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Message from the Assistant Head of Primary, Mrs. Jane Burt
At The British International School Abu Dhabi, we believe that education is not simply about preparing students for the next exam or the next phase of schooling. It is about preparing them for a future that is complex, fast changing and full of possibility. Achieving this requires more than strong curricula and high expectations; it requires a culture where learning is understood, reflected upon, and continuously developed. For us, coaching sits at the heart of this journey.
Our commitment to a coaching culture begins with our staff. We recognise that students’ classroom experiences are shaped by the thinking, habits and professional learning of the adults who work with them every day. If we want students to become reflective, self-aware and confident learners, we must first create the conditions for our staff to develop in the same way.
Over time, we are building a shared coaching approach across the school. This is not a quick fix or a one-off initiative but a gradual and intentional process. Through training, practice, and structured coaching conversations, staff are being supported to reflect deeply on their practice, explore the impact of their decisions and identify purposeful next steps.
Crucially, coaching at BIS Abu Dhabi is developmental rather than evaluative. Rooted in trust and professional dialogue, itprovides space for thinking, problem solving and growth, enabling staff to feel confident to take considered risks and continually refine their practice.
As coaching becomes more embedded, it is beginning to shape how we work together. A coaching culture values curiosity over judgement and reflection over quick solutions. It encourages meaningful professional conversations and shared responsibility for improvement.
This approach is already influencing how teachers plan, teach, and connect. Coaching conversations support more deliberate thinking about learners, classroom strategies and the impact of teaching, strengthening consistency, alignment, and professional confidence across the school.
Importantly, this phase of our journey is about depth rather than speed. We are investing in getting coaching that is authentic and sustainable, rather than a surface level approach.
Our long-term vision is clear. As coaching becomes embedded in adult practice, it will increasingly shape students’ learning experiences. The language, behaviours, and mindsets developed through coaching naturally filter into classrooms and daily interactions.
When students experience teachers who model reflective thinking, purposeful questioning and openness to learning, they begin to develop these habits themselves. Classrooms become spaces where students articulate their thinking, set goals, reflect on progress, and take ownership of their learning. This enriches learning without adding complexity, making it more intentional, connected and meaningful. As coaching deepens across our staff community, students increasingly benefit from learning environments that support both academic understanding and personal growth.
The world beyond school demands learners who are adaptable, reflective and resilient. Coaching supports these qualities by helping learners understand how they learn and respond to challenge.
As our coaching journey progresses, students will be supported to develop metacognition, the ability to think about their own thinking. This enables them to recognise effective strategies and respond constructively to challenge. As a result, they approach new learning with greater confidence and skills, preparing them for both academic success and life beyond school.
Our coaching journey at BIS Abu Dhabi is ongoing. By starting with our staff and building shared understanding and confidence, coaching continues to shape teaching, learning, and relationships across the school.
In doing so, we are laying foundations for future-ready learners who understand themselves, engage deeply with knowledge, and approach the world with confidence and curiosity.