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As we draw this academic year to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly remarkable journey for The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi. This year has been defined by so much more than achievement, it has been a year of resilience, creativity, compassion, and bold ambition.
Our students have embraced every opportunity to grow, not only academically, but as confident, thoughtful, and globally aware individuals. From our youngest learners in FS1 to our graduating Year 13s, this has been a year of challenge met with character, and of learning that goes far beyond the classroom.
We are immensely proud of the academic excellence our students have demonstrated. Standout highlights include our Year 6 students winning the BSME Maths Challenge, and our ongoing representation on the global stage through initiatives like the 2025 Nord Anglia Student Summit in collaboration with UNICEF in Houston.
Across the school, students have taken part in the World Scholars Cup, Qur’an competitions, and ambitious international expeditions to places like Borneo, Tanzania, and beyond - experiences that not only enrich their knowledge but also shape their global perspectives and leadership skills.
Our Ramadan activities such as the Service-Led Fridays showed what it means to lead with empathy. Students have taken action to support causes that matter, from environmental awareness to social impact projects, developing the values and capabilities that will make them changemakers in their futures.
Sport at BIS Abu Dhabi continues to reach new heights. With record participation in Team Falcon CCAs, and major wins in BSME, ADISSA, and Junior NBA competitions, our students have showcased not just athletic ability, but teamwork, perseverance, and school pride. Our U14 boys were crowned champions, and our U14 girls made a thrilling run to the semi-finals, with many of our girls also excelling in football, netball, and athletics.
Our new partnership with IMG Academy marks an exciting next step in sports development at BIS Abu Dhabi, expanding opportunities for student-athletes and reinforcing our belief in the power of physical activity as part of holistic education.
Our Performing Arts programme has flourished this year. The energy, talent, and dedication on display in our production of Grease was extraordinary, capturing the hearts of the school community. With a growing number of choirs, ensembles, rock bands, and instrumental groups, we are nurturing confident performers and creators who are not afraid to express themselves and take the stage.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, we are committed to preparing students for the world ahead, equipping them with 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and digital fluency. Programmes like F1 in Schools, our ongoing MIT collaboration, and STEAM-focused projects continue to bring learning to life in exciting and relevant ways.
Our work this year with Harvard University and Nord Anglia Education on metacognition and thinking routines has given students deeper ownership of their learning journeys. These innovative practices help our learners think about their thinking, empowering them to become more independent, reflective, and resilient.
A defining moment of the year was the royal visit to inaugurate our Eco Edventure. This milestone reflects our long-standing dedication to sustainability and environmental learning. The Eco Edventure has become a thriving centre for curiosity, play, and ecological awareness for our youngest students, embedding stewardship and responsibility into the earliest years of learning.
At the heart of BIS Abu Dhabi is our vibrant and inclusive community. This year we have deepened our home-school partnership through new initiatives including parent language classes, learning workshops, and our popular “You Said, We Did” campaign, ensuring your voice continues to shape the future of the school.
These collaborative efforts were recognised with two awards this year, and we are proud of the genuine partnership we share with you, our families.
We are excited about the future. We are expanding our team, enhancing facilities, and updating our curriculum to reflect the dynamic world awaiting our students. New mother tongue language programmes, beginning with French and Spanish, will launch next year, alongside increased focus on AI literacy, global citizenship, and advanced communication skills.
As we prepare for the next chapter, we remain dedicated to nurturing students who are not only academically accomplished but emotionally intelligent, socially conscious, and ready for whatever lies ahead.
To our students: Your kindness, curiosity, and courage have defined this year.
To our parents: Thank you for your trust and partnership.
To our dedicated staff: Your passion and expertise continue to inspire.
As we bid farewell to those who are moving on, we thank you for your contributions and wish you every success. For those returning, we look forward to welcoming you back in August, refreshed and ready for another exciting year.
BIS Abu Dhabi is a school of growth, purpose, and pride. We are building a future of opportunity and impact, and we are so glad you are part of it.
Wishing you a joyful, restful, and memory-filled summer.
Warmest regards,
Alan Cocker
Principal
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.
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.
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