OUR SCHOOL
The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is Abu Dhabi’s leading British not-for-profit, co-educational day school. From Nursery to A Level (3 – 18) our dynamic school culture offers students an enriching experience and outstanding results.
OUR VISION
Building on our unique local heritage, we will provide a world-class British education, inspiring all our students to exceed expectations.
OUR VALUES
Empathy and Care | Respect and Inclusivity
Honesty and Integrity | Endeavour and Resilience
YEAR 11 PASTORAL HANDBOOK 2025/2026
CONTENT
P02 BSAK’s Vision and Values
P04 Assistant Head Welcome
P05 Wellbeing One Stop Shop
P06 Meet Your Head of Year
KINDLY CLICK ON THESE HYPERLINKS
Student Staff Agreement Mental Health and Wellbeing
Safeguarding House System
Term Dates and Timings
Google Classroom & Devices
Uniform
Nursing Handbook
Transport Parking and Traffic
Communications - Parent Portal
Library
MELS
Stationery
Communications - Social Media
Inclusion
Mobile Phones
WELCOME FROM THE ASSISTANT HEAD
Dear Parents,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you and your child to Year 11 here at BSAK. The aim of this booklet is to supply you with the essential, practical information you need to get a smooth start to the academic year.
Year 11 is obviously a very important year for all students. For many, it is their first opportunity to show us what they are really capable of academically in the external GCSE exams.
ASSISTANT HEAD
We believe the support our students receive from their teachers, tutors and head of year give them the very best opportunity to exceed our expectations and achieve what they are truly capable of.
While it is vital that we work together to support our students to give their best in the exams, we believe in still maintaining a healthy balance between exam preparation and growing from the experiences they are offered alongside the curriculum, preparing them for life beyond GCSE’s.
The opportunities they receive outside of the curriculum are vast, through Moral Education and Life Skills lessons, tutor time and assemblies, co-curricular activities and many more, we aim to see our students grow into well rounded young people who embody our BSAK values of Empathy & Care, Endeavour & Resilience, Honesty & Integrity and Respect & Inclusion.
I would like to thank you all in advance for your support this year.
Ms Nichola Cooper Assistant Head ncooper@britishschool.sch.ae
WELLBEING PADLET ONE STOP SHOP
Our Wellbeing One Stop Shop is accessible on the parent portal. Each month we add new materials associated with one of three topics; Inclusion, Digital Safety and Wellbeing. We will be continuing to do this so please keep an eye out on our BSAK facebook page.
Below you can find examples of content already there. Please take some time to look through, it is a resource for parents so if you have any suggestions on topics you want including contact me on ncooper@britishschool.sch.ae
Inclusion A spotlight on Neurodiversity with a focus on Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism
A spotlight on anxiety, depression, OCD and ODD
How to support your child with trauma or bereavement
Digital Safety Back to school online safety tips
Guidance on how to monitor and restrict internet usage at home
Digital Safety Information booklet for parents with guidance on apps
Guidance surrounding AI
Online Gaming Safety Tips and ESports Parent Guide
Wellbeing Strategies to help your tween or teen identify and process emotions
How to boost your child's self esteem
How to help your child develop resilience and prevent exams anxiety
How to manage conflict with your tween or teen
MEET YOUR HEAD OF YEAR
Dear Parents,
I would like to take this opportunity to give a warm welcome to our new starters and all of our returning students to Year 11 at BSAK. As Head of Year 11, I am looking forward to supporting the year group through this crucial and exciting final stage of their secondary education, as they prepare for their GCSE examinations in 2026.
HEAD OF YEAR
The Year 10 pastoral team is made up of myself as Head of Year, and our six experienced and enthusiastic form tutors. Together, we are responsible for overseeing the academic progress and emotional welfare of the year group. We are further supported by Ms Nichola Cooper, Assistant Head, and together we are committed to ensuring that every student is guided, motivated, and well-supported as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of this important year.
Year 11 is a pivotal time. Students will complete the final parts of their GCSE courses, consolidate their learning, and hone the skills needed for exam success. Excellent attendance, punctuality, organisation, and consistent effort are more important than ever, and we will be encouraging Year 11 to take ownership of their progress and embrace the support available to them.
Form time and weekly MELS sessions will continue to provide a structured space for personal development, revision strategies, and well-being support. While this year can bring pressure, it is also an opportunity for real growth and achievement. The wellbeing of every student remains our top priority, and I look forward to working in close partnership with you to ensure every student thrives, academically, emotionally, and socially.
Miss Leah Hunkin Head of Year 11 lhunkin@britishschool.sch.ae
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