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.
In Nursery, our youngest learners have been exploring the theme "When I Grow Up." They have been thinking about the world beyond school, learning about different careers and imagining who they might like to become. The highlight of the week? A visit from Abu Dhabi police, complete with a real car in the Primary Snug area! The children were buzzing with excitement and were asking so many questions. It was a joyful, hands-on way to learn about roles in our community and to begin understanding that the future is full of possibility.
At the other end of the school, we proudly watched our Year 13 students walk the stage at their graduation. It was an emotional and inspiring celebration not just of academic achievement, but of growth, resilience, friendships and the people they have become. Listening to the heartfelt speeches, it was clear how deeply BIS Abu Dhabi has shaped their journey, not just preparing them for exams, but preparing them for life.
These two moments, of the Nursery children looking ahead with wide eyes and big dreams, and the Year 13s stepping confidently into the next chapter, are a powerful reminder of our purpose as a school. From the very first day to the final one, we are here to help our students become future ready: curious, compassionate, capable individuals who are excited about who they are becoming and how they will contribute to the world.
So, whether your child is just beginning to ask, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" or starting to think about life beyond BIS Abu Dhabi, we hope they feel surrounded by people who believe in them and help them take those next steps forward.
Leah Atkins
Assistant Head of Primary
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!
As a teacher at BIS Abu Dhabi, I have the privilege of watching students grow — not just academically, but as young people finding their path in a complex world. One thing I’ve learned time and again is this: success doesn’t come from rare moments of brilliance — it comes from the quiet power of habits.
Research tells us that up to 40% of what we do each day is driven by habit, not active decision-making. That means the routines our students form — the way they begin their morning, how they handle a setback, whether they choose to read or scroll — are shaping who they become.
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