective vision.
100%
Overall, this has been a positive and valuable experience for our school community.
100%
(Percentages reflect staff who agreed or strongly agreed.)
In Their Words
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“My students showed a level of ownership I’ve never seen before—every step of the process mattered to them.”
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“The clarity of the frameworks made it easy to shift from directing learning to facilitating it.”
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“What surprised me most was the depth of thinking our students displayed once they had real purpose.”
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“The Culture of Excellence work helped us create learning that felt meaningful, connected, and genuinely exciting.”
John Doe
Combo Interactive -
“Students stayed engaged because the learning belonged to them. That shift alone changed the whole energy of our classrooms.”
John Doe
Combo Interactive
“What stands out across every project is how deeply our students engage when learning is authentic and purposeful. The Culture of Excellence work has strengthened our shared language, lifted teacher confidence, and given our students a sense of agency that will shape their future. It has been transformative for our school community.”
Tammy Murphy, Principal, GEMS Dubai American Academy