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At BIS Abu Dhabi, curiosity isn’t bound to the classroom, it’s a mindset we nurture year-round. Having chosen Curious as our Term 3 ambition, we’re excited to carry this focus into Term 1 next year. Curiosity sparks exploration, strengthens connections, and drives metacognitive awareness; helping children understand how they think when they are curious.
Thinking routines - simple, scaffolded question sequences from Harvard Project Zero - help children:
1. See – Observe closely
2. Think – Interpret thoughtfully
3. Wonder – Ask questions
Tip: Keep using the same vocabulary - see, think, wonder - so this pattern becomes natural and automatic.
1. See – Notice
2. Wonder – Form questions
3. Connect – Relate to previous experiences
Again, consistent use of see, wonder, connect helps children internalise curiosity and reflection.
Metacognition isn't just about asking questions, it’s about recognising when curiosity takes hold.
These moments reinforce that curiosity doesn’t end with a question, it becomes a part of how we think.
Research shows curiosity enhances memory, attention, and lifelong learning by acting as a filter that focuses the mind. It also fuels critical scientific thinking from early childhood, boosts academic performance, and remains essential even into adulthood - helping people stay engaged and open to new ideas.
Curiosity plays a big role in the UAE’s success. From Sheikh Zayed’s vision for a better future to Sultan Al Neyadi’s journey into space, asking questions and exploring new ideas has helped the country grow. Curiosity continues to drive innovation, learning, and progress across the UAE today. It’s what inspires new inventions, advances in science, and creative solutions to real-world challenges. By encouraging children to be curious, we are helping them follow in the footsteps of those who have shaped the UAE’s future.
Here’s how parents can launch Term 1 with curiosity at home:
By weaving See–Think–Wonder and See–Wonder–Connect into everyday life and reflection, you’re helping your child think curiously and metacognitively. Bridging the gap between being curious in school and at home helps nurture our students’ curiosity and encourages them to develop a lifelong habit of thinking, questioning, and exploring the world around them.
For more suggestions on how to embed Thinking Routines into everyday conversations at home, check-out our article: Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Opportunities.
For more information on BIS Abu Dhabi's role in Nord Anglia Education's Metacognition project, which aims to enhance student learning and critical thinking, read our article BIS Abu Dhabi at the Forefront of Cutting-Edge Metacognition Research.
Aaron Regan
Year 5 Teacher, Curriculum Leader and Metacognition Lead
As a proud member of the Nord Anglia family, The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of cutting-edge research. As one of the select pilot schools, we are benefitting from innovative studies like the recent Forbes-featured Metacognition project, which aims to enhance student learning and critical thinking.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, curiosity isn’t bound to the classroom, it’s a mindset we nurture year-round. With Curious as our Term 3 ambition, we’re excited to carry this focus into Term 1 next year. Curiosity sparks exploration, strengthens connections, and drives metacognitive awareness; helping children understand how they think when they are curious.
Discover simple thinking routines and summer activities that help children stay curious, reflect on their thinking, and start the new term inspired.
Our commitment to personalised learning doesn’t stop with our students, it extends to our teachers too. Just as we strive to nurture each child’s learning journey by recognising individual needs and strengths, we believe the same philosophy should guide how we support the professional growth of our staff.
This article explores how professional development, collaboration, and a culture of support drive excellence in teaching at BIS Abu Dhabi.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, inclusion isn’t a separate initiative, it’s the foundation of everything we do. From the moment a student joins us, they are welcomed into a caring, respectful, and inclusive environment, guided by the values of Kindness, Honesty, and Respect. Discover how this ethos shapes every classroom, corridor, and connection in our school community in this blog.
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