It’s a belief I’ve held for a long time — that learning isn’t predetermined by our genes. It’s about growing, persevering, and learning through the process. I was especially mindful of this idea at this week’s wonderful Primary Summer Concert, which left me reflecting: do these amazing children have an innate talent, or have they 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.
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can develop through dedication, effort, and learning from mistakes. It’s the idea that no one is “just bad at maths”, “can’t draw”, or “isn’t musical” — we all have the ability to improve if we keep trying and stay open to feedback.
This theory comes from the work of psychologist Carol Dweck, who found that students who believe they can grow are more likely to take on challenges, persevere when things get tough, and ultimately succeed in the long run.
Here are a few ways we can encourage a growth mindset with our children:
You can help nurture a growth mindset at home too! Try:
Let’s work together to help every student see challenges as opportunities and believe in the power of not yet. With a growth mindset, there’s no limit to what our learners can achieve!
If you’re interested in finding out more about Carol Dweck’s theories, this YouTube clip is a great starting point – and it’s only 10 minutes long: https://youtu.be/_X0mgOOSpLU
John Dibdin
Head of Primary
The penultimate week of term always brings a mix of energy and reflection. Lessons are still purposeful, but there is also a sense of looking back, recognising just how far our students have come.
This year, we have seen strong academic success across the school. Students have worked hard, and the outcomes reflect that effort. But just as important have been the achievements beyond the classroom in music, sport, language, technology, and the arts. Our curriculum is broad for a reason, and it has been clear this year that our students are thriving in many ways.
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.
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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