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At The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi, we are committed to developing creativity, curiosity, compassion, collaboration, commitment, and critical thinking- also known as the Nord Anglia Education’s ‘6 Cs or ‘key learner ambitions’- in our students. As a pilot school in Nord Anglia Education’s Metacognition Research Project, we are exploring how metacognitive practices can strengthen these essential qualities. To truly develop these learner ambitions, children must first learn to think in these ways. These qualities are embedded in our Star of the Week rewards and shape the way we support children’s learning, helping them grow both academically and personally. This follow-up article delves deeper into three of the 6Cs – curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion – offering practical ways for parents to nurture these transformative skills at home.

Right from an early age, parents often imagine great futures for their children, built around their interests and talents. The journey to adulthood, though, is anything but straightforward. While we all aspire to see our children succeed in fulfilling careers, the reality is nuanced, requiring a holistic approach to education and career preparation. This guide offers advice on how parents can empower their children to explore diverse interests, make informed educational choices, and develop essential skills for future success.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right."   - Henry Ford Belief is a powerful force. As educators, we see daily how a student’s confidence - whether strong or fragile - shapes their learning journey. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or on stage, students thrive when they believe in their ability to succeed. As a Drama teacher, I often see this in action - students stepping outside their comfort zones, taking risks, and growing in confidence. But this idea extends far beyond Drama; it is fundamental to education as a whole.

Inspired by the latest Nord Anglia INSIGHTS article exploring why the Early Years are the most important years of a child’s education, we know that a child’s most significant learning happens during this time - in ways that are not always immediately visible.

Navigating the complex and exciting journey of making friends can be quite an adventure for many children, it can be a bit like discovering a new playground: it's a mixture of excitement, filled with the thrill of spontaneous encounters and learning on the go - but there can be the occasional scraped knee along the way where things don’t quite go as planned.   Have you ever noticed your child facing challenges in forming friendships at school and felt the urge to step in and assist?

We are delighted to share that BIS Abu Dhabi recently hosted the prestigious Abu Dhabi Teaching Conference, a vibrant and enriching event that brought together over 600 teachers and school leaders from across the region. This conference, organised by a passionate committee of educators, is designed to foster collaboration, promote regional talent, and provide a platform for sharing best practices in education.

At BIS Abu Dhabi, we have embraced the exciting potential of digital technology in the classroom, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Just recently, one of our students trialled an AI-powered learning platform that provided personalised feedback on their essay, helping them improve their writing skills in real time. This experience exemplifies how AI can tailor educational experiences to each individual’s needs, allowing for a more customised and engaging learning journey. By incorporating AI into our curriculum, we aim to support our students in becoming creative problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and confident digital citizens who are ready to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.

For the past decade, The British International School Abu Dhabi has actively participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), promoting personal growth, resilience, and community impact among our students. This year is particularly special as we celebrate our first cohort of Gold Award achievers. With the largest number of participants ever, the DofE International Award continues to be a vital part of our mission to create world-class learning experiences, nurturing empathetic, resilient, and talented individuals.

Life is full of questions - some small and simple, others profound and life-shaping. At BIS Abu Dhabi, we believe asking the right questions is key to growth, discovery, and future success.  This term, our students have been reflecting on big questions:  - What do I want to do when I’m older?  - Where do I want to go to university?  - What GCSEs should I study to help me achieve my goals?  - Should I pursue a BTEC pathway or the IB Diploma Programme in Senior School?  These are not easy questions, but it’s not about having all the answers now - it’s about being brave enough to ask them.

As a proud member of the Nord Anglia family, The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of cutting-edge research. As one of the select pilot schools, we are benefitting from innovative studies like the recent Forbes-featured Metacognition project, which aims to enhance student learning and critical thinking.

In my experience, Term 2 is always a productive part of the year. By this point, relationships between adults, teachers, and students are well-established, routines and expectations are firmly in place, and the children have settled into their classes.

At the British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi), the early years mark the beginning of a magical journey where children thrive in a safe, happy, and child-centered environment. Led by passionate educators, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) nurtures purposeful, lifelong learners through engaging, play-based learning experiences.

From December 11th to December 16th, 2024, 16 male students from Years 8 and 9 took part in a life-changing journey to Mecca and Medina during our school's first Umrah trip. The programme, organised by the Islamic Department and overseen by Dr. Abdul Rahim Al-Amad and Professor Ahmed Arafa, offered students a special chance to connect their classroom lessons with real-world experiences while deepening their spiritual understanding.

I want to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year! It has been truly wonderful to see everyone return after the winter break. The students have come back with smiles, delighted to reconnect with friends after their time away. We also have many new starters this term, and I am sure you will join me in extending a very warm welcome to all our new families and staff.

We are delighted to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of our students in academics, showcasing their dedication, talent, and passion for learning.

As exams approach, students often feel the pressure of increased academic demands. Developing effective time management skills can help ease these pressures. Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and allow for steady progress.

In this final newsletter of the term, I find myself reflecting on the many events, changes, improvements, challenges, and next steps. This term has been incredibly eventful. The past few weeks have been busy at our school, filled with opportunities and celebrations of our children’s growth and successes.

As we approach the end of Term 1, the upcoming winter break presents a valuable opportunity for students to strike a healthy balance between preparation and relaxation. While some time over the holidays can be devoted to revision and study, it’s equally important to step away from the day-to-day routines of school life to rest and recharge.

Often, as an educator, you experience immense joy in helping shape a child's future. This week has certainly brought many moments of joy! The overarching theme within the school has been celebrating the UAE, and I’ve had the privilege of working across both Primary and Secondary classes, offering me a unique window into various areas of school life.

We’re thrilled to announce that Nord Anglia Education is continuing its partnership with UNICEF for another three years! Since 2017, this unique collaboration has provided incredible opportunities for our students to engage in meaningful social impact initiatives that raise awareness of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), helping foster empathy, social advocacy, and global citizenship in all our classrooms.