STEM Unlocking Creativity and Innovation at BIS Abu Dhabi

Discover how BIS Abu Dhabi is empowering students to become independent, reflective learners through metacognitive strategies and innovative teaching practices, in collaboration with Harvard Project Zero and Nord Anglia Education.

What makes a school truly exceptional? It’s not just the curriculum or the facilities, it’s the connections. The ones that spark ideas, build trust, and stretch across continents. Connections between students who challenge and support each other. Connections between teachers and students built on trust and care. Connections among staff where collaboration and shared expertise create the best environment for every child to thrive. Read on to discover how these everyday moments of connection, locally and globally, shape a school culture where every learner is empowered to grow with confidence and purpose.

Finding the right school for your child is a big decision. Whether you’re new to Abu Dhabi, transitioning from another school, or simply looking for the best fit, we know it can feel overwhelming. At The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi, we’re here to make that journey as smooth and reassuring as possible. From your very first enquiry to your child’s first day (and beyond), we’ll be with you every step of the way. This article tackles the key concerns families face when transitioning to a new school, offering clear insights into our admissions process to ensure a smooth and informed journey.

This week has been a wonderful reminder of the importance of National Identity in our community, and why it is something to be celebrated. On Wednesday, I had the privilege of attending the Islamic and Social Studies Information Session with parents. It was inspiring to watch our UAE Student Ambassadors and Islamic Studies students present with pride about the value of their learning, and how these subjects extend far beyond the classroom. Through our curriculum, students not only learn about the history, culture, and values of the UAE, but also embrace the cherished opportunities to share this knowledge with others. From reading stories to younger children, to leading events that celebrate cultural understanding and the spirit of the Emirates, our students are living examples of how National Identity connects us all. Read on to see how these values, traditions, and celebrations are woven into everyday life at BIS Abu Dhabi.

BIS Abu Dhabi is proud of our long-standing success as a leading academic school in the capital. Our consistent high performance in IGCSE and IB examination is a testament to our ambition for our students. We are equally proud of the talent and passion that our teachers bring to every classroom moment. Education is a powerful force, and at our school, we strive to make every learning moment inspiring and impactful. As part of our strategy to help every student on a path to achieving their full potential, we’ve developed the BIS Abu Dhabi Revision Curriculum. We know that effective independent studying and learning is essential not only for academic success but also for lifelong learning. That’s why we teach students how to study effectively throughout their school journey. Read on to see how our Revision Curriculum and revision guide provide students with practical techniques to study effectively and prepare with confidence.

A new school year brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and a renewed commitment to empowering our students. One of our key priorities this year is developing metacognition, the ability for students to think about their own thinking. At BIS Abu Dhabi, our teaching community is deeply engaged with the Nord Anglia Metacognition Research Project. As part of this initiative, we are embedding thinking routines into everyday classroom practice. These routines not only strengthen academic learning, but also nurture our six learner ambitions: creativity, compassion, critical thinking, collaboration, commitment, and curiosity. Read on to discover how this approach is shaping teaching, learning, and our wider school community.

This summer, we watched our children experience something extraordinary. Not from the sidelines of a sports field or the back row of a school assembly, but from across the world, in the halls of a 100-year-old palace, among more than 30 teams from across Europe. They travelled to Iași, Romania, to represent BIS Abu Dhabi at the 3rd International School Chess Festival 2025. When they returned home, they came back not just as players, but as global citizens: wiser, stronger, and deeply transformed by the experience. Read on to discover how this journey shaped their resilience, teamwork, and perspective, both on and beyond the chessboard.

When we pause to reflect, it becomes clear that so much of life comes down to the connections we make. The friendships that carry us through tough times, the mentors who inspire us, the family who cheer us on; these relationships are what give life meaning. School is no different. Yes, we focus on academics, but what really shapes our students are the connections they build here: with each other, with staff, and with you as parents. Read on to discover how connections shape every part of life in the Senior School at BIS Abu Dhabi.

LAMDA Acting Examinations are now part of our co-curricular offering, giving students the chance to build confidence, develop performance skills, and earn recognised qualifications that support their academic journey. These exams, run by the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, are respected worldwide and help students grow in communication, creativity and self-expression. In this article, we celebrate our students’ exceptional results, explain how the exams work, and show how LAMDA supports academic success, including earning UCAS points for university applications.

As the new school year gets underway, there is already much to celebrate at BIS Abu Dhabi. From record-breaking phonics results in Primary to the continued success of our students across GCSE, IB, and BTEC programmes, these achievements underscore the impact of personalised learning from the very beginning. Read on to discover how we are laying strong foundations, starting with our Phonics Programme.