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 8 PASTORAL HANDBOOK 2025/2026
CONTENTS
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,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to Year 8 at BSAK.
Year 7 was a time for establishing routines, acquiring good learning habits and developing new relationships.
In Year 8, students build upon those experiences to grow in confidence as active, engaging young people who enjoy the intellectual challenges of the curriculum.
The year is full of new adventures and as students develop greater independence, they are encouraged to broaden their horizons and experience all that BSAK has to offer through its extensive extra curricular program.
Our Year 8 pastoral team is here to fully support and care for students as they grow and develop on this next leg of their learning journey within a community which expects and delivers the highest standards.
We are strongly committed to working in a meaningful and positive partnership with parents to support the best possible education for all our students and I would like to thank you in advance for your support.
Ms Nichola Cooper Assistant Head ncooper@britishschool.sch.ae
Ms Nichola Cooper
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
Guidance surrounding AI
Digital Safety Information booklet for parents with guidance on apps
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 welcome all of our new students and returning students to Year 8 at The British School Al Khubairat. As Head of Year, I am responsible for overseeing the pastoral care and academic progress of the Year 8 student body for 2025/2026.
Enhancing the positive well-being of all students in our care is a fundamental priority to me and I am excited about working with all of you and the excellent Year 8 tutors, to ensure that every child in Year 8 is safe, happy and achieving their utmost potential.
My main aim is for all students to be the best version of themselves and thus to have a really successful, enjoyable year. I want every member of Year 8 to feel proud of the team that they are part of and to work together supporting one another throughout the year.
I hope that your son or daughter will strive to be actively involved in our vibrant culture and take full advantage of the opportunities BSAK will provide for them; we are fortunate to be part of such a dynamic environment. I want all of them to feel supported and inspired to exceed expectations and our wish is to celebrate their individual success together, as the year unfolds.
Your child’s form tutor will play an incredibly important role in their development through their Year 8 journey and will be there, as someone who will help support and nurture them to excel. They will also be the first point of contact if there are any pastoral or academic concerns and will be invested in your son or daughter’s success and happiness in Year 8. As their Head of Year, I am also always here to listen, if you, your son or daughter have any queries or questions.
Establishing strong relationships between parents, tutors and the Head of Year is a vital ingredient in the future success of students at BSAK and I hope that we can continue to develop this as the year progresses.
I want to extend my thanks to all parents, in advance, for providing your support to us as a team and I look forward to working with you all in the new term.
Mrs Sarah Noray Head of Year 8 snoray@britishschool.sch.ae
Mrs Sarah Noray
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