Welcome to the
IB Career-
Related Programme

Preparing students for the future with excellent skills and success.

ABOUT
IB Career-Related Programme

The Career-Related Programme (CP) is an international education framework that integrates the values of the IB with career-related learning. GEMS World Academy – Dubai is one of only two schools in the UAE accredited to offer all four IB programmes.

The CP is designed for students who wish to pursue career-related education while acquiring transferable skills in applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural engagement. CP students complete at least two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses, a core curriculum with four components, and a career-related study.

The programme fosters international-mindedness, personal and professional growth, and service learning. Students at GEMS World Academy – Dubai develop the academic strength, global perspective, and research skills needed for university and lifelong learning, alongside the professional skills that will enable them to thrive in their careers beyond higher education.

University
Destinations

We have a dedicated University and Careers Counselling Centre on campus, creating individual pathways for students and connecting them to top universities and businesses.

Our students go on to study at some of the world’s leading universities with over 60% of our IBDP cohort being accepted to a Top 50 QS World University. These include: University of Cambridge, Yale University, University of Oxford, Princeton University, London School of Economics, Australian National University, University of Edinburgh, New York University, Durham University and McGill University. All GEMS World Academy – Dubai students are accepted into one or more of their top three university choices.

Career-Related
Studies

Another academic requirement expected of CP students is career-related studies. This provides students with practical, real-world approaches to learning designed to prepare them for higher education, an internship or apprenticeship, or a position in a designated field of interest. The career-related studies offered at GEMS World Academy - Dubai are Extended BTEC Diplomas which are aligned with student needs and progress toward further study or direct employment.

Enrichment
Programmes

At GEMS World Academy – Dubai, IBCP students have access to a variety of enrichment opportunities that complement their career-related studies. These include activities in sports, arts, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact, helping students develop key skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. IBCP students are encouraged to explore new interests through clubs, committees, and service projects. The programme is designed to challenge and inspire, offering opportunities before school, during lunch, and after school. This allows students to balance academics with extracurricular activities, enriching their overall learning experience and preparing them for success in their future careers as global citizens.

Holistic and Future
Ready Development

At GEMS World Academy – Dubai, the IBCP offers a holistic approach to education, preparing students for both academic success and career readiness. This rigorous programme blends academic studies with practical, career-focused learning, ensuring students develop essential skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership. With a strong emphasis on personal growth, IBCP students are encouraged to explore diverse disciplines, engage in community service, and gain hands-on experience. By fostering global awareness and adaptability, the IBCP ensures students are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world, ready to excel in higher education and beyond.

frequently asked
questions

How many subjects do IB CP students need to study?

IB CP students complete three DP courses. In GEMS World Academy - Dubai, students must select two DP courses in any of the subject groups: studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and The Arts in addition to a mandatory Language Acquisition course to satisfy the Language Development Core requirement. CP students should choose DP courses that are relevant to their career- related studies. that are relevant to their career aspirations and/or individual interests.

What other academic requirements does the CP entail?

Another academic requirement expected of CP students is career-related studies. This provides students with practical, real-world approaches to learning designed to prepare them for higher education, an internship or apprenticeship, or a position in a designated field of interest. The career-related studies offered at GEMS World Academy - Dubai are Extended BTEC Diplomas which are aligned with student needs and progress toward further study or direct employment. 

What is the IB CP ‘Core’?

In addition to the DP subjects and BTEC Diploma selected, IB CP students complete four ‘Core’ requirements:


Service Learning – developing new skills and becoming more open-minded through volunteering in the local and international community.


Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) – developing employability skills through a series of projects.


Reflective Project – reflecting on an ethical issue relating to a student’s chosen field of study and producing a degree-level piece of work.


Language Development – studying a foreign language through project-based work.

How are IB CP students assessed?

Over the two-year teaching period, a variety of assessment methods are used at GEMS World Academy - Dubai to acknowledge both the content and the process of academic achievement. Final examinations in each subject take place in May of Grade 12. Students’ work is assessed by international teams of examiners, who are trained and monitored by the IBO. The marks awarded for each subject range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students are also awarded a BTEC Diploma based on projects submitted. These pieces are graded internally and moderated by the awarding body.

How do colleges and universities view the Career-related Programme?

The CP is well recognised in the UK and offers students pathways to some of the most prestigious universities. GEMS World Academy - Dubai CP graduates have attended universities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Kent and Nottingham. 

school admissions
Nursery – Grade 12