During the month of October, BIS Abu Dhabi have been celebrating Black History Month in line with the UK’s timings of the celebration.
The students have been emersed in learning linked to their current topics and have been delving into influential and inspirational Black People who have shaped our world in various ways. This month has also been dedicated to how we can make our world better. We have been discussing issues around equality, diversity and fairness. Each week, classes have been discussing a variety of questions such as:
“Why is it good to be different?”
And
“Is the world fairer today that it used to be?”
These questions have generated discussion, not just with our students, but also with our staff about the rich diversity of our school and the curriculum we teach.
The month has been celebrated with amazing displays of work around school, we have seen classes showcase their knowledge and learning by decorating classroom doors and corridors. Some classes have specifically focused on one person, whereas others have allowed the students to select their inspirational person and allowed them to explore their life. Students have enjoyed visiting the libraries to select and read inspiring and educational texts from black authors. The school has been awash with amazing work and decorations linked with Black History Month. Teaching staff and students have also been delivering assemblies – Year 6 particularly enjoyed their assembly led by one of our CAS students.
As a school we are always looking to move forward and develop, and this year has been a much bigger celebration of Black History Month than the last. We are always looking to grow and improve, and next year we are hoping to embed this work within our curriculum even more, not just over the month of October, but looking at how we can embed it consistently throughout the year.
As was said by Thurgood Marshall on recognising the importance of every human being:
“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.”
In this final newsletter of the term, I find myself reflecting on the many events, changes, improvements, challenges, and next steps. This term has been incredibly eventful. The past few weeks have been busy at our school, filled with opportunities and celebrations of our children’s growth and successes.
As we approach the end of Term 1, the upcoming winter break presents a valuable opportunity for students to strike a healthy balance between preparation and relaxation. While some time over the holidays can be devoted to revision and study, it’s equally important to step away from the day-to-day routines of school life to rest and recharge.
Often, as an educator, you experience immense joy in helping shape a child's future. This week has certainly brought many moments of joy! The overarching theme within the school has been celebrating the UAE, and I’ve had the privilege of working across both Primary and Secondary classes, offering me a unique window into various areas of school life.
We’re thrilled to announce that Nord Anglia Education is continuing its partnership with UNICEF for another three years! Since 2017, this unique collaboration has provided incredible opportunities for our students to engage in meaningful social impact initiatives that raise awareness of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), helping foster empathy, social advocacy, and global citizenship in all our classrooms.
