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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?
Our EYFS and Year 1 team have been taking a deep dive into The Curiosity Approach. They are reminding us to capture the essence of childhood and create beautiful, thoughtful environments that inspire wonder. It encourages us to move away from plastic toys and overstimulation, offering real, authentic experiences that spark exploration. Children don’t need to be taught to be curious - they already are. Watching my two-year-old daughter explore every gadget, button, or stone reminds me that our role is to protect and nurture that natural curiosity.
Curiosity is also one of our key 6C’s linked to metacognition supporting our children to think about their thinking, ask meaningful questions, and remain engaged in their learning journey. Curiosity is currently our whole-school Learner Ambition focus. For children to truly develop their curiosity, they need the metacognitive tools to think curiously. They need regular opportunities to question, explore, and make connections. At BIS Abu Dhabi, we are fostering this through a whole-school culture of thinking - one that purposefully integrates Project Zero Thinking Routines (a set of simple yet powerful strategies that help children slow down, reflect, and explore ideas more deeply) across the curriculum to scaffold curious thinking and spark wonder in every subject.
And it’s not just our students: we are building a coaching culture across the school, where teachers are learning to stay curious in conversations, to listen deeply and to ask thoughtful questions. Through coaching, we are creating an environment where curiosity leads to real reflection, innovation and growth for everyone.
As we move forward with The Curiosity Approach, we are committed to protecting wonder - for our children, for ourselves and for our whole school community.
So today, I leave you with this:
"What are you curious about?"
Leah Atkins
Assistant Head of Primary
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.
A few weeks ago, as part of our IB DP Language programme, Year 12 students in the French Ab Initio and French B classes united to celebrate Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday). Originally a catholic event welcoming the ritual fasting of Lent, Mardi Gras is celebrated in France with festive parades and sumptuous public celebrations.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, students came together to not only recognize the festivity but rejoice at the opportunity to share and learn about the international traditions fostered within our community. With the help of Monsieur Depose and Mademoiselle Merchadier, the French DP classes baked tasty treats, including crepes, waffles, brownies, and traditional beignets!
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