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 BIS Abu Dhabi, we recognise that in order to grow, students need to face challenges. These challenges, both big and small, are crucial for developing resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset. A priority for us as teachers and leaders is to support students in navigating these ups and downs, understanding that both successes and setbacks are equally important in building the skills they need to thrive.
Central to this is student voice. Students are driving change through group forums, surveys, interview panels, and daily interactions, which we actively encourage and support. By providing these platforms, students constructively feedback on teaching, learning, and all other aspects of their school experience. This allows them to take ownership of their educational journey and ensures their perspectives are integral to shaping the school environment.
Our behaviour policy supports this by emphasising self-reflection and resolution, encouraging students to take responsibility for their actions and find constructive solutions. The pastoral programme promotes self-awareness, leadership, and collaboration, while our CCA programme, competitions like Chess, the UKMT, World Scholars Cup, BSME, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, CAS, and the BISAD Diploma offer structures and opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and initiative through real-world experiences.
Recognising and celebrating these skills is key. We encourage parents to highlight when their children demonstrate perseverance, empathy, leadership, and the ability to negotiate and challenge viewpoints effectively. Simple strategies, such as discussing goals, tackling challenges together, and fostering a positive mindset, will help children develop the resilience and adaptability essential for future success.
By working in partnership, we ensure our students at BIS Abu Dhabi not only achieve academic excellence but also gain the transferable life skills they need to thrive beyond school.
Aine McGlue
Head of Secondary
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.
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