Why Personalised Learning Matters More Than Ever

Message from the Deputy Head of Secondary, Ms. Stephanie Watson

Around the world, education experts are calling for a curriculum that evolves with the needs of today’s learners. This year, organisations like UNESCO have emphasised that modern curricula must become more flexible, forward looking, and responsive to each individual learner. They describe curriculum as a “transformative and progressive force” that should adapt to the needs of students and prepare them for a rapidly changing future.

Today’s students are growing up in an environment shaped by rapid technological progress, new career pathways, and increasing global interconnectedness. To thrive, they need more than knowledge, they need the ability to think critically, adapt, collaborate, and understand themselves as learners.

UNESCO highlights that a truly effective curriculum must work hand‑in‑hand with strong teaching, meaningful assessment, and equitable access, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed. These ideas strongly resonate with us at BIS Abu Dhabi, because they reflect what lies at the heart of our approach:

We are committed to knowing every student as an individual.

A School That Knows Your Child

As Deputy Head of Secondary, one of my greatest passions, and one of our greatest strengths as a school, is the time we invest in truly knowing our students.

Not just their academic data.
Not just their timetable.
But their interests, motivations, learning preferences, and the small details that make them unique.

This deep understanding enables us to:

• tailor learning experiences
• anticipate challenges before they arise
• support each child’s wellbeing
• design pathways that help them thrive

It is this knowledge that allows personalised learning to be meaningful rather than mechanical. When we know who a student really is, we can shape learning in ways that build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

What Personalised Learning Looks Like at BIS Abu Dhabi

When we talk about personalised learning, it doesn’t mean students simply choosing what they study. Instead, it means creating learning experiences that:

• recognise each child’s strengths and areas for growth
• adapt to different learning styles, needs, and paces
• help students understand themselves as learners
• offer the right balance of challenge and support

These principles align directly with the global direction UNESCO is advocating for: a curriculum that adapts to the learner, not a learner forced to adapt to a rigid model. At BIS Abu Dhabi, this is not an aspiration, it is embedded in how we design teaching, assessment, and student support every day.

What This Means for Your Child’s Experience

As education systems worldwide shift toward more personalised, student‑centred approaches, BIS Abu Dhabi is already leading the way, rooted in strong relationships and high expectations.

When students understand how they learn best, they grow in independence, resilience, and confidence. These qualities support success in exams, but they also prepare young people for university, careers, and a world where adaptability is essential.

Most importantly, personalised learning ensures your child is not just “one of many.”
They are seen, supported, and guided as an individual.

How Parents Can Support Personalised Learning at Home

Personalised learning works best when school and home work together. Small, everyday habits make a meaningful difference.

You can support your child by:

1. Talking about learning, not just results
   Asking what challenged them, what helped them succeed, or what they discovered about themselves.
2. Encouraging independence
   Letting them try, experiment, make mistakes, and problem‑solve.
3. Helping them recognise their strengths
   Talking about what they enjoy and what strategies work well for them.
4. Staying connected with school
   Sharing insights with teachers so we can provide the most effective support.
5. Focusing on progress, not perfection
   Celebrating improvement, resilience, and effort over time.

Looking Ahead Together

As global organisations continue advocating for modern, flexible, and student‑centred curriculum models, we are proud that BIS Abu Dhabi is already aligned with this direction.

Our commitment is simple and enduring:

We believe every child deserves a personalised approach to their learning journey.

And we will continue to build a school where that belief shapes every classroom, every relationship, and every student experience.