BISAD Diploma | BIS Abu Dhabi

Why the BISAD Diploma Matters

Everything begins with Primary. Here, students develop the habits and values that shape future success: curiosity, resilience, collaboration, empathy, and independence.

Guided by our school values of Kindness, Honesty, and Respect, these early experiences form the foundations of confident, compassionate learners.

The BISAD Diploma builds directly on these foundations, creating a seamless pathway as students move into Secondary. Rather than experiencing their education as isolated stages, students encounter a shared language of learning and growth that evolves with them, strengthening their sense of identity, purpose, and belonging.

What is the BISAD Diploma?

The BISAD Diploma is a unique BIS Abu Dhabi framework that celebrates student growth across nine categories:

Service
Leadership
House
Environmental Awareness
Academics
Sports and Activities
STEAM
Cultural
Global Campus engagement

Each experience is recorded in the Diploma Portfolio and linked to a set of Personal Characteristics that grow with the child.

Personal Characteristics

Primary (Years 1–6): Thoughtful, Risk-taker, Reflective, Resilient, Knowledgeable, Curious, Respectful, Resourceful, Communicator, Empathetic

Secondary (Years 7–9): Thinker, Risk-taker, Reflective, Principled, Open-Minded, Knowledgeable, Inquirer, Communicator, Caring, Balanced
(aligned with the IB Learner Profile)

This ensures your child develops not only academically, but also personally and socially.

Together, the categories and characteristics give students a clear, structured way to understand their growth and celebrate progress.

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Learning Beyond the Classroom

The BISAD Diploma encourages students to take an active role in school life and in the wider community. Experiences such as leadership roles, service projects, enrichment activities, creative work, and environmental action help students:

Develop independence and self‑management
Work effectively with others
Reflect on progress and set meaningful goals
Build confidence, purpose, and resilience

These are not “extras”, they are essential components of a balanced, future‑ready education.

Progression: Bronze, Silver, Gold

Every student works towards a yearly BISAD Diploma award:

Bronze - one achievement per category
Silver - two achievements per category
Gold - three achievements per category (a truly exceptional accomplishment)

Students are encouraged and supported to reach for their personal best, showcasing growth across academics, creativity, and character.

Preparing Students for GCSE, IB, and BTEC Pathways

By the end of Year 9, students are approaching an important transition. The BISAD Diploma ensures they are ready for the increased independence, rigour, and responsibility of GCSE, IB, and BTEC pathways. Through consistent reflection, leadership experiences, service, and goal‑setting, students develop strong learning habits and a clear understanding of themselves as learners.

The Diploma acts as a bridge between the strong foundations built in Primary and the academic pathways that follow. By the time students enter Year 10, they do so not only academically prepared, but equipped with the confidence, resilience, and personal skills needed to thrive in their studies and beyond. While the BISAD Diploma concludes at Year 9, holistic development continues throughout Senior School, building on the habits and values formed earlier in their BISAD journey.