how we teach

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Our exceptional teachers deliver outstanding learning experiences that will foster your child’s talents and unlock their true potential.

NURTUrING GROWTH, EMBRACING TALENTS

Our teachers shape lives. Gifted, passionate, trailblazing and highly qualified, they deliver extraordinary learning experiences every single day – both in and beyond the classroom.

As well as nurturing academic strengths and interests – which will ensure your child gets outstanding exam results – our native English-speaking teachers will support their personal development, too. Your child will learn how to thrive in life, thanks to extraordinary opportunities that promote creativity, critical thinking, social responsibility, and cultural awareness.

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primary
  • Leadership team

MEET OUR TEAM

Liam Cullinan
Principal
Liam joined us as Principal in September 2022. Previously Head of Secondary at NAS Dubai, Liam has a Master’s in Leadership and Education, and has significant experience delivering curriculum innovation and personalised learning pathways.
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Liam Cullinan

Formerly Head of Secondary at NAS Dubai, Liam joined us as Principal in September 2022. Liam is passionate about providing opportunities that inspire, enthuse, and engage our students. Delivering personalised learning experiences that recognise each child as an individual, Liam leads a team that creates a nurturing environment where everyone thrives.

In addition to a Master’s degree, Liam was also part of the UK Government’s National College for Teaching and Learning Teacher Training Working Party from 2011 to 2014. While there, Liam supported the roll-out of teacher training in the UK, personally working with 80 teachers every year across Birmingham.

Alan Cocker
Head of Primary
Alan has been teaching for more than 25 years and is passionate about improving outcomes for children. A big believer in the idea of ‘learning to learn’, Alan creates outstanding development opportunities for both students and our staff.
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Alan Cocker

Prior to moving to Abu Dhabi, Alan spent 12 years as a headteacher, transforming a school that faced challenging circumstances into one that supported the improvement of others.

A teacher since 1994, Alan is committed to improving outcomes for children and to supporting every student to be the best they can be. At the heart of Alan’s approach to teaching is the idea of ‘learning to learn’. Alan has delivered training opportunities for staff and spoken at national conferences on subjects ranging from leadership and coaching culture to the effective use of CPD.

Away from school, Alan enjoys getting active and being with people. He loves playing golf and football, and is learning to play the guitar.

Christopher Lowe
Head of Secondary
Christopher joined BIS Abu Dhabi in 2013, having previously taught at schools in the UK and Europe. As well as being our Head of Secondary, Christopher teaches history and the Theory of Knowledge to our IBDP students.
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Christopher Lowe

Christopher’s teaching career began at a large school in Leamington Spa, England, where he spent five happy years. After working at an inner-city comprehensive in Birmingham – where he fulfilled lifetime ambitions to play rugby at Twickenham and be the lead singer in a punk band – Christopher moved to Paris, where he taught at the Lycée International School.

After returning to the UK – and spending time looking after his two boys – Christopher and his family embarked on a new adventure in Abu Dhabi. Joining us in 2013, Christopher has made a significant impact on our secondary students, supporting them to achieve outstanding results and gain entry to the world’s best universities.

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TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM AND AT HOME

USING TECHNOLOGY TO TRANSFORM LEARNING

At BIS Abu Dhabi, we bring teaching and learning to life through the latest education technology (EdTech).

Our teachers embrace innovation in and outside the classroom, finding new ways to engage and inspire your child. Our students use iPads, 3D printers, robotics, VR headsets, and state-of-the-art photography equipment, which transform lessons and are explored in depth at specialist co-curricular clubs.

On our exclusive Global Campus learning platform, your child will connect with classmates in 32 countries. They’ll collaborate on one-of-a-kind global projects and immerse themselves in specially curated content from our world-leading partners, MIT, UNICEF, and The Juilliard School.

HELPING OUR TEACHERS GROW

Our teachers deliver extraordinary learning experiences every day. We provide outstanding opportunities for them to develop and grow, too.
  • On the award-winning Nord Anglia University platform, our teachers share ideas and collaborate with colleagues from across the world, study for further qualifications – including a Master’s degree – and complete hundreds of courses every year.
  • Our Collaborative School-based Inquiry (CSI) project encourages teachers and teaching assistants to come up with their own professional development training. These are then presented at a symposium for staff and local schools.
  • The BISAD Improvement Cycle (BICycle) programme runs throughout the year, challenging staff to identify areas for improvement and embed solutions in the classroom.
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SETTING THE STANDARD

We’re incredibly proud of our teaching standards. Our teachers have a wealth of experience in British and international schools, and are specialists in their fields. We only recruit native English speakers who have UK qualified teacher status (or equivalent).

To ensure quality, our teachers are regularly assessed against local and national benchmarks, as well as Nord Anglia’s stringent Quality Assurance framework. Through rigorous background screening, a strong safeguarding policy, and criminal record checks, we make sure our students are cared for and safe at school.

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JOIN OUR inspiring COMMUNITY

WORKING AT BIS ABU DHABI

Our exceptional teachers deliver life-changing experiences every day. Join our vibrant international school community, and help shape the next generation of leaders.
Find out more

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

Get in touch with us today for an in-person tour, where you’ll meet our incredible teachers and get a feel for our thriving inclusive and diverse community.

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