Every child deserves an exceptional learning experience every day. At The British International School Abu Dhabi, we bring this to life through The BISAD Way, our shared handbook for teaching and learning that unites the approaches, routines and expectations that help children thrive.
Developed through educational research, professional collaboration and reflection on our own practice, The BISAD Way provides a common language and framework for learning across the school. It outlines what great teaching and learning look like at BIS Abu Dhabi, while recognising that every teacher brings their own personality, expertise and creativity to the classroom.
The handbook includes guidance on classroom environments, learning routines, teaching approaches, and student participation. In practice, this means children experience clear learning intentions, consistent classroom expectations, opportunities to think deeply and discuss their ideas, regular checks for understanding, and supportive classroom environments where they feel safe to learn. While lessons may look different depending on the subject, age group or teacher, the principles that underpin them remain the same.
Consistency is particularly important in a school such as ours. In Primary, children spend much of their time with one class teacher, allowing routines and relationships to develop naturally throughout the day. As students move into Secondary and begin learning with multiple subject specialists, The BISAD Way provides continuity across lessons and departments. This helps students navigate increasing independence while maintaining a familiar and supportive learning experience.
The BISAD Way is not simply a document on a shelf. It is embedded into our professional learning, coaching, and quality assurance processes. Existing staff continually reflect on and refine their practice through collaboration and feedback, while new teachers are introduced to The BISAD Way through induction programmes, mentoring, and ongoing professional development. This ensures that all staff understand not only what our expectations are, but also why they matter for children's learning.
Like all aspects of education, The BISAD Way continues to evolve. We regularly review its impact through lesson visits, student voice, staff feedback, and educational research. This allows us to celebrate what is working well, identify areas for development and ensure that our approach remains current, relevant, and focused on continuous improvement.
Families are an important part of this journey. While The BISAD Way guides what happens in school, its impact is strengthened when children experience consistent messages about learning, effort, independence and communication both at school and at home. By working together, sharing aspirations, and supporting one another, we create a strong partnership that helps every child flourish.
At its heart, The BISAD Way is about creating the conditions for success. It provides a shared understanding of excellent teaching and learning, ensuring that every child benefits from consistency, high expectations and the opportunity to achieve their very best.
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