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Every student has something that excites them, a curiosity or talent that makes them light up. When schools give students the time, encouragement and expert guidance they need, those interests can grow into something truly meaningful.
For BIS Abu Dhabi graduate Karolina, Class of 2024, school was a place where creativity felt valued and supported every day. What began with a love for theatre on the school stage gradually developed into a clear sense of direction.
Karolina is now studying Film Production at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU), one of Europe’s most respected film schools, while also working on a Czech TV show. Her journey shows how, with the right environment, a student’s passion can naturally evolve into a future pathway.
When Karolina joined BIS Abu Dhabi, she experienced something new: the ability to truly focus.
“For the first time in my life, I could fully dedicate myself to my studies without juggling acting, filming, or gymnastics. That freedom gave me the space to grow both academically and creatively,” she reflected.
This sense of balance is a deliberate part of life at BIS Abu Dhabi. We believe students thrive when they are given both guidance and flexibility. Time to explore who they are, what they care about, and where their strengths lie. In an environment that values wellbeing as much as achievement, students are encouraged to develop confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.
For Karolina, this approach allowed her to feel safe enough to explore new ideas, express herself creatively, and discover where her true passion lies.
Karolina’s passion for the arts quickly found a home at BIS Abu Dhabi. Through school productions and performing arts opportunities, she was able to explore creativity in meaningful and increasingly challenging ways.
In Year 12, she joined the theatre ensemble, focusing on the dance elements of the musical. She was also given the opportunity to choreograph several pieces. Experiences that allowed her to take ownership of her ideas and express herself creatively.
By Year 13, Karolina stepped into the role of stage manager, a position that completely shifted her perspective. Working behind the scenes gave her a deeper understanding of how productions come together and introduced her to leadership, collaboration and storytelling beyond performance.
That moment proved pivotal. It was here that Karolina discovered a growing interest in production. An interest that would later shape her academic and professional future.
A key part of Karolina’s journey at BIS Abu Dhabi was the school’s partnership with The Juilliard School, delivered through Nord Anglia Education’s global performing arts programme. This collaboration gives students access to a Juilliard-designed curriculum in music, dance, and drama, supported by the Juilliard Creative Classroom digital platform.
Teachers receive professional development from Juilliard specialists, who visit schools, co-lead workshops, and help students explore their creativity to the fullest. Students can also participate in Summer Performing Arts programmes with Juilliard, immersive experiences that bring world-class training to life.
For Karolina, these opportunities were transformative. “The performing arts experiences, especially the Juilliard collaboration, played a significant role in my journey,” she said. “They helped me see the arts not just as a hobby, but as a genuine pathway for my future.”
The skills she developed through Drama and Juilliard-inspired learning, from collaboration to creative thinking, continue to support her today, both on set and behind the scenes in film production.
Opportunities matter, but it is teachers who bring them to life.
Karolina speaks warmly about the educators who supported her throughout her time at BIS Abu Dhabi. Her theatre teacher, Miss O’Connor, played a particularly important role.
“She believed in me, encouraged me, and created a space where I could take risks and grow creatively,” Karolina said.
She also highlights the impact of her maths teacher, Miss Fadhillah, whose patience and individual approach helped Karolina feel supported, even in a subject she found challenging.
“My mind isn’t really built for mathematical principles, but she always made me feel supported and capable.” She added.
This personalised and caring approach is at the very heart of BIS Abu Dhabi. Our teachers take the time to understand each student, recognise their strengths, and support them in believing in their own potential.
After graduating from BIS Abu Dhabi, Karolina chose to take a gap year to reflect on her next steps. While FAMU had always been in the back of her mind, it felt almost unreachable. With only around 15 students accepted each year, competition is intense.
Rather than stepping away from her ambitions, Karolina stayed open to opportunity. During her gap year, she applied for an intensive Production Team Studies course at FAMU International, was accepted, and used the experience to build confidence and clarity.
That confidence led her to apply for the main Czech FAMU programme, and this time, she was successful.
Today, Karolina is in her first year of a Bachelor’s degree in Film Production, while continuing her acting career as part of the longest-running television show in the Czech Republic.
Her proudest moment? Being accepted to FAMU.
“After doubting whether I would be good enough, getting accepted showed me that taking risks and believing in myself can truly pay off.” Karolina said.
Karolina’s journey reflects what BIS Abu Dhabi strives to offer every student: strong teaching, meaningful opportunities, and a global outlook.
Through collaborations with Juilliard, MIT, UNICEF, and IMG Academy, our students gain experiences that go far beyond the classroom. They develop skills and knowledge across the arts, sciences, innovation, sport, and social impact, preparing them for a wide range of future pathways.
Most importantly, students leave with confidence in their abilities, their ideas, and their potential.
Karolina’s story is not just one of success.
It is a story of growth, courage, and discovery, a powerful reminder of what can happen when a school nurtures creativity and gives students the time, space, and opportunities they need to thrive.