A key aspect of schools today is a focus on supporting the overall development of every single student. This includes personal and social development in addition to academic development and can provide a wider range of opportunities than ever before.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, there are specific structures set up: our Service programme, the House system, various school trips, CCAs and Moral Education just to name a few. All these areas combine to help students benefit from a range of new experiences and also understand the role they can play in working with others and in making a difference to our local and global community.
I wanted to mention Service particularly in this article and specifically touch on the inspiring story of Greta Thunberg.
Just over a year ago, Greta wanted to do something to raise the issue of climate change and to influence others to work together to look after our planet. Originally it was just Greta who sat outside the Swedish parliament with a sign, yet in the last few weeks we have seen millions of people of all ages who are joining in to help raise awareness of this global issue.
Greta Thunberg is an exceptional case, but it does underline something that is very relevant for BIS Abu Dhabi students today. We believe that all our students can grow up to be positive members of society, and furthermore, we believe that making a difference to others does not have to wait until you are an adult. We create opportunities for all students to get involved with Service in one form or another - we know that this not only helps other people, it also makes a truly positive difference to each individual student too.
Patrick Horne, Principal
The British International School Abu Dhabi
