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The Modern Times PDF free Download. Think more deeply and widely.

Children’s Day
The Modern Times
The Modern Times
The Modern Times
Founder’s Day:
Alumini Dinner
Space
Stories at
Modern
National Day
Lingua Cafe
November 2025
Eid Al Etihad Mubarak!
As part of the National Day celebrations, a series of cultural and heritage-based activities were organized on
campus to engage students and highlight the rich traditions of the United Arab Emirates. The programme
commenced with the Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Modern 39, led by our distinguished guests from Dubai
Police: Lieutenant Abdullah Jassem Abdullah Ahl, Lieutenant Saeed Ali Saif Bakhit Al Falasi, Sergeant Faris
Hussein Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Sergeant Major Mohammed Mubarak Abdullah, and Corporal Mohammed
Mohsen Ahmed Rouban. Their presence added honour to the event, setting a dignified tone for the day.
This was followed by the National Day Special Assembly in the Auditorium, featuring performances and
presentations by students.
Throughout the day, students, staff, and visitors explored a variety of interactive cultural experiences,
including a Henna Corner, Traditional Emirati Games, and Emirati Food Stalls offering authentic dishes and
traditional sweets. A Live Falconry Show provided learners with a unique opportunity to experience one of the
UAE’s most iconic heritage practices.
The Arabic Souq was celebrated across
Kindergarten with great enthusiasm.
Children arrived in traditional Arabic
attire or in UAE colours, engaging in a
meaningful experience that deepened
their understanding of local culture,
traditions, landmarks, and leaders.
Parents and students enjoyed
activities such as Darbuka drumming,
mehndi, sand art, and other creative
arts. The in-house Dubai Frame was a
favourite photo spot. Kindergarteners
also created fridge magnets and
pendants, selling them proudly to
parents. All proceeds will be donated
to Dubai Cares in the spirit of Zakat.
The event highlighted Unit of Inquiry
learning through 3D art projects. KG1
students made sustainable animal
sculptures using recycled materials.
KG2 students built model houses from
the UAE, Morocco, Zimbabwe, and
South America using Make-Do kits,
strengthening creativity, problem-
solving, and teamwork. The Arabic
Souq was both a celebration and a
valuable learning experience that
promoted cultural understanding and
a strong sense of belonging.
Kindergarten Arabic Souq and Celebration
of Learning
Eid Al Etihad Parade 2025
On December 1, 2025, 38 students from Grades 11 and 12 (ISC and DP) proudly
represented our school in the Eid Al Etihad Parade at City Walk Dubai. Organized
by Brand Dubai and the Events Security Committee as part of the UAE’s National
Month celebrations, the parade brought together communities, cultural groups
and civic units in a vibrant display of unity. The procession, led by the Dubai Police
Marching Band, featured mounted officers, K9 units, heritage performers, and
national-themed displays that filled City Walk with colour, music and patriotic
spirit. Large crowds of residents and visitors lined the streets, celebrating the
UAE’s values of diversity and togetherness.
Our students marched with excellent conduct, showcasing responsibility,
teamwork, and pride in representing the school at a major public event. We are
also delighted to highlight that Vihani Verma (PYP4A) and Vihaan Verma (MYP1D)
participated in the parade representing India, adding to the multicultural richness
of the occasion. The event offered an inspiring experience for all participants and
reflected the school’s continued commitment to community engagement and
national celebration.
PYP Celebrations: Childrens’ Day
Our Kindergartners celebrated Children’s Day, featuring a
robot-led fitness session. The friendly exercise robot, ‘Yanshee’,
guided the children through enjoyable movements and
energizing routines. The students eagerly followed along,
blending technology with fitness and play. This event not only
promoted physical well-being but also introduced young
learners to the concept of innovation. The celebration
showcased the school’s commitment to holistic development,
fostering creativity and happiness among its youngest learners.
It was an unforgettable way to honour Children’s Day while
completing the 30/30 Fitness Challenge.
Robot Workout Party- KG Children's day
The Aviation Club team members of GEMS
Modern Academy — Arnav Nyayadhish,
Reuben Alexander, Daksh Bhatia, Sashwat
Mehta, and Adriel Rayen — attended an
enriching workshop at the Space and
Rocketry Academy, held on 10th
November at Compass, Al Garhoud, under
the special guidance of Dr. Donald
Thomas, Former NASA Astronaut.
In Conversation with the Cosmos: Learning
from a NASA Astronaut
The workshop offered a remarkable
opportunity for students to gain first-
hand insights into the wonders of space
from an astronaut’s perspective. Dr.
Thomas shared fascinating anecdotes
from his four space missions, captivating
the audience with stories of life beyond
Earth. Participants also experienced a
multi-axis simulator ride, replicating the
sensations of space travel, including zero
gravity.
In the final segment, students
collaborated in mixed-school groups
— with GEMS Modern Academy being
the only Indian school represented —
to design a sustainable habitat
concept for Mars. A highlight of the
day was the rare opportunity to touch
an authentic Martian rock, an
unforgettable moment for all in
attendance
Dr. Donald Thomas’ Visit
Makers at Work - Design Lab Diaries
Modern’s Design Lab has served as
a hub for creativity, problem-
solving, and innovative thinking
this term.
MYP 3 students designed and
sewed canvas tote bags,
emphasizing both durability and
style.
MYP 4 students challenged
themselves by building intricate
wooden birdhouses, blending
precision with imagination.
MYP 5 explored various projects,
such as tufting, creating fidget
toys, and designing bucket hats,
experimenting with different
materials and techniques to put
their ideas into fruition.
Throughout all grades, students
developed practical skills while
transforming innovative concepts
into tangible, creative products.
Curry, Culture, and Classroom Connections-
Learning Never Tasted So Good!
The Annual Food Fiesta, hosted by Grade 10 on 7 November 2025, transformed
the school grounds into a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary heritage.
Organised by the Geography Department, the event blended learning with
festivity, giving students a hands-on way to explore the agricultural practices
and food traditions they study in class.
Each stall showcased a different region of India, offering traditional dishes and
explaining their links to local crops, farming methods, and cultural flavours.
The lively atmosphere, filled with music, colour, and the aroma of fresh food,
reflected the diversity of the country.
With strong student creativity and teamwork, supported by enthusiastic
parents, the event became a memorable success. Among the favourites was the
pani puri stall, praised for its crisp puris and tangy fillings. The Food Fiesta was
not just a culinary experience but a celebration of culture, collaboration, and
community.
Step on Beat was a student-led initiative
organized by the MYP 5 dance team to
promote diverse cultural dance forms
and provide MYP 4 and MYP 5 students
with a platform to express their
performative skills and confidence. The
event featured an impressive array of
performances, ranging from classical
styles like Kathak and Garba to
contemporary forms such as Ballet and
Hip Hop, showcasing the rich cultural
diversity within the Modern
community. A survey conducted among
Middle and Senior School students
revealed that while only a small
percentage actively engage in dance,
together they represent more than
seven distinct dance forms.
This insight inspired the creation of Step on
Beat — a celebration of student talent and
cultural expression.The programme opened
with a warm welcome and invocation,
followed by a series of captivating
performances that kept the audience
thoroughly engaged. The highlight of the
event was a special guest performance by
dancer Ms. Shely Das, which added an
inspiring professional touch to the evening.
Step on Beat 2025 was a resounding success.
It fostered cultural unity, encouraged
creativity, and strengthened the performing
arts culture at GEMS Modern Academy. The
event provided students with a meaningful
opportunity to build confidence, celebrate
diversity, and share their passion for dance
— leaving a lasting impression on all who
attended.
Turn Up the Rhythm!- Step on Beat Student Led
Initiative
Performances were evaluated across three key areas. Musicality and technical skill assessed instrumental
accuracy, vocal quality, and group synchronization. Stage presence and showmanship focused on confidence,
energy, audience engagement, and use of stage space. Sound Balance and Blend examined mix clarity, balance
between vocals and instruments, and control of tone and dynamics. These criteria ensured a fair and
comprehensive assessment of each band’s preparation and creativity.
The event concluded with three outstanding bands earning top honors. The Blazed Bros secured first place,
featuring Rehan (piano), Oscar (electric guitar –absent on the day), Vidhaan (vocals), Titus (drums), and Vihaan
(electric guitar). In second place, Echoes of Chaos impressed with Divam (drums), Aarna (vocals), Jaden (piano),
Shaurya (electric guitar), and Caleb (electric guitar).
Shooting Stars placed third, showcasing Samar (drums), Arnav (vocals), Avishi (violin), Jishnu (acoustic guitar),
and Dhruv (electric guitar).
The event stood as a memorable celebration of student artistry and the spirit of CAS.
Battle of the Bands: Music, Creativity and
Collaboration
The Battle of the Bands for Grade 6 was held as
part of a CAS project led by IBDP2 students
Kaizreen Kaushal, Nikhil Pradhan, Shaurya Veer
Madan, and Varchasva Vaid. Inspired by
alumnus Raeansh Negi, the event aimed to
celebrate young musical talent and offer Grade 6
students a vibrant platform for creative self-
expression.
Participants formed bands and performed across
genres, including pop, rock, classical fusion,
instrumental pieces, and original compositions.
The school auditorium buzzed with energy as
students showcased confidence, teamwork, and
musical flair in an uplifting and vibrant
atmosphere.
They say, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” and how true that felt this weekend! Our campus
came alive with laughter, energy, and the unstoppable spirit of our students during the Senior Boys’
Overnight House Camp—an event that perfectly blended fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories. The
overnight camp is always one of the most anticipated events of the year—a time for us to unwind, connect,
and simply be ourselves beyond the classroom. This year’s camp was the largest ever, with 436 enthusiastic
campers and nearly 350 teachers joining in to make it a night to remember. And what a night it was! From
cycling, swimming, football, basketball, volleyball, and throwball to music, dance, and even the ever-popular
bouncy castle (which proved a bit too bouncy—a lesson learned for next time!), We threw ourselves into
every activity with boundless enthusiasm.
The friendly football matches — DP2 vs DP1 and ICSE 9 & MYP4 vs ICSE 10 & MYP5 — were definite highlights
of the evening. The graduating batch’s 2–0 win was the perfect farewell celebration, while the younger
team’s surprise 3–0 victory was met with cheers, laughter, and plenty of good-natured banter. The
spontaneous performances, the laughter echoing through the auditorium, and the impromptu dance in the
quadrangle captured the true essence of the night — joy, connection, and pure Modern spirit. And yes, those
adorable dinosaur costumes and wearable balloons were the cherry on top, adding an extra dose of charm
and hilarity.
Events like these remind us why we love being part of this school — a place where learning goes beyond
books and classrooms. It’s where we get to laugh freely, build friendships, and make memories that last long
after the night ends. From the energy on the field to the laughter echoing through the halls, the camp
showed us what the Modern spirit truly means — joy, connection, and growing together as one community.
The Night the Boys Owned Modern! -Senior
Boys’ Overnight House Camp
Bounce, Boing, and Brainpower! PYP3’s
Forces Field Trip
On 25 November 2025, PYP3
students engaged in a lively,
hands-on learning session at
Bounce ED.
They explored forces such as
gravity and friction through
activities like jumping and
balancing, making real-world
connections to lessons in the
classroom.
The experience, supported by
simple explanations from
educators, also encouraged
teamwork and social growth.
Students returned energized
with a better understanding
of how forces impact
movement.
Once a Modernite, Always a
Modernite: Cheers to the Years
The Founder’s Day Dinner
2025, held on November 7,
brought together generations
of Modernites for an evening
filled with warmth, laughter,
and nostalgia.
Co-hosted by our school, GEMS
Modern Academy, and the
Modern Alumni Association,
the event celebrated the
lasting connections between
alumni and teachers who have
been a part of Modern’s
journey over the years.
The evening featured heartfelt
speeches, lively games, soulful
performances, and a
beautifully arranged grazing
table prepared by CAS
students. It perfectly captured
the spirit of community and
belonging that defines
Modern.
The Kaizen
Collective
Celebrating abilities, strength in
every step
The Kindness Garden Initiative
On 13 November, GEMS Modern Academy embraced a meaningful day
dedicated to kindness and inclusion through two heart-warming, student-
led initiatives. The morning began with our Kindness Tree, where students
reflected on the prompt “Kindness is…” and shared their thoughts on
colourful sticky notes. As the tree blossomed with their words, it grew into
a vibrant symbol of the empathy, compassion, and positivity our learners
bring to school each day.Students also participated in our Mic of Kindness,
stepping up to share short, heartfelt messages about what kindness means
to them and how even the smallest actions can make a big difference. Their
spontaneous reflections beautifully captured the inclusive and caring
spirit we strive to foster at Modern. Together, these simple yet powerful
activities amplified student voice and reminded us all that kindness is not
just an act, but a daily choice — and a shared responsibility within our
community.
Superheroes Parkour Experience
This November, GEMS Modern
Academy welcomed the
Superheroes Parkour Centre, a
dynamic obstacle-based
movement and fitness
experience now housed on our
campus. The centre offers
children an exciting
environment to develop
strength, balance,
coordination, focus, and
confidence through creative
movement challenges designed
to engage both body and mind.
As part of the launch, students enjoyed special trial sessions,
including three complimentary sessions for students of
determination and one free trial for all GEMS students, giving them
the chance to explore the circuit and experience the joy of
movement. Families were also invited to a Coffee Afternoon to meet
the team and understand the programme’s benefits.
This new addition provides our learners with a meaningful
opportunity to build physical skills, regulate energy, and enhance
overall well-being—while having fun and feeling like superheroes.
Building a Better
Planet, One
Project At a Time
Small Steps, Big Impact
The new season of the Urban
Community Farming
Initiative, launched on 7
November 2025, reaffirmed
our commitment to
sustainability and community
spirit.
Families came together to
adopt and nurture plant beds,
fostering environmental
awareness and a shared love
for gardening.
The enthusiasm of parents
and students across grades,
working side by side, planting
seeds, and exchanging tips,
beautifully reflected the
strength of our community.
More than growing crops, this
initiative fosters connections,
teamwork, and a sense of
simple joy in nurturing nature
together.
Harvesting Harmony: Families Come
Together to Grow and Give Back
On 19 November 2025, students from the PYP 4 and 5 Environment Club enjoyed an
inspiring and hands-on learning experience with Mr. Stephen Ritz, award-winning
educator and founder of the acclaimed Green Bronx Machine. Known for
transforming communities through school-based urban farming, Mr. Ritz brought
his trademark energy and expertise to our campus as he guided students through a
live harvest of fresh, home-grown produce.
As students pulled lettuce, scallions, mint, lemon, and other vibrant greens straight
from the garden, they engaged in enriching conversations about soil health and
sustainable food systems. His visit reinforced our commitment to empowering
students as environmentally conscious thinkers.
Since this experience connected seamlessly with the PYP 1 Farm to Table unit and the
PYP 2 Healthy Choices unit, students from these grades joined Mr. Ritz and Chef
Marian in the auditorium for an extended learning opportunity. The freshly
harvested produce was handed to the passionate teachers of the ICE Cookery Club
who, together with Chef Marian, transformed it into a flavourful salad—prepared
right before the students’ eyes.
The session was a celebration of real-world learning and sustainability. It offered
students not just knowledge, but a meaningful experience.
From Seed to Salad: Students Learn
with Stephen Ritz
Career Conversations
In a remarkable display of initiative
and leadership, the Career Pledge
Officers on Duty and Council Members
of GEMS Modern Academy organized a
student-led career exploration event to
guide their juniors through academic
and professional pathways. These
young leaders took full ownership of
the event, from planning and layout
design to logistics and discussions.
The event featured interactive
displays, live presentations, and
meaningful conversations that
introduced students to fields such as
medicine, law, engineering, design,
business, and the arts. Senior students
shared personal experiences and
insights, helping their juniors connect
academic choices with real-world
possibilities.
More than a career fair, the initiative
became a platform for mentorship and
peer learning, showcasing the school’s
belief in student agency. Through their
dedication and teamwork, the PODs
and Council Members created an
impactful, inspiring experience that
encouraged younger students to
reflect on their aspirations and future
goals.
Celebrating unique achievements
of our Modernites!
MODERN’S
MAVERICKS
Our Modernite!
We are pleased to share that Rehaan Peter from MYP 1A has secured first place at the
Young Talent Music Competition 2024 in the Jazz category. Already known as a talented
Jazz pianist, he broadened his range by also competing in the Classical category,
performing Mozart’s Sonata K.309 Movement I in the first round and Chopin’s Fantasie
Impromptu in the later rounds. This marks his second consecutive YTMC win and
reinforces his reputation as one of the UAE’s most promising young musicians.
Organised by Muzikminds Dubai, YTMC is a leading platform that showcases young
talent from across the UAE. Rehaan’s success reflects the dedication and creativity the
competition aims to nurture. He has also qualified for the Hong Kong International
Invitation Piano Competition in March 2026, further highlighting his growing
international presence. We congratulate him on this remarkable achievement and wish
him continued success.
When the Piano Becomes a Canvas:
Rehaan Paints His Victory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=ZmGXZA6k-
5d_SsP2&v=WtPZGnhnBVE&feature=youtu.be
Evolving Economies: Modern at the
Forefront of Change
On November 11, 2025, five IB DP1 students —Meenakshi Anooj, Areesha Zehra, Ananya
Narang, Saanvi Vijaykumar, and Afreen Sayed- represented the school at the IVEI Youth
Finance Literacy Summit 2025, hosted by Raffles World Academy. Themed “Evolving
Technology,” the summit blended a FinTech problem-solving challenge with expert-led
discussions on digital finance and innovation. Competing on the case “Archipelago Digital
Logistics: Indonesia,” our students proposed AI-driven and sustainable solutions for maritime
efficiency and connectivity. The experience enriched their understanding of global finance,
sustainability, and technological transformation, empowering them as future leaders ready
to navigate the evolving world of financial systems with creativity, awareness, and purpose.
The GEMS Youth Parliament Anti-Bullying session brought together Senior and Junior delegates to explore
effective strategies for creating safer school environments. Senior Parliament ambassadors Ishanvi Shetty
(DP2) and Eshal Fatim Naduhar (ISC 11B) engaged in a focused discussion on whether schools should
prioritize preventing bullying or promoting anti-bullying initiatives, ultimately agreeing that both
proactive and responsive approaches are essential. They explored how students, parents, and teachers can
be better educated through awareness programs, strengthened communication, and the integration of
emerging tools including potential AI models to support early intervention and reporting.
In the Junior Parliament, Dev Gandhi (MYP3A) participated in an interactive rotation across three zones,
including an immersive undersea experience highlighting the importance of being an upstander. Students
also explored opinion-based bullying scenarios and engaged with robotics to understand how technology
can enhance wellbeing and school safety. The day concluded with shared feedback and a preview of the
next Youth Parliament focus examining how Artificial Intelligence will shape the future of education.
Where Student Voices Spark Change- GEMS
Youth Parliament Anti-Bullying session
Bullying
Where Words Transcend: Tagore’s The
Post Office at the Lingua Café
The Lingua Café, held on 5 November
2025, was a heartfelt tribute to
Rabindranath Tagore’s The Post Office,
celebrating its enduring themes of
freedom, mortality, and spiritual
awakening. Through music, dialogue,
and performance, the event captured
Tagore’s vision of harmony between
nature, imagination, and the human
soul. A lively panel discussion featuring
Mr Jogiraj Sikidar, Ms Rituparna
Mahapatra, Ms Sahana Mitra, and DP
students Priyamwada Deshmukh and
Maneesh Eswaran offered fresh
perspectives on the play’s modern
relevance. The cultural segment shone
with performances by Ms Shely Das and
students choreographed by Ms
Rajeshwari Damania, followed by Eeshan
Sharma’s thoughtful literary analysis
and Manasa Ramakrishnan’s moving
recitation of Tagore’s “There Are
Numerous Strings in Your Lute.”
The event was a poignant reminder of
how literature continues to transcend
time, inspiring reflection, dialogue, and
a deeper appreciation of the human
spirit.
On 12th November 2025, two student-authored books were proudly launched at the Sharjah
International Book Fair, marking an important achievement for the school. One of the featured works
was the Grade 7 ‘Pass the Baton’ Short Story Project, which began as a summer library activity and
developed into a complete novel titled ‘United in Cosmos’.
The project followed a relay-writing model, where two students from each section of Grade 7 wrote
chapters consecutively. This structure encouraged continuity in storytelling while building students’
skills in teamwork, responsibility, creativity, and collaborative decision-making. Their combined
efforts resulted in a cohesive, imaginative narrative crafted by young writers across ICSE and MYP.
A team of student illustrators added original artwork that enhanced the visual appeal of the book. The
cover, created by Bahman Ashrat Bharucha and Laranya Gupta, symbolized the collaboration and
creativity that defined the project.
Through this initiative, students strengthened important skills such as leadership, critical thinking,
collaboration, and effective use of digital tools. Presenting their published novel at a prestigious
literary festival gave them valuable real-world exposure and celebrated their growth as emerging
authors and artists.
Authors: Bahman Ashrat Bharucha, Praarthna Menon, Rithika Nair, Christi Elizabeth Johns, Hannah
Harish Prabalan, Aisha Pattukkara, Nandika Manikandan, Dvij Agarwal, Khushi Arora, Suvriti Jain, Ira
Walvekar, Raaina Handa, Vyom Harisingani, Khyana Goyal, Nathan Anish, Laranya Gupta, Aarav
Khandpur, Navya Bhatia, Kavya Musidipalli, Aanya Narnoli, Devaanshi Gandhi, Khushee Dhanak,
Kanika Bhandari
Illustrators: Mahi Chaudhari, Kimaya Jain, Khushee Dhanak, Laranya Gupta, Bahman Ashrat Bharucha
Students’ Book Launch at the Sharjah
International Book Fair
Whispers of Wanderlust, a global anthology of
66 student-written stories from 60 countries,
was launched at the Sharjah International
Book Fair by His Highness Dr. Abdullah Belhaif
Al Nuaimi. Curated by M.O. Raghunath, the
book celebrates cultural exchange, youth
creativity, and global storytelling, with
royalties pledged to UNESCO. The anthology
received formal appreciation from UNESCO
for its contribution to intercultural dialogue
and educational empowerment. Stunning
illustrations and a striking cover by students
from GEMS Modern Academy and GEMS Our
Own Indian School transformed the book into
a complete artistic experience.
Book launch report: Whispers of Wanderlust-
Students stories around the world
Whispers of wanderlust stands as the testament to the power of young voices
and stories that unite us across borders. By bringing together such diverse
perspectives this anthology not only celebrates creativity but also stands as a
movement to inspire the next generation to write, imagine and connect.
Showcasing the sporting spirit
and achievements of our young
athletes!
SPORTIFY!
The Primary Annual Sports Day held on 26 November burst with energy and
spirited competition as students from PYP 1 to PYP 5 took to the field with
enthusiasm. The day featured an exciting lineup of events, including the 100m
sprint, 200m race, and the much-anticipated 4×100m relay. Each event
highlighted the students’ growing athletic abilities and exemplary
sportsmanship.
One of the standout moments was the dignified march past led by the PYP 5
students, accompanied by the school marching band. Their precision and
coordination set a proud tone for the day. Equally captivating was the annual
umbrella drill, performed by PYP 3 and PYP 4 students using umbrellas in the
vibrant colours of the national flag. Their energetic and synchronized routine
filled the arena with pride and drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Adding to the fun was the 100m parent race, which brought an extra dash of
excitement and community spirit to the celebration.
Primary Annual Sports Day
As part of the 30 x 30 Teachers Challenge, On Saturday, 15
November, a few of our teachers took on a rejuvenating 2-hour
trek from Al Suhub Rest Area to Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan,
Sharjah—celebrating fitness, nature, and camaraderie.
Teachers Take a Hike… Literally!
On Friday, 28 November, the
Physical Education Department
successfully organized a Dubai
Fitness Challenge 30×30 fitness and
sports session for our parent
community as part of our Modern
Family First Fitness Challenge
initiative. We were pleased to
welcome more than 10 parents who
participated enthusiastically in the
event.
The session began with a powerful
and energizing Zumba workout, led
by our PE team, setting a vibrant
tone for the morning. This was
followed by an engaging badminton
session, where parents enjoyed
friendly matches and practice
guided by our teachers.
Parents had a power-packed one-
hour fitness experience, full of
activity, fun, and positive energy.
Dubai 30×30 and Modern Family
First Fitness Challenge
The 12th Ali Asger Memorial Football
Tournament, held at GEMS Modern Academy
from 23 to 30 October 2025, featured eight U-
18 girls’ teams and over 140 participants.
Across 16 matches, 72 goals were scored,
showcasing high energy and strong
competition.
GEMS Modern Academy won the tournament
after a 5–3 victory over GEMS Our Own
English High School in the final. GEMS Our
Own Indian School secured third place with a
2–1 win against The Winchester School, Jebel
Ali.
The event showcased exciting performances
throughout. Kangna Sachdev from GEMS Our
Own English High School was the top scorer
with 10 goals, while Shalisa Maria Nishanth
and Aanya Kedia from GEMS Modern
Academy earned Best Midfielder and Best
Defender. Yara Mohammed Yaghi from The
Winchester School won Best Goalkeeper.
The tournament also honoured the legacy of
Ali Asger, a passionate goalkeeper
remembered for his spirit and dedication.
Appreciation was extended to all teams,
coaches, referees, and volunteers for making
the event a success.
Ali’s Game, Our Promise – Carrying His
Passion Forward
GEMS Modern Academy achieved a landmark victory at the DP World ILT20 Schools Cup 2025,
the largest school cricket championship in the UAE, featuring participation from over 40
schools across the nation. In a remarkable display of talent, resilience, and teamwork, both
the Boys’ and Girls’ Cricket Teams emerged as champions, making Modern the first school
ever to win both categories in the same year. After an intense, month-long competition, our
teams delivered exceptional performances in the finals. The Girls’ team registered a
dominant 9-wicket win against JSS Pvt School, showcasing disciplined bowling and confident
batting. The Boys’ team followed with an equally commanding display, securing a 7-wicket
victory over DPS Dubai. The tournament also highlighted outstanding individual
achievements. Gayetri Menon was named Best Player of the Tournament in the Girls’
category, while Saloni Pandya earned the title of Player of the Finals. In the Boys’ category,
Aryan Thapar was awarded Best Player of the Finals for his stellar match-winning
performance. These historic victories stand as a testament to the dedication of our athletes,
the strategic guidance of our coaches, and the unwavering support of the Modern
community. GEMS Modern Academy celebrates this extraordinary milestone with immense
pride.
Champions Twice Over: Modern Claims
Both ILT20 2025 Crowns
ISSO National Athletic Meet
The ISSO National Athletic Meet was held at G.M.C. Balayogi
Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, from 29th October to 1st
November 2025. Representing GEMS Modern Academy, Artana Sree
from MYP 3A delivered an outstanding performance, securing the
bronze medal in the Under-14 Girls’ High Jump event, clearing an
impressive height of 1.29 meters. Our other athletes also showcased
commendable determination and skill, putting up strong
performances in several highly competitive events,but narrowly
missing out on making it to the podium.
Jaipur Juggle: Modern Style
Over the course of four matches, the team
secured 5 points, finishing third in the league
stage. Their opening match against Singapore
International School (Mumbai) began with an
early goal by Rushil Bhandari in the 4th minute,
but despite dominating possession and creating
multiple chances, Modern conceded a late
equaliser, ending the match 1–1. The second
match against Navrachana International School
(Vadodara) resulted in an exciting 2–2 draw, with
captain Pratham Chouta scoring and later
converting a penalty after a dangerous tackle. A
narrow 0–1 loss to Oberoi International School
followed, despite a strong defensive first half
and a near miss in the final minutes. The team
ended the tournament on a high with a
commanding 4–0 win over Teoler Unbounded
School, featuring goals from Rishon Dsouza,
Nehal Yohan Ranjith, Pratham Chouta, and Aarav
Jain.
Outstanding contributions came from several
players, including Pratham Chouta, who earned
two Player of the Match awards, and defenders
like Ishaan Girish Rao, who anchored the
backline with consistency. The team also enjoyed
a cultural visit to the City Palace in Jaipur and
concluded their final day with celebratory
moments shared with families and friends.
Our U-17 Boys Football Team represented the
school with pride and determination at the
ISSO National Football Tournament hosted
by Jaishree Periwal International School,
Jaipur, from 9th to 13th November 2025.
Competing against top teams from across
India, our students displayed commendable
skill, teamwork, and resilience throughout
the tournament.
Our Girls Didn’t Just Participate They
Came to Dominate!
Our Girls Under-17 Football Team showcased an impressive performance at the St.
Mary’s Tournament, winning the championship title in a thrilling final. The match
ended in a 1–1 draw, and after a tense tiebreaker that concluded with the scoreboard
reading 2–2. Our girls held their composure to clinch the victory with a 1–0 finish.
Ananya Merudi received the Best Player Award for her skill and determination
throughout the tournament. This victory is a testament to teamwork and resilience.
Congratulations to our champions—you’ve made Modern proud!
Our Girls Didn’t Just Participate—They Came
to Dominate!
The GEMS Our Own Dubai Girls Athletic
Championship, was held on 12 and 13
November 2025 at Our Own English High
School, Al Warqa-3 where our athletes
delivered outstanding performances.
Competing across the Under 9, 11, 13, 16, and
19 categories, our girls showcased remarkable
determination and talent.
Our Sub-Junior Girls set the tone with
exceptional performances. Erica Sequeira (PYP
3C) emerged as a star athlete, winning Gold in
the 200m, Silver in the 100m, and Bronze in
the 4x100m Relay, joined by Katelyn Jisu (PYP
3E), Isha Sukhathankar (PYP 3C), and Aahana
Khutale (PYP 3C).
In the Junior Girls category, our relay team
sprinted to victory, securing Gold in the
4x100m Relay. The winning squad featured
Hareshni Dineshkumar Ranjini, Raghavi
Rathi, Rhema Punitharajan, Samantha
Satheesh, Anishka Heda, and Esha Bipin.
Our Senior Girls continued the medal streak,
with Artana Sree (MYP 3A) earning Silver in
High Jump, and Anika Singh (7B) securing
Bronze. The senior relay team—Anika, Ishita
Karunakaran Rajagurunathan, Vedika
Ragavendra, and Vania Sancheti—added a
Bronze in the 4x100m Relay. In the Super
Senior Girls category, Carissa Manalil (DP2)
achieved a commendable Silver in High Jump.
These achievements are truly commendable
and reflect the commitment and growing
athletic excellence of our girls.
Congratulations to all participants!
The 13th Sundeep Batavia Memorial Table Tennis Tournament, hosted
by DPS Sharjah, witnessed spirited participation from schools across
the UAE. Representing Modern, our Under-16 Boys Team — Iraj Pandey
(MYP 5), Daksh Baldawa (9D), Aryan Wadhwa (8F), and Dheer
Khanchandani (10C) — showcased exceptional skill, focus, and
determination throughout the tournament. After a series of hard-
fought matches, the team delivered an outstanding performance to
finish as runners-up in the Under-16 Boys category. Their journey to the
finals was marked by remarkable consistency, teamwork, and
composure under pressure. Each player contributed significantly,
advancing through multiple stages. The team’s strong showing and
unwavering sportsmanship stood out as one of the tournament’s
highlights.
Modern’s Young Champs Rally to Silver at
the Sundeep Batavia Memorial
The Annual Middle and Senior Inter-House Swimming Meet for Boys and Girls was held on the 5th and
6th of November respectively, celebrating the spirit of competition, teamwork, and excellence in the
pool. Throughout October, swimmers from all four Houses recorded their best timings, with the fastest
eight in each age category earning the honour of representing their House.
Boys’ Meet Results:
Dominating the leaderboard, Orion House emerged as the Champion House with an impressive 171
points, led by the spirited encouragement of House Master Mr. Shastry. They were followed by Cygnus,
Pegasus, and Aquila.
A special mention goes to Kritarth Pandya of Orion House, who set three new meet records,
exemplifying exceptional skill and determination.
Individual Champions:
Under 12: Shaurya Jain
Under 14: Kritarth Pandya
Under 16: Aarav Jhawar
Under 17: Neal Bisht
Girls’ Meet Results:
The girls’ competition saw Orion House once again take the Champion’s title, amassing 160 points,
followed by Aquila, Cygnus, and Pegasus.
Jiya Gandhi of Cygnus House made a remarkable splash, setting four new meet records.
Individual Champions:
Under 12: Aaradhya Soni
Under 14: Pari Bisht
Under 16: Jiya Gandhi
Under 19: Prachi Kabra
Heartiest congratulations to all houses for their spirited participation.
Twin Victories for Orion – Unmatched in
the Pool
The 16th edition of the Shreyas Memorial Cricket Tournament for Boys was held
during October and November 2025, featuring eight teams from across the UAE.
The event showcased strong talent, sportsmanship, and competitive cricket.
After a challenging league stage, four teams reached the semi finals: GEMS
Modern Academy (GMA), DPS Dubai, DPS Sharjah, and The Millennium School
Dubai. GMA earned a place in the final after defeating DPS Dubai, and DPS Sharjah
beat The Millennium School to set up a repeat of last year's title clash.
In the final, Modern won the toss and chose to field. Their disciplined bowling
limited DPS Sharjah to 154 runs in 20 overs. GMA chased the target confidently
and won with four wickets in hand. The innings was highlighted by an unbeaten
94 from Aryan Thapar.
Individual awards were presented at the closing ceremony:
Best Batsman: Lokesh Reddy (DPS Sharjah)
Best Bowler: Harsh Mehta (GMA)
Best Player: Aryan Thapar (GMA)
The tournament ended on a high note, celebrating skill, teamwork, and the spirit
of cricket. Congratulations to GEMS Modern Academy for their impressive victory
and to all teams for contributing to a successful tournament.
16th Shreyas Memorial Cricket Tournament
for Boys
The DSG Table Tennis Tournament, held at Danube Sports
World, witnessed spirited participation from our young
paddlers across multiple age categories. Our Under-13,
Under-15, and Under-17 boys and girls competed against
several schools, displaying exceptional talent, consistency,
and sportsmanship throughout the event.
In the Under-13 category, Raghav Agarwal (7F) clinched the
championship title after a series of remarkable matches, while
Vivaan Vinod Darak (6D) impressed with his performance,
finishing third. In the Under-15 category, Siddhi Agarwal (8F)
showcased great composure to finish as the Runner-up, and
Aryan Wadhwa (6D) secured third place following several
strong performances. In the Under-17 category, Reuben
Alexander (11B) emerged as the champion, demonstrating
outstanding skill and perseverance.
Bhargavi Dhavala (10A) and Daksh
Baldawa (8F) both finished as Runners-up
after hard-fought and competitive
matches. All participants showed
tremendous determination and steady
improvement through the rounds, with
their performances standing out as
tournament highlights. The experience
not only strengthened their technical
abilities but also reinforced the values of
teamwork, discipline, and resilience —
setting a strong foundation for future
success.
DSG Table Tennis Tournament
The iconic landmark, Burj Khalifa,
situated in Dubai, was built using a
unique engineering structural system,
“
Buttressed Core
”
.
Buttressed Core
is a structure having a
hexagonal centre with 3 Y-shaped wings
reinforced on top of it. This keeps the
building strong and wind-resistant.
The iconic landmark, Burj Khalifa,
situated in Dubai, was built using a
unique engineering structural system,
“Buttressed Core”.
Buttressed Core is a structure having a
hexagonal centre with 3 Y-shaped wings
reinforced on top of it. This keeps the
building strong and wind-resistant.
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The engineering structure of Burj Khalifa
Our judges called the submissions “a glimpse of the
future of technology” and with 250+ creators and
50 experts involved, the results really spoke for
themselves.
Late-night debugging. Surprising
breakthroughs. Teams who kept going when
everything felt impossible. That energy carried the
entire event. Massive love to our sponsors and our
partner, The Eureka Institute, for helping make this
vision real. If this is what students are building
right now, the future is already happening.
Our judges called the submissions “a glimpse of the
future of technology” and with 250+ creators and
50 experts involved, the results really spoke for
themselves. Late-night debugging. Surprising
breakthroughs. Teams who kept going when
everything felt impossible. That energy carried the
entire event. Massive love to our sponsors and our
partner, The Eureka Institute, for helping make this
vision real. If this is what students are building
right now, the future is already happening.
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12+ Sponsors
250+ Participants
$40K in prizes
Winners were announced on November 4, 2025
STAY TUNED TO @ignitesteamclub
FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES!
Ms. Noora Saeed Alsuwaidi
STAFF EDITORIAL TEAM
BEHIND THE SCENES:
Ms. Zeba Sheikh
Ms. Uurmi Ghosh
Ms. Muniza Khan
Mr. Andrew Hartnett
Mr. Vinodh Purayil
Mr. Sydney Atkins
Ms. Tracy Da Silva
Staff Editor
Staff Editor
Staff Editor
School Photographer
Editor in Chief
Line Manager &
Associate Principal
Quality Visuals Check
Branding Editor and
Visuals