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Let us take you on a journey through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi, where curiosity begins early and innovation grows with every step.

What makes a school truly exceptional? It’s not just the curriculum or the facilities, it’s the connections. The ones that spark ideas, build trust, and stretch across continents. Connections between students who challenge and support each other. Connections between teachers and students built on trust and care. Connections among staff where collaboration and shared expertise create the best environment for every child to thrive. Read on to discover how these everyday moments of connection, locally and globally, shape a school culture where every learner is empowered to grow with confidence and purpose.

This week has been a wonderful reminder of the importance of National Identity in our community, and why it is something to be celebrated. On Wednesday, I had the privilege of attending the Islamic and Social Studies Information Session with parents. It was inspiring to watch our UAE Student Ambassadors and Islamic Studies students present with pride about the value of their learning, and how these subjects extend far beyond the classroom. Through our curriculum, students not only learn about the history, culture, and values of the UAE, but also embrace the cherished opportunities to share this knowledge with others. From reading stories to younger children, to leading events that celebrate cultural understanding and the spirit of the Emirates, our students are living examples of how National Identity connects us all. Read on to see how these values, traditions, and celebrations are woven into everyday life at BIS Abu Dhabi.

A new school year brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and a renewed commitment to empowering our students. One of our key priorities this year is developing metacognition, the ability for students to think about their own thinking. At BIS Abu Dhabi, our teaching community is deeply engaged with the Nord Anglia Metacognition Research Project. As part of this initiative, we are embedding thinking routines into everyday classroom practice. These routines not only strengthen academic learning, but also nurture our six learner ambitions: creativity, compassion, critical thinking, collaboration, commitment, and curiosity. Read on to discover how this approach is shaping teaching, learning, and our wider school community.

When we pause to reflect, it becomes clear that so much of life comes down to the connections we make. The friendships that carry us through tough times, the mentors who inspire us, the family who cheer us on; these relationships are what give life meaning. School is no different. Yes, we focus on academics, but what really shapes our students are the connections they build here: with each other, with staff, and with you as parents. Read on to discover how connections shape every part of life in the Senior School at BIS Abu Dhabi.

As the new school year gets underway, there is already much to celebrate at BIS Abu Dhabi. From record-breaking phonics results in Primary to the continued success of our students across GCSE, IB, and BTEC programmes, these achievements underscore the impact of personalised learning from the very beginning. Read on to discover how we are laying strong foundations, starting with our Phonics Programme.

As we begin a new academic year, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all our families, whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time. It’s a time full of energy, anticipation, and fresh possibilities. Read on to discover what’s new this year, celebrate recent student achievements, and learn how we continue to support every child’s journey.

At BIS Abu Dhabi, student voice is shaping real change. From wellbeing roles to refreshed curriculum and calming spaces, feedback from students and parents is driving thoughtful improvements. Discover how our whole-school commitment to care is creating a safer, more connected environment for every child to thrive.

Our commitment to personalised learning doesn’t stop with our students, it extends to our teachers too. Just as we strive to nurture each child’s learning journey by recognising individual needs and strengths, we believe the same philosophy should guide how we support the professional growth of our staff.    This article explores how professional development, collaboration, and a culture of support drive excellence in teaching at BIS Abu Dhabi.

As we draw this academic year to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly remarkable journey for The British International School Abu Dhabi. This year has been defined by so much more than achievement, it has been a year of resilience, creativity, compassion, and bold ambition. Read on to discover the unforgettable highlights, proud achievements, and inspiring moments that made this year at BIS Abu Dhabi truly remarkable.

The penultimate week of term always brings a mix of energy and reflection. Lessons are still purposeful, but there is also a sense of looking back, recognising just how far our students have come. This year, we have seen strong academic success across the school. Students have worked hard, and the outcomes reflect that effort. But just as important have been the achievements beyond the classroom in music, sport, language, technology, and the arts. Our curriculum is broad for a reason, and it has been clear this year that our students are thriving in many ways.

Celebrating Our Shared Success: A Year of Partnership and Recognition As we approach the end of a vibrant academic year filled with events, achievements, and memorable moments, I am delighted to share some fantastic news with you all. Our school has been honoured with not one, but two prestigious awards in recognition of our commitment to parent engagement: the MENA Parent Partnership Award and the ADEK Best Parent Engagement Award. Read on to discover how these awards celebrate our collaborative culture, highlight parent-school partnerships, and support meaningful improvements for our students.

It’s something I’ve believed for a long time — that learning isn’t predetermined by our genes. It’s about growing, persevering, and learning through the process. I was really mindful of this idea at this week’s wonderful Primary Summer Concert, after which I found myself reflecting on whether these amazing children have an innate talent, or whether they have achieved so much because of hard work and practice. I believe it’s the latter. These children, their parents, and their teachers all seem to share the belief that by trying and working hard, they will get better at what they do. This is what we call a growth mindset.

This week at BIS Abu Dhabi, we have had the joy of celebrating both ends of the school journey and it has been a beautiful reminder of how we support our students to dream big and grow into their future selves.

As exam season unfolds, there's a special kind of stillness that settles over the school. In the quiet hum of the examination hall, behind the rustle of papers and the soft clicking of keyboards, is a profound truth: we are witnessing a moment that our students will carry with them forever. It is the culmination of years of learning, growth, and perseverance, a chapter closing and a new one ready to be written.

Lately, I have been reflecting on how important curiosity is - not just for children, but for us as adults too. Through my own learning with coaching through Making Stuff Better and alongside our EYFS and Year 1 team's work with The Curiosity Approach, I have seen how curiosity can transform the way we learn, teach and create spaces for exploration. Are we still curious as adults? When was the last time you asked a question just to learn, not just to know the answer?

As a teacher at BIS Abu Dhabi, I have the privilege of watching students grow — not just academically, but as young people finding their path in a complex world. One thing I’ve learned time and again is this: success doesn’t come from rare moments of brilliance — it comes from the quiet power of habits. Research tells us that up to 40% of what we do each day is driven by habit, not active decision-making. That means the routines our students form — the way they begin their morning, how they handle a setback, whether they choose to read or scroll — are shaping who they become.

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.

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.