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I was really touched by Áine’s newsletter piece last week, posing the question: ‘What would I tell my younger self?’ I spent some time afterwards thinking about my own parenting journey, and what it’s all been about, now that my two are adults and have ‘flown the nest’. Parenting isn’t easy for any of us, and that’s true even if you’re an experienced school leader – at home, I’m just Dad.

The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi) was deeply honoured to welcome Her Highness Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan to its campus on Thursday, 17 April 2025. Her Highness, President & CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) and The Climate Tribe, is a distinguished entrepreneur, thought leader, and researcher with a deep commitment to sustainability, climate change, and gender equity.

You might have seen the trend going around - “If I could tell my younger self one thing…” - a moment to reflect, to offer advice we wish we’d heard earlier, or to remind ourselves of what truly matters. As students prepare to cross some of the biggest milestones in school life, it feels like the perfect time to pause and join in that conversation. But it’s not just our students who are preparing — so are we, as parents. These milestones don’t just belong to them. We’re living every part of it too: the anticipation, the pride, the nerves, and the quiet hopes. Sometimes, it’s the hardest thing in the world — to watch them take these big steps, to stay strong when they wobble, to let go just a little more. It’s a milestone for us as much as it is for them — and we’re walking it together.

A very warm welcome back to the final term of the academic year! We hope you all enjoyed a restful and refreshing break, and that you're returning with renewed energy and excitement for the weeks ahead! The summer term is always a special one. It brings opportunities for reflection, celebration, and meaningful moments – both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it’s final projects, performances, sports competitions or community events, we encourage all of our students to embrace everything the term has to offer. Let’s make it a time to be proud of – a chance to finish the year strong, to support one another, and to continue building lasting memories together.

Last term was brilliant for our BIS Abu Dhabi World Scholars! Our 2025 season kicked off during the Winter Break, with 15 students competing in the Dubai Winter Global Round. In addition to taking part in the academic challenges of writing, debate and quizzing, students also enjoyed a fun-filled scavenger hunt at Global Village. We were thrilled that 12 of our scholars qualified for the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November 2025 — an incredible achievement that we are all immensely proud of! The season continued with our first Regional Round of the year, held in Dubai. We were delighted to see 21 students qualify for the next round. Two of our participants, Khlood in Year 7 and Anahita in Year 9, have written a personal report of the events:

At BIS Abu Dhabi, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. As an international school, we are proud to provide a diverse and inclusive environment where students from various cultural backgrounds feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their educational journey. Our core values of Honesty, Kindness, and Respect underpin all our safeguarding efforts, ensuring that every member of our school community is treated with care and consideration.

At The British International School Abu Dhabi, we believe that education is not just about academic success—it’s about nurturing compassionate, responsible young people who understand the importance of giving back. This Ramadan, I have been truly moved by the way our students have embraced the spirit of the holy month, demonstrating kindness, generosity, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

The Eco Edventure has been buzzing with activity! We have worked collaboratively with the Design & Technology department and Mr. O’Brien’s CCA students, who kindly built a wooden bed for our rabbits Bun Bun and Rosie. Our Duke of Edinburgh students have been diligently supporting our Foundation Stage (FS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) students during their Eco Edventure CCA. Some have even given up their break times to ensure the rabbits are fed, watered, have had their nails clipped, and are receiving plenty of cuddles. Read on to discover how our Eco Edventure brings learning to life!

At BIS Abu Dhabi we recognise that play is not just for early years—it is a vital component of learning at every stage of life. Play fuels creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, shaping curious minds that thrive in an ever-changing world. This year, we are continuing to build on the strong foundation of play in learning, further exploring how curiosity and hands-on experiences enrich education for all.

What is the purpose of school? While gaining qualifications is certainly important, it’s just as vital to develop the skills needed to succeed in life. Research shows that 85% of job success comes from well-developed soft skills—transferable life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to negotiate and challenge viewpoints effectively.

At The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi, we are committed to developing creativity, curiosity, compassion, collaboration, commitment, and critical thinking- also known as the Nord Anglia Education’s ‘6 Cs or ‘key learner ambitions’- in our students. As a pilot school in Nord Anglia Education’s Metacognition Research Project, we are exploring how metacognitive practices can strengthen these essential qualities. To truly develop these learner ambitions, children must first learn to think in these ways. These qualities are embedded in our Star of the Week rewards and shape the way we support children’s learning, helping them grow both academically and personally. This follow-up article delves deeper into three of the 6Cs – curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion – offering practical ways for parents to nurture these transformative skills at home.

Right from an early age, parents often imagine great futures for their children, built around their interests and talents. The journey to adulthood, though, is anything but straightforward. While we all aspire to see our children succeed in fulfilling careers, the reality is nuanced, requiring a holistic approach to education and career preparation. This guide offers advice on how parents can empower their children to explore diverse interests, make informed educational choices, and develop essential skills for future success.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right."   - Henry Ford Belief is a powerful force. As educators, we see daily how a student’s confidence - whether strong or fragile - shapes their learning journey. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or on stage, students thrive when they believe in their ability to succeed. As a Drama teacher, I often see this in action - students stepping outside their comfort zones, taking risks, and growing in confidence. But this idea extends far beyond Drama; it is fundamental to education as a whole.

Inspired by the latest Nord Anglia INSIGHTS article exploring why the Early Years are the most important years of a child’s education, we know that a child’s most significant learning happens during this time - in ways that are not always immediately visible.

Navigating the complex and exciting journey of making friends can be quite an adventure for many children, it can be a bit like discovering a new playground: it's a mixture of excitement, filled with the thrill of spontaneous encounters and learning on the go - but there can be the occasional scraped knee along the way where things don’t quite go as planned.   Have you ever noticed your child facing challenges in forming friendships at school and felt the urge to step in and assist?

We are delighted to share that BIS Abu Dhabi recently hosted the prestigious Abu Dhabi Teaching Conference, a vibrant and enriching event that brought together over 600 teachers and school leaders from across the region. This conference, organised by a passionate committee of educators, is designed to foster collaboration, promote regional talent, and provide a platform for sharing best practices in education.

At BIS Abu Dhabi, we have embraced the exciting potential of digital technology in the classroom, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Just recently, one of our students trialled an AI-powered learning platform that provided personalised feedback on their essay, helping them improve their writing skills in real time. This experience exemplifies how AI can tailor educational experiences to each individual’s needs, allowing for a more customised and engaging learning journey. By incorporating AI into our curriculum, we aim to support our students in becoming creative problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and confident digital citizens who are ready to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.

For the past decade, The British International School Abu Dhabi has actively participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), promoting personal growth, resilience, and community impact among our students. This year is particularly special as we celebrate our first cohort of Gold Award achievers. With the largest number of participants ever, the DofE International Award continues to be a vital part of our mission to create world-class learning experiences, nurturing empathetic, resilient, and talented individuals.

Life is full of questions - some small and simple, others profound and life-shaping. At BIS Abu Dhabi, we believe asking the right questions is key to growth, discovery, and future success.  This term, our students have been reflecting on big questions:  - What do I want to do when I’m older?  - Where do I want to go to university?  - What GCSEs should I study to help me achieve my goals?  - Should I pursue a BTEC pathway or the IB Diploma Programme in Senior School?  These are not easy questions, but it’s not about having all the answers now - it’s about being brave enough to ask them.

As a proud member of the Nord Anglia family, The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of cutting-edge research. As one of the select pilot schools, we are benefitting from innovative studies like the recent Forbes-featured Metacognition project, which aims to enhance student learning and critical thinking.