Bandzania rocked the Auditorium in support of Tanzania!
Our Gold Duke of Edinburgh students had an amazing adventure in Borneo
Term 3 2025/2026
We bid farewell to our Year 13s in a memorable Graduation
We celebrated Arabic Language Week through insightful presentations, workshops and music
Term 3 has been a remarkable conclusion to the academic year, defined by resilience and a strong sense of connection. While periods of remote learning required us to adapt quickly, I have been incredibly proud of how our students, staff, and families came together. From engaging experiences such as Year 4s Ancient Egypt Day and our community initiative to stay active by going Around the World in 30 Days, to the consistency of high-quality teaching online, our community demonstrated creativity and determination throughout. These moments have reinforced the strength of our partnerships and the importance of learning together, wherever we are.
Alongside this, the term has been rich in opportunities to celebrate talent and achievement across the school, such as the World Scholar’s Cup, Senior School Showcase, Quran Competition, Primary Summer Concert, Secondary Visual Art Showcase, and BISAD's Got Talent. We were also proud to mark key milestones, including our Year 13 Celebration and Graduation, recognising the journey and accomplishments of our graduating students.
Another highlight was our U16 Boys Basketball team, crowned Jr. NBA U16 champions across Abu Dhabi, a fantastic achievement reflecting both dedication and teamwork. In Primary, Transition Days supported students in preparing confidently for their next steps, while events such as Celebrating Men in Our Lives and the Parent Community Group–led ancillary staff appreciation initiative reflected the values of kindness, respect, and gratitude that define our school community.
As we bring the year to a close, my thanks go to our students, families, and staff for their continued support, adaptability, and commitment. Together, we have strengthened an already connected community where every learner is supported to thrive, and I look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.
Alan Cocker Principal
EYFS
Celebrating
Mental
Arabic Language
Teach a Martian Challenge
World Scholars Cup, Dubai
Student-led CADathon
Secondary Awards Ceremony
Gold DofE in Borneo
EYFS Men in Our Lives
Ancillary Staff Appreciation
Bandzania 2026
Primary Summer Concert
Secondary Visual Arts Exhibition
BISAD’s
Jr.NBA
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 especially important in our school, as we teach students from Nursery right through to Year 13. 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.
Student-led projects are making a real difference across the school, driven by passion, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose.
This month, five Year 11 and Year 13 students independently planned and delivered a CADathon in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University. From concept to execution, this initiative was entirely student-led. Students from Year 7 to Year 11 came together to solve design challenges, developing technical skills alongside collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving, while building a strong sense of purpose beyond the classroom.
At the same time, 26 of our Mental Health First Aid Ambassadors from Year 6 to Year 12 have completed Mental Health Warrior training with George Peterkin from Mind Your Health. These students are now equipped to recognise early signs of mental health challenges and provide informed, empathetic peer support, strengthening a culture of care across the school.
Through Project Happiness, student voice is driving school-wide change. Year 12 students have taken a research-led approach, using surveys and data to explore how learning environments, routines, and classroom conditions impact wellbeing, and how change can be implemented effectively.
Our Year 7 students are focusing on kindness and recognition, designing practical systems to celebrate positive behaviour and strengthen everyday school culture. Students are also leading through the EDIB Action Group, shaping conversations around belonging, inclusion, and respect while exploring how to strengthen positive behaviours and ensure fairness and transparency in school systems.
Across all of these projects, students are not only identifying areas for improvement but also shaping thoughtful and practical approaches to change.
Student voice shaping learning
Student voice is also influencing teaching and learning across the school. Students have helped shape our Learner Ambitions and the BISAD Diploma, contributing to how we define meaningful learning across both Primary and Secondary. They continue to share what helps them learn best, from lesson structure and feedback to engagement and learning environment, helping to refine and strengthen classroom practice.
A whole-school approach
This work is supported by a strong partnership with parents through the co-created Digital Charter, promoting safe and balanced use of technology at home and school. This is underpinned by strengthened safeguarding systems that support student wellbeing and online safety.
Together, this ensures a consistent and supportive environment where wellbeing is prioritised across the whole community.
When students lead, wellbeing improves for everyone. They develop confidence, empathy, and responsibility, while creating solutions that are authentic and meaningful.
Most importantly, they see themselves as active contributors to positive change.
Working together
Parents play a key role in supporting this by encouraging independence, keeping conversations about wellbeing open, listening to student ideas, promoting healthy digital habits, and recognising positive actions.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, it is inspiring to see students taking ownership of meaningful change. By continuing to listen to and learn from them, we are building a community where every child feels they belong and every learner can thrive.
After seven weeks of distance learning, it was a wonderful day when we could finally welcome our students back into the school through a staggered return.
As part of our commitment to keeping everyone safe, students and staff took part in daily Shelter-in-Place drills. These were carried out in a calm, reassuring way, helping children understand what to do in an age-appropriate manner.
It was especially heartwarming to see students reconnecting with friends and teachers, strengthening relationships and rebuilding confidence as they returned to school life.
During home learning, Year 4 stepped back in time for a fantastic Ancient Egypt Day. Students dressed up as pharaohs and workers, bringing history to life from home. Despite learning online, the effort across the year group was outstanding.
Throughout the day, they explored what life would have been like in each role, completing a range of creative and reflective activities. Students used resources from home to act out their experiences, captured their learning through photos, and recorded their ideas using written reflections. Alongside this, they researched Ancient Egyptian gods, wrote messages using hieroglyphics and even challenged themselves with mathematical calculations using the ancient number system.
It was wonderful to see such creativity, enthusiasm and pride in their work. Year 4 fully embraced the experience, providing a brilliant example of how engaging and meaningful learning can be, even in a virtual setting.
This year, we started a programme to help introduce 2–4 year olds to our school and share knowledge with their parents on how best to prepare them for starting big school.
Designed by our Early Years specialists, it combines guided play sessions with informative parent workshops, helping children grow in confidence while giving families practical strategies to support learning and wellbeing at home. The programme has created a warm, supportive introduction to school life for both children and parents, and we look forward to offering more of these sessions next year.
FS2 had a wonderfully creative time during home learning, inspired by The Poddington Peas as part of their Drawing Club activities!
Through this much-loved children’s story, students explored characters and storytelling in a fun and imaginative way.
To bring their learning to life, they were invited to dress up as their own pea characters, and we absolutely loved seeing their creativity shine through in such colourful and playful ways!
Our Year 2 students launched their Olympics topic of learning with an exciting theme day. They came together for a whole-year online assembly, where they learned the Olympic Oath and brought great energy to the Waka Waka dance. Throughout the day, students took part in engaging STEAM activities, designing mascots, creating medals, and completing fun maths challenges. A highlight was a special challenge from Olympic gymnast Joe Fraser, inspiring our young learners to think, move and dream like true Olympians!
Towards the end of Term 3, groups of Year 7 and Year 8 English students took part in The Next Big Thing: Global Franchise Challenge, an immersive project inspired by the creative industries. Working collaboratively in 'production studios', students developed their own original entertainment franchises, creating characters, stories, worlds, branding and marketing campaigns before showcasing their ideas at a Comic-Con-inspired Global Franchise Expo.
The Expo gave students the opportunity to present their work through display boards and live pitches to visiting "Franchise Scouts", developing creativity, collaboration and confident communication.
It was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the academic year and a reminder of what can happen when students are given the freedom to be creative.
Our school community came together to celebrate World Book Day with creativity, imagination and a shared love of reading. Across Primary, students dressed up as their favourite book characters and took part in a range of fun, book-inspired activities alongside their lessons. It was wonderful to see stories come to life throughout the school.
Families also joined in by sharing photos and videos of special reading moments at home on social media in the lead up to the day. Thank you to our students and families for helping make World Book Day such a joyful celebration of reading at BIS Abu Dhabi.
At the start of this term, our Year 3 students launched into their Explorers topic. From discovering Abu Dhabi, the UAE and beyond to dressing up and taking on fun challenges, the children embraced every moment of their learning adventure.
Thanks to our teachers’ careful planning, the students also enjoyed an engaging virtual tour, helping them connect with the wider world and see learning beyond the classroom. Whether online or in school, nothing stops their curiosity!
Our wonderful Year 2 students hosted a plant market in support of Emirates Red Crescent, combining creativity, compassion and real-world learning.
From flower watercolour paintings and seed packets to lavender bags, mini bouquet cards and handpainted flowerpots, our young entrepreneurs worked hard to create a range of beautiful handmade items. They also put their Maths skills into practice by handling money and calculating totals, bringing learning to life in a meaningful way.
Year 2 parents enjoyed supporting the event and went home with beautiful creations. Together, Year 2 raised AED 3,944.25 for Emirates Red Crescent, a fantastic achievement for this worthy cause!
During one of their lessons, our Year 4 students brought science to life by modelling the human digestive system using everyday materials. Through this hands-on investigation, they explored how food is broken down and travels through the body, using scientific vocabulary to explain each stage of the process.
It was fantastic to see their curiosity, collaboration and confidence grow as they worked together to turn a complex concept into something they could see, touch and understand.
Our Year 6 students took part in more Transition lessons, this term, giving them the opportunity to experience life in Secondary school first-hand. They explored a range of subjects, like Maths, Art, Geography, Drama, and Computer Science, to gain a feel for the structure of the school day.
Students responded enthusiastically, enjoying the chance to try new subjects, meet teachers, and build confidence in navigating a new environment. Experiences like this help ensure that students feel familiar, excited, and wellprepared as they look ahead to starting Secondary school in September.
Our Year 12 and Year 13 BTEC Business students showcased their creativity and practical skills through the Visual Merchandising component of their course, designing and running their own stalls at a vibrant exhibition.
They expertly applied industry-standard techniques, including strategic product placement, seasonal themes, and captivating lighting to create visually striking displays. The use of music and props added an immersive experience, highlighting their strong understanding of key visual merchandising principles. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, innovation, and professionalism!
Our Year 13 students came together in April for a wonderful High Tea at the Marriott Al Forsan to celebrate the end of their school journey.
It was a lovely opportunity for students to catch up, enjoy speeches and take their formal graduation photos. A big thank you to our Parent Community Group for their contribution to the High Tea.
It was a significant year for our Year 13 students, shaping them both personally and academically. The event offered a meaningful moment to reflect on their time at BIS Abu Dhabi. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them as they prepare to make their mark on the world.
The BIS Abu Dhabi community came together on 21st May to celebrate the Class of 2026. Surrounded by family, friends, and teachers, our graduates marked the end of their school journey and the beginning of exciting new chapters.
Throughout the evening, the sense of pride and accomplishment was clear as students from both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma were recognised for their hard work and commitment. Each student’s journey has been unique, shaped by perseverance, growth, and meaningful experiences along the way.
In her opening address, Head of Senior School Ms. Sara McNab spoke about the unique character of this cohort and the way they navigated the challenges of their final year. That message was echoed powerfully later in the ceremony, as both graduate speaker Alexander Guirguis and Principal Mr. Alan Cocker reflected on a year that brought unexpected disruption and change.
Their words highlighted how the year group responded with maturity, unity, and resilience, supporting one another and rising to meet challenges with strength and positivity.
Among the graduates were 13 students who had been with the school since their earliest days in Nursery, FS2, or Year 1. Affectionately known as the ‘BISAD Babies’, their journey is a testament to the deep connections and sense of belonging that define our school community.
After the ceremony, celebrations continued at The Hub and the Secondary Canteen, where graduates, families, and staff came together in a warm and celebratory atmosphere to share memories, take photographs and enjoy time together.
The Class of 2026 leaves behind a legacy of resilience and togetherness. We are incredibly proud of all they accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the years ahead.
Our school proudly participated in an external Qur’an Competition in collaboration with NAS Abu Dhabi, with 40 students from both Primary and Secondary taking part. The event gave students the opportunity to showcase their Qur’an recitation and memorisation skills while gaining experience in a wider competitive setting.
It also encouraged students to step beyond their comfort zones and grow in confidence, while representing the school with pride. Their commitment throughout their Qur’anic learning journey was clear throughout the competition.
We are especially proud of our students for their outstanding achievements, securing top positions across different levels. Their success reflects their hard work and dedication to the Holy Qur’an.
Congratulations to all participants for their efforts and for representing the school so positively. Experiences like this continue to inspire our students and strengthen their connection with the Qur’an and its values.
Towards the end of the term, our FS1 to Year 5 students enjoyed two wonderful ‘Get to Know You’ Transition Mornings, taking their first exciting steps towards the new academic year.
From meeting their new teachers and exploring their new learning spaces to taking part in fun activities, the mornings were all about helping every student feel confident, comfortable and ready for the year ahead.
We were also delighted to welcome our new starters and their families to the BIS Abu Dhabi community. There were plenty of smiles, lots of excitement and a real sense of anticipation for what’s to come.
Our Year 11 students came together to celebrate their last day, sharing hugs, laughter, and special memories. From signing each other’s shirts to catching up and reflecting on their journey, it was a heartfelt celebration of their time together.
While this marks the end of their GCSE journey, we're delighted that many will continue their learning journey with us, moving on to our IB or BTEC pathways. We look forward to seeing them grow and thrive in the years ahead!
We were delighted to welcome many parents to our recent Parent Forum, focused on shaping the BIS Abu Dhabi Digital Charter. During the session, parents explored key themes that will form the foundation of the charter, discussed expectations around healthy and balanced technology use, and shared their perspectives on what matters most for children growing up in an increasingly digital world.
This is an important initiative for both our families and staff, designed to bring our community together to agree on shared principles for the safe, responsible, and purposeful use of technology. We’re extremely grateful for their valuable insights and look forward to continuing this collaborative journey as we develop the Digital Charter together.
To celebrate the end of a magical term, Year 1 enjoyed a wonderful Fairytale Ball! In preparation, the children created their own crowns and personalised placemats ready for the grand banquet. Dressed in their finest fairytale outfits, they proudly paraded through the Main Hall to cheers and applause from the rest of Year 1. The celebrations continued with a special banquet, where the children enjoyed music, delicious food and time with their friends. They ended the day with a lively game of bingo and danced the afternoon away. It was a truly enchanting experience for all!
We were delighted to celebrate the incredible Term 3 achievements of our Primary students with exceptional BISAD Diploma submissions and winners of the BISAD Values & Attitude to Learning Award. They all received a Golden Ticket to enjoy Breakfast with the Principal and Head of Primary, this term, in the EcoEdventure Area. They were treated to a yummy fruit platter, and a special organic, sugar-free chocolate cake. They also chose a prize, and had a lovely chat with Mr. Cocker and Mr. Dibdin, who congratulated each of them on their achievements.
Our youngest learners ended the term on a high with Splash Day celebrations across Nursery, FS2, and Year 1. From paddling pools and water squirters to buckets of splashing fun, it was a joyful way to cool off on a hot summer's day. There was plenty of laughter (and a few soaked teachers!), making it a brilliant way to round off the term and create special memories.
VIRTUAL YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
WINNERS: INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE Yichen, Year 7 & Peichen, Year 5
SCORED 95/100 IN INTL. MUSIC COMPETITION
Isabel, Year 7
VIRTUAL YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
RUNNERS UP: VOICE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
KS2 Choir, Voices of BIS Abu Dhabi
PUBLISHED IN THE INTL. JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH (IJSR) Tanvi, Year 12
BSME MATHS U11 CHAMPIONS
Augustin, Alex, Makary, Tommy, Year 6
GOLD CERTIFICATE WINNERS IN THE UKMT MATHS COMPETITION
Years 6 - 8
WON THE BRONZE MEDAL AT THE GLOBAL DANCE OPEN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION IN BALLET
Chanelle, Year 6
Congratulations to our 26 BIS Abu Dhabi Mental Health First Aid Ambassadors from Years 6–12, who have successfully completed their Mental Health Warrior training with Mind Your Health. Throughout the programme, students showed exceptional enthusiasm, maturity and commitment while developing a deeper understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
By earning their Mental Health Warrior certification, they are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to help promote positive wellbeing and support those around them. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and the positive impact they will make within our school community.
In recognition of World No Tobacco Day (31 May) and as part of the wider Smoke-Free Abu Dhabi Campaign, our Student Mental Health Ambassadors led assemblies and classroom presentations focused on the risks of vaping and smoking.
Through interactive discussions, the ambassadors encouraged students to explore the harmful effects of vaping and smoking, including the impact of second-hand and third-hand smoke, and highlighted where support is available.
By taking ownership of this important health campaign, the ambassadors demonstrated the power of peer education, using their voices to promote healthier choices and contribute to a smoke-free future for Abu Dhabi.
In May, our students enjoyed a wonderful range of activities celebrating the beauty of the Arabic language and culture during Arabic Language Week!
From engaging speeches and speaking activities to colouring, face painting, interactive stations, music, songs, bookmark making, story reading, and fun games, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Well done to all our students and staff for making Arabic Language Week so memorable!
On the lead up to Eid Al Adha, our Islamic Department inspired students across the school through meaningful learning experiences rooted in Islamic values.
Our Year 2 students explored kindness towards animals in Islam during a visit to our Eco Edventure Area, where they met our bunny and learned how to care for animals with compassion and respect. Our older Islamic Studies students took part in inspiring lectures about Hajj, deepening their understanding of the spiritual, social, and personal meanings behind its rituals.
These experiences encouraged students to reflect on values such as compassion, responsibility, unity, and gratitude, both in their faith and in their everyday lives.
This term, some of our Year 3–6 students took part in the Kidzink Design Challenge, designing a learning space for future settlers on Mars. Working collaboratively, they explored life on the Red Planet and developed innovative solutions.
We were delighted when one team, Naaif (Year 5), Ibaad (Year 4), Amaar (Year 5) and Safeeyah (Year 3), was named a competition winner, earning a visit to the Enova Future Engineers Experience
During the visit, students took part in an interactive workshop, explored the Hubgrade smart monitoring centre, and even spoke with the CEO. Reflecting on the experience, Safeeyah (Year 3) shared, "my favourite part of the day was we got to question the CEO boss of Enova, and I loved hearing all the answers!"
We are incredibly proud of their creativity, teamwork and curiosity, and of all our students who took on this challenge.
This term, the Year 12 Senior School Showcase was a wonderful celebration of student learning across both the IB Diploma Programme and BTEC pathways. Students proudly shared their TOK Exhibitions, Extended Essays, CAS experiences, and vocational coursework, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and personal growth they have developed throughout their Senior School journey.
The event welcomed Year 10–11 students and parents, providing valuable insight into the curriculum and opportunities available in Senior School. Attendees engaged with student exhibits and gained a deeper understanding of the academic rigour, creativity, and diverse pathways that define the BIS Abu Dhabi Senior School experience.
In May, our 24 BIS Abu Dhabi Scholars took part in the World Scholar’s Cup Dubai Round 2026, where they competed across a range of disciplines including debate, team challenge, collaborative writing, and the Scholar’s Bowl. Over several days of competition, they demonstrated outstanding teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills, representing the school with enthusiasm and pride. Their hard work and dedication were recognised and celebrated during the closing ceremony, marking a rewarding end to the event.
A special congratulations went to Ahaan, Indraneel, and Ibrahim in Year 7, who achieved an impressive 4th place in the Team Challenge. Their collaborative effort and problem-solving skills stood out among a strong international field of participants.
The school was also incredibly proud that all BIS Abu Dhabi scholars qualified for the next stage of the competition, the Global Round. This achievement reflected the collective commitment and high standards demonstrated by the entire team throughout the event.
Year 8 students had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Hussain Khansaheb, Sustainability Champion at Dubai Holding and a marine engineer, who shared insights from his expedition to Antarctica. Fresh from his journey alongside renowned polar explorer Robert Swan, the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles, Dr. Khansaheb spoke about environmental stewardship, resilience, leadership and teamwork, while highlighting the importance of sustainable action in addressing global challenges.
Students then had the chance to engage directly with Dr. Khansaheb during a lively Q&A session. The presentation offered a powerful connection between classroom learning, real-world careers and global issues, inspiring students to consider how they can contribute to a more sustainable future and become responsible global citizens.
As part of the ADEK Frontliners Tribute Initiative, students across the school explored the vital role frontline workers play in our communities. Through a range of curriculumbased activities, they recognised the contributions of those who help keep society safe, healthy and connected.
In Primary, students brought their learning to life by dressing as soldiers, police officers, doctors, nurses and delivery drivers, while also taking part in creative drawing and writing activities inspired by frontline professions.
In Secondary, students produced thoughtful and imaginative responses that demonstrated their understanding of the impact frontline workers have on daily life in the UAE. We are proud of the meaningful way students engaged with the initiative and celebrated those who serve our communities.
Five students, Adithya in Year 11 and Shyaam, Maxwell, Saif and Liheng in Year 13, hosted a CADathon, a hackathon-style competition for Computer-Aided Design (CAD), giving more than 20 Secondary students the opportunity to showcase their extracurricular skills.
Participants worked in teams to create innovative and sustainable home products before pitching their ideas in a "Shark Tank"-style finale. Supported by school sponsorship, winners received Amazon vouchers and certificates. Following the event’s success, the student organisers are now collaborating with Abu Dhabi University to develop the CADathon into an inter-school competition.
Our Secondary Term 3 Awards Ceremony provided a wonderful opportunity to welcome a selection of students and parents to the Auditorium to celebrate the achievements, growth and dedication shown throughout the term. From academic excellence and leadership to resilience, service and positive contributions to school life, students were recognised for demonstrating the values that make our school community so special. We are incredibly proud of all our students and thank our families and staff for their continued support in helping them succeed.
Our Business Studies and Economics students were energised as CEO Nizar Odeimeh visited BIS Abu Dhabi to share his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. From leaving a secure corporate role to launching his own natural candy dates company, now a UAE success story with global ambitions, his story brought the realities of risk-taking, resilience, and innovation to life. It was a powerful reminder of what it truly takes to build a business from the ground up, and the perfect way to launch our new CEO Diaries series.
If you have your own entrepreneurial story and would like to inspire the next wave of young innovators, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch via QR code and help shape the future of our business and economics students!
At the end of Term 3, 28 of our Year 12 students travelled to Borneo, Malaysia to complete their final challenge for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Led by Mr. Givens, Ms. Burrows, Mr. Collinson, and the North Star team, students were immersed in a life-changing experience, trekking through the jungle and building resilience, teamwork, and independence along the way. They also took part in a community service project in Kampung Lutut, which included building a new shelter, creating a community garden, installing a drainage system to prevent flooding, and restoring the community volleyball court.
We are incredibly proud of this year’s Gold DofE cohort, who represented BIS Abu Dhabi with maturity, compassion, and a willingness to embrace every challenge.
The Parent Community Group organised another enjoyable Out & About event this term, bringing parents together for a morning of padel at Erth Hotel.
It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, enjoy some friendly competition, and spend quality time together. It was lovely to see everyone sharing conversations, staying active, and strengthening the sense of community that makes BIS Abu Dhabi so special.
This term, our Early Years Department was buzzing with joy as we opened our doors to celebrate the special men in our children’s lives. Laughter and love filled the classrooms as our little learners welcomed their dads and other important male figures into their world of play. Families enjoyed a range of activities together, including reading stories, creating masks, making medals and ties, and exploring with playdough.
A particularly heartwarming moment was watching a special video featuring our EYFS students sharing what they love most about their dads and the important male figures in their lives. From creative crafts to precious memories, the celebration was a wonderful reflection of connection, learning, and togetherness.
A heartfelt thank you to our parent community for your generosity and kindness in supporting Helper’s Appreciation Day. Thanks to you, the Parent Community Group was able to create a truly special celebration for the people who make our school such a welcoming and supportive place every day.
Our cleaners, catering, facilities, gardening, and security teams, along with our bus drivers and bus monitors, were recognised and celebrated for their dedication and hard work. It was a joy to come together as a community to share our thanks and present them with well-deserved gifts.
Moments like these reflect what makes BIS Abu Dhabi so special, a community built on kindness, respect and appreciation.
Thank you to the parents who joined us for our final Parent Coffee Morning of Term 3. During the session, our guest speaker, Ms. Mariya Latif, delivered an informative presentation on family law and wills for expatriates in Abu Dhabi, providing valuable insights and practical guidance for our parent community.
It was wonderful to come together one last time this academic year and celebrate the strong connections between parents and school.
This June, students at BIS Abu Dhabi had the chance to truly rock out at Bandzania 2026 – the school’s very own live rock concert.
Led by Year 12 students, as part of their CAS project (Creativity, Activity, Service), the event showcased how creativity and service can come together to make a meaningful impact. With massive support from younger band members, the concert returned for a second year bringing people together through music for a great cause. The collaboration across year groups highlighted the true spirit of CAS, with students taking the lead and working together to deliver something special for the school community.
Headlining the concerts were The Artificial Idiots –Michaelangelo, Alicia, Nicolo, Josh, Tukan, Serafina, Nikita, Sherya, and Kiril – delivering an electrifying performance. Supporting them was Transparency, featuring Avani, Diego, Mark, Maxime, Josh, and Ihar, who set the tone brilliantly and kept the crowd buzzing throughout both shows.
Alongside the music, the Year 10 Tanzania crew collected donations at the door, with all proceeds going towards our Nord Anglia Education charitable partner, Seeway, in Arusha, Tanzania. A huge thank you also goes to everyone who donated during form time, helping to make the event such a success. A special shout-out must go to 8G, who raised the most in one form!
With momentum already building, plans are underway for Bandzania 2027, and the goal is simple: make it even bigger and better. If your child would like to take part, be sure they sign up for the Rock Band CCA next year to join the journey.
On Monday 22nd June, our Primary Summer Concert brought together musical talent from across the school in a vibrant evening of performance. The concert featured our School Orchestral Ensemble, KS1 Choir, award-winning KS2 Choir, Ukulele CCA, Dance CCA, and a number of talented soloists, all sharing their hard work with families and the wider community.
This year’s concert was especially meaningful. With CCA buses not running and limited time for rehearsals, preparing was a real challenge, but our students rose to it with determination, enthusiasm and a real love for performing. We couldn’t be prouder of what they achieved.
Moments like these go beyond the performance, they help shape confidence and create lasting memories.
The Secondary Visual Arts Exhibition was a wonderful celebration of the dedication and talent of our students from Years 7 to 13.
The exhibition showcased an inspiring range of ideas, media, and techniques, with each piece reflecting the unique artistic voice and journey of its creator. As David Hockney once said, “I had to paint because the world is beautiful,” and our students captured that beauty through thoughtful and imaginative work.
We are especially proud of our IGCSE and IB Visual Arts students, whose work demonstrated strong technical skill, maturity, resilience, and creative risk-taking, reflecting months, and in some cases years of commitment.
Thank you to our Art Department, Mrs. Stewart and Ms. Barlow, for their ongoing passion in bringing this showcase to life.
Senior School students Lily, Eva and Emma brought their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project to life with Once Upon a Musical, a fantastic student-led musical showcase.
The performance featured a talented cast of 14 students from both Primary and Secondary, who came together to explore storytelling through music. Guided by narration, the showcase included wellknown songs from We Will Rock You, Wicked and Les Misérables, as well as a heartwarming performance of classics from Annie by our younger Primary students.
This wonderful production was a brilliant example of collaboration across year groups, with older students leading, supporting and inspiring younger performers. It highlighted the creativity, teamwork and spirit of mentorship that make our school community so special.
Our school came alive with talent and energy as we hosted this year’s Primary and Secondary BISAD’s Got Talent shows.
Primary students kicked things off with an exciting mix of gymnastics, instrumental performances and pop-inspired acts, followed by Secondary students who impressed with everything from vocal performances to instrumental and collaborative pieces. Every performer showed confidence and courage in stepping outside their comfort zone, supported by our fantastic student hosts. All participants were recognised with medals for their efforts.
In Primary, winners were chosen by the student audience: Jio (Year 4) took 1st place, Maisie, Elle and Camy (Year 6) 2nd, and Olivia (Year 5) 3rd.
In Secondary, winners were selected by a judging panel: Eloise (Year 10) placed 1st, Nikita (Year 12) 2nd, and Vera and Ye (Year 7) 3rd. Congratulations to all our performers, we are incredibly proud of every student who took part.
FOOTBALL CITYZENS
WORLD CUP WINNERS & TOP SCORER
Harrison, Year 7
THREE GOLD MEDALS AT UAE CYCLING FEDERATION YOUTH TALENT RIDE
Darcey, Year 11
AWARDED BEST GOALKEEPER AT THE UAE OPEN U14, AND SCOUTED BY AL WAHDA FC
Amer, Year 8
SELECTED IN THE EMIRATES FALCONS UAE RUGBY UNION TEAM
Lucas, Year 8
SILVER MEDAL AT INTERNATIONAL ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS COMPETITION
Gabrielle, Year 7
AWARDED THE ETIHAD PLAYER OF THE SEASON FOR THE MANCHESTER CITY U14 TEAM
Michael, Year 9
Kostas, Year 9
SELECTED FOR NATIONAL WRESTLING TEAM TO REPRESENT UAE
Alim, Year 8
ACCEPTED INTO RAFA NADAL TENNIS ACADEMY IN MALLORCA
Aiza, Year 10
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students who have been selected to represent the ADEK All Stars across a range of sports. Being chosen is a fantastic recognition of their hard work and talent, and we couldn’t be more pleased for each of them.
Through BIS Beyond, we recognise and celebrate the dedication and passion these students bring to their sport:
Basketball: Maria (Y11), Matteo (Y12), Uros (Y10), Amit (Y10)
Football: Emma (Y9), Seb (Y8)
Swimming: Jian (Y7)
Athletics: Ariq (Y8), Theyab (Y8)
Congratulations to every one of our ADEK All Stars. Your dedication and passion have earned you this well-deserved opportunity to compete alongside some of the best young athletes in the UAE. We are incredibly proud of you and wish you every success.
Congratulations to our BIS Abu Dhabi U16 boys’ team, proudly representing the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were crowned Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi Champions at NYU Abu Dhabi! It was an incredible tournament from start to finish, with the team showing composure and intensity in every game, consistently rising to every challenge along the way.
From dominant performances to crucial moments under pressure, this group played with determination throughout the competition. Their commitment to one another and their ability to deliver when it mattered most made all the difference. A well-deserved championship for a team that set the standard all tournament long!
This term, PE lessons across Team Falcon have been packed with energy and enthusiasm, with students showcasing fantastic effort and engagement in every session. From creative indoor activities such as dance, dodgeball, and balance challenges to more structured skill development, it has been wonderful to see students enjoying staying active while building confidence and teamwork.
Across the school, students have taken part in a diverse programme designed to develop both physical skills and strategic thinking. Our girls have made excellent progress in swimming, building water confidence while developing essential water safety and lifesaving skills. Meanwhile, the boys have focused on teamwork, tactics, and problem-solving through activities such as water polo and other engaging indoor challenges.
Students across different year groups have also honed a wide range of skills. Year 1 impressed with their growing confidence in gymnastics, particularly in rolling techniques, while Year 3 worked on their pass-and-move skills. Year 6 continued refining their table tennis abilities, and Year 8 strengthened their teamwork and communication through basketball. Other highlights included competitive Bench Ball lessons, as well as opportunities for girls to explore SNAG Golf and Cheerleading.
Overall, it has been fantastic to see such positive participation and sportsmanship throughout the term. We are incredibly proud of our students’ commitment and enthusiasm and look forward to even more exciting activities in the weeks ahead.
What made BIS Abu Dhabi special for you?
I joined BIS Abu Dhabi in Y12, having been educated in the French educational system until then, it represented my first experience in an English school environment. The international community at the school made the transition so seamless for me, and provided me with support to build my confidence in English. I was able to grow immensely both academically and personally in my two years at BIS Abu Dhabi, which provided me with skills that I continue to use in my studies today. I also made amazing friends, whom I still regularly talk to!
Which school club, activity, trip, or project inspired you the most?
During my time in BIS Abu Dhabi, I participated in the The Duke of Edinburgh International Award. This experience was great, as it was easily implementable within the IB CAS requirements, whilst being able to take part in the expeditions really improved my orientation skills and independence. I really valued the collaborative aspect of DofE, working towards a common goal whilst also giving back to the community.
What is the most important lesson you learned at BIS Abu Dhabi?
You should never underestimate yourself. The transition from the French to English system during the pandemic was challenging for me. However, the support I received from my teachers and peers allowed me to push myself to the best of my abilities and perform much better than I thought possible. I continue to carry this with me today, knowing that seeking help is an essential part of learning, and to not be the barrier to my own progress due to lack of confidence.
Which university and degree did you choose, and why?
After school, I pursued a degree in Neuroscience at University College Dublin in Ireland. I discovered a passion for neuroscience quite late into Y12, and I had not selected Biology as a subject. But luckily, UCD provided me with the opportunity to study Neuroscience without Biology. During my time at UCD I built a strong theoretical and practical foundation for neuroscience research. I also had the chance to go on exchange to McGill University for a year, which was an amazing experience.
How did the IBDP help your experience at university?
The IBDP was tremendous in helping me settle into university and, to this day, remains one of the most academically challenging experiences I have had. It taught me to manage my time effectively, by balancing multiple deadlines and coursework at once. The IBDP also helped me develop the ability to think critically and recognise the limitations of my research when completing my Extended Essay and IAs, which are essential skills in higher education.
What has been your proudest moment since graduating?
Graduating from my undergraduate degree and beginning my Master of Science (MSc) at Oxford. Both degrees continue to provide me with opportunities to conduct my own neuroscience research from beginning to end and write dissertations independently, which I am very proud of.
What are you doing now?
After graduating from my undergraduate degree, I am now pursuing a MSc in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, which has been an amazing experience. Alongside classes, I am able to do fascinating research, and I am currently completing a project on using brain stimulation for motor rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients.
