This year has been a year like no other at BSAK, and throughout the Middle East. I am incredibly proud of how the BSAK staff and students have taken these unprecedented times in their stride, and have overcome the challengeshowever, it is fair to say that we all do deserve to now be able to pause, relax, and enjoy the summer!
Mr Nigel Davis HEAD OF SECONDARY
GOOD LUCK
As we look forward to a welldeserved summer break, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you as parents, for your unwavering support and partnership
I would also like to take the opportunity to say good luck to any students who are moving away to pastures new - this year we lose some truly exceptional students from Year 13, but also from other Year Groups as their families are relocating.
I would like to celebrate the contributions of the BSAK staff members who are moving on this year
SUMMER ADVENTURES
BSAK OPPORTUNITIES
So much takes place at BSAK - and what is held within these pages really is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of BSAK opportunities and successes - from academic excellence to sporting triumphs, artistic showcases, and community engagement As ever, I am immensely proud of our students' growth, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
FOND FAREWELL
This summer, in particular, we are losing an incredible Head of Year. Mr Sonny Zimmer is a phenomenal Math teacher, but will mostly be remembered at BSAK for the care and dedication he has given to the two year groups he has been Head of Year for
The students in his care know that he will always passionately believe in them, that he has a steadfast desire to be fair with them, and is a true guide to them as they develop into the best version of themselves as young adults
Mr Zimmer and his family are heading for a promoted post in Jordan, and we wish him the very best in his next journey.
So please both rest up and enjoy adventures over the summer - as we eagerly anticipate another amazing BSAK year starting in August
AUGUST 2026/27 RETURN
DATES
Finally, please remember the start dates for next year:
The doors will open for our Year 7's & new Year 12 students will be starting on Monday 31 August at 7.30am.
All other year groups will be starting back on Tuesday 1 September - doors open at 7.30am.
Ms Nichola Cooper ASSISTANT HEAD
As the school year draws to a close, there is often a strong pull to “make the most” of the summer through packed schedules, travel, revision courses, and social plans
While enrichment is valuable, neuroscience and adolescent health research consistently highlight something far less glamorous but far more powerful - rest and recovery. These two things are essential for physical health, emotional regulation, and learning consolidation
Rest, Recovery and the Science of a Healthy Summer
Why Doing “Less” Matters More Than You Think
WHY REST IS NOT ‘DOING NOTHING’
Sleep and rest are active biological processes. During rest, particularly deep sleep, the brain carries out critical housekeeping functions
One of the most important is memory consolidation, where newly learned information is transferred from short-term to long-term memory.
ADOLESCENT BRAIN
It is a common misconception that adolescence is a “finished” stage of development In reality, the brain continues to undergo significant structural refinement into the mid-20s.
Research from adolescent neuroscience shows that the prefrontal cortex the part of the brain responsible for reasoning, organisation, and self-control is still developing throughout the teenage years.
Rest is therefore not just recovery from schoolwork; it supports ongoing brain maturation
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), insufficient sleep in adolescents is associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, and difficulty managing emotions.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teenagers aged 13–18 should regularly sleep 8–10 hours per night for optimal cognitive and emotional functioning AASM Teen Sleep Recommendations.
When sleep is restricted over time, the brain’s ability to regulate attention, mood, and decision-making becomes impaired. This is linked to reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (responsible for planning and impulse control), and increased emotional reactivity in the amygdala.
PHYSICAL RECOVERY
Rest is not only cognitive it is also physical. Whether students are involved in sport, music, drama, or simply the daily demands of school life, the body requires recovery time.
During rest periods:
Muscle tissue repairs and strengthens Energy stores (glycogen) are replenished
Stress hormones such as cortisol reduce
The immune system is strengthened
Chronic over-activation of stress systems without sufficient recovery can lead to fatigue, reduced motivation, and increased susceptibility to illness
The summer break provides a rare opportunity for the body and brain to reset from months of structured demands. Without early alarms, assessment pressure, and tightly scheduled days, students can return closer to their natural sleep rhythms often called their circadian preference.
This alignment can improve:
Mood stability
Cognitive flexibility
Creativity and problem-solving
Physical recovery from long-term stress
Importantly, research suggests that even a short period of improved sleep consistency can have measurable benefits for attention and emotional wellbeing
REST IS OPPOSITE OF PRODUCTIVITY
There is a cultural tendency to treat rest as “time wasted,” but neuroscience strongly contradicts this
Rest is when learning is consolidated, emotional experiences are processed, and the body repairs itself In other words, rest is not the absence of progress it is what makes progress possible.
A well-balanced summer does not require constant activity. It requires rhythm: time for engagement, and time for genuine recovery
TAKEAWAY FOR SUMMER
If there is one message to carry into the break, it is this: protect your sleep and allow yourself to fully rest without guilt. The most productive thing many students can do this summer is to rebuild their sleep patterns, reduce chronic stress, and allow both mind and body to recover
When term begins again, the benefits of that recovery will not just be felt they will be measurable.
References
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Teen Sleep Recommendations. https://aasm.org/resources/factsheets/teensleep-facts/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Sleep in Middle and High School Students https://www cdc gov/sleep/data statistics html
World Health Organization (WHO). Sleep and Health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/sleep
Walker, M (2017) Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams (Book reference supporting sleep and memory consolidation research)
SUMMER FOR RECOVERY
Mrs Francis Marshall HEAD of INCLUSION
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF INCLUSION
As we reach the end of another successful academic year, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the achievements, resilience and growth of all our students.
This academic year has been an amazing yet challenging time for everyone, we are amazed at how well our students have responded with determination and flexibility
If you have any Inclusion based questions please contact Mrs Marshall on fmarshall@britishschool.sch.ae
INCLUSION IS THE HEART OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
This year has been filled with opportunities for young people to develop not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. It has been a privilege to see students demonstrate kindness, determination and an increasing confidence in independent study through the unusual times we found ourselves in.
Inclusion is at the heart of our school community, and I am incredibly proud of the way our students, families and staff have worked together to try to ensure that every young person feels valued, respected and able to thrive Whether through classroom success, participation in school life, overcoming personal challenges, or supporting their peers, our students have shown that diversity truly strengthens our community We always love to follow stories of success from our students, be it a music performance, participation in a sporting event or plugging a product at the BSAK Bulls.
I would like to thank parents and carers for your continued partnership and support throughout the year. Your encouragement and collaboration play a vital role in helping our young people achieve their potential When we work together we achieve more!
GCSE OPTION BLOCK
At BSAK this is a new and unique way of providing support to students undertaking GCSE courses. This is the second year that this has ever been offered and the response from students has been amazing!
We now have the first set of students who chose this as a GCSE Option Block completing their GCSE courses. This support has been a key part of their GCSE courses and they have worked incredibly hard.
ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS
Exam time is always a really busy one for Inclusion staff and students
Students across the Secondary School have been busy undertaking End of Year Assessments and exams. The support which the Inclusion Team provide during this time is called Access Arrangements These are what we think is helpful for you during assessments and are based on evidence of needs
Next year we have a whole new group of students starting this option as they begin their GCSE courses, we know they will make us just as proud.
MR CRAIG SMITH HEAD OF YEAR 7
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF YEAR 7
Term 3 began with a wave of uncertainty as we intermittently transitioned between distance learning and in-school learning.
END OF YEAR ASSESSMENTS
As ever, BSAK continues to move at lightspeed. It has been an action-packed term as our students navigated daily school life while bracing themselves for their very first End of Year Assessments in Secondary
BSAK BULLS
BSAK Bulls is one of my favorite events of the year. It is fascinating to see the sheer creativity and effort that our students put into developing their products and marketing them around the school
LlllThe auditorium was a hive of activity on Thursday, May 21st. There were some amazing products on show, and money was no object as eager students queued up to get their hands on them!
This year, I challenged the students to step outside their comfort zone and try something new, and I was thoroughly impressed by how our Year 7 students rose to the occasion A huge well done to all the Year 7s involved!
PATHWAYS PROGRAMME
This term, our Year 7s have been diving into the Pathways Programme, which encourages students to build positive habits that support their daily lives.
While there were naturally some nerves at the beginning, they conducted themselves remarkably well They showed immense maturity and organisation in their preparation, and I hope they are proud of their upcoming report cards. They get an A* from me for their first year! Moving from Primary to Secondary is no easy feat, but they have made it look effortless.
Learning how to create healthy routines is such an invaluable skill, and I was delighted by how enthusiastically the students took part.
To add some friendly competition, those who engaged the most were recognised with special certificates of completion Huge congratulations to everyone who pushed themselves to stick with their new habits!
STUDENT SUCCESS
I am immensely proud of how Year 7 handled these changes It has been clear throughout the year that we have a very resilient group of young men and women, and I look forward to seeing this strength continue into next year l
Congratulations to Yad and Sadie who have been awarded distinctions in their recent cello examinations
Achieving a Distinction is an outstanding accomplishment, demonstrating exceptional musical understanding, technical proficiency and dedication to learning.
END OF YEAR TRIP
To celebrate the end of the year, our students headed off on an unforgettable trip to Warner Bros World
It was a brilliant day filled with adventure, laughter, and plenty of adrenaline as they explored the park's brilliant attractions. This trip was a welldeserved reward for all the hard work and achievements our school community has shown this year
The students returned absolutely buzzing with stories of their favorite rides, making it a perfect finale to the school year!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YEAR 7
It’s hard to believe that this time last year, I was meeting you all for the first time.
Fast-forward to today, and our Year 7s have come full circle, stepping up to guide the incoming Year 6 students through their transition.
A standout moment was the Q&A session, during which our students answered all sorts of questions about life in Secondary Whether discussing how to find classrooms, balance homework, or make new friends, their honest and reassuring advice did a wonderful job of calming nerves and sparking excitement
Year 7 also put their creativity on display by filming 'Day in the Life' videos These clips gave the Year 6s a sneak peek into daily Secondary life from lessons and lunchtimes to after-school activities It was fantastic to see it all told by a student who was in that exact position only twelve months prior.
WELL DESERVED BREAK
You have all earned a well-deserved break, and I hope you have a fantastic summer Before I sign off, I want to say what a true pleasure it has been getting to know your children this year I would like to thank you all for your support from home throughout the year
They are a fantastic group of young people, and I look forward to watching their continued development next year! As I mentioned earlier, transitioning from primary to secondary is no easy feat. There are a lot of social and academic hurdles to navigate, but they have been absolutely impressive all year long.
I feel incredibly privileged to be their Head of Year, and I cannot wait to see what next year will bring For now, I wish you all a safe and wonderful summer holiday!
MRS SARAH NORAY HEAD OF YEAR 8
STUDENT SUCCESS
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF YEAR 8
It’s been wonderful to be back in the building and wow, have we packed a lot in during these last 8 weeks!
A thank you and farewell to Mr Haris Godfrey who is also leaving BSAK this year. Thank you for all you have done for 8PH, you will be missed
And congratulations to Mr Allan who has been appointed as the Head of Year 7 for next years cohort. Thanks for all your care of 8PE this year!
JUNIOR MATHS CHALLENGE
Aryan (and two other BSAK students), recently competed in the prestigious International Academic Championships in Berlin, Germany, alongside 150+ students from 12 different countries. He did brilliantly, demonstrating his vast general knowledge in world History and Geography
Well done Aryan!
This year, 111 students from Years 6, 7 and 8 took part
Across the year groups, only 17 students achieved a Gold award
Congratulations to Tara, Dawud, Mustafa, Isa, Aryan, Nihira, Alex, Ali and Jasper for achieving this excellent result. Bravo!
FRONT
FOOT
Well done to the young men who completed this ambitious course which taught them teamwork, resilience, and communication skills through a range of physical team-building challenges.
Throughout the programme, the students showed excellent determination, leadership
Congratulations to Leo, Daniel, Reuben, Charlie, Stephen, Thomas and Riley and Alex.
A special shout out to the following s per team for the following awards Congratulations Spend it w BSAK BULLS
Yet again, Year 8 led the way with their entrepreneurial spirit in the bustling BSAK BULLS marketplace Their delicious treats and photo booth were super popular with the crowds and the Year 8 teams held their own in a really intense and competitive atmos xtremely proud of themselves for having the confidence and tenacity t mpetition that grows from strength to strength every year and t oys and challenges of working in a team, budgeting and so much mor
mna, Saba and Beth ND PASSIONATE
Ethan
SECONDARY CONCERT
For all those who were there, not only was this yet another jaw dropping, inspiring musical concert but those who were there will know it definitely didn’t leave a dry eye in the house!
For me, hearing final performances from our departing Year 13s and then watching many of this brilliant year group sing ‘We are the world’ so beautifully after this, only reminded me how quickly the time goes!
I hope the students cherish the memories of being involved in such brilliant events and seek to get involved in many more in the year ahead
the students below and thank you for the contribution you have made to this year group. Stay in touch!
We wish you every success at your new schools!
Jake, Daniel, Ahna, Lily, Maggie, Muneera
MR JAMES BERTRAND HEAD OF YEAR 9
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF YEAR 9
TITLE
BSAK BULLS
Llll
Well done to the Y BSAK Bulls project
Both groups were spirit of enterprise.
Special mention to Sam S, and Charlie
At the start of this academic year, I introduced our Year 9s to the idea of “the bridge” - a metaphor to help us frame the year ahead as a journey of self discovery, personal growth and resilience.
Well done to all and thank you to our parents and tutors for your unflinching support
CROSSING THE BRIDGE
Our common goal was the start of GCSEs at the end of our bridge, and becoming the young people we want to be when we reach the end of the bridge. Together with form tutors, teachers, support staff and parents, each child has walked across the bridge with confidence and dedication.
I am immensely proud of the work that each student has put in Now, it is time to savour the hard work and lessons learned, and to recharge ahead of the next journey we will embark upon: the road to GCSEs 2028.
This term, Year 9 students have been completing their endof-year exams under formal exam conditions in the auditorium.
This experience has been a valuable opportunity to help prepare them for the expectations of GCSE assessments as they begin their courses next year
I’ve been really proud of how maturely they’ve approached this change and the positive attitude they've shown throughout the exam period.
STUDENT SUCCESS
book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap.
These 3 students have been awarded distinctions in their recent music examinations
Earning a distinction is an exceptional accomplishment and reflects a high level of musical understanding, technical skill, and commitment.
Well done to:
Eleanor, Drums
Omar, Music Theory
Kassius, Cello
MR SONNY ZIMMER HEAD OF YEAR 10
EXAMS
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF YEAR 10
Year 10 has much to look back on this academic year with great pride.
From continued academic excellence to deep extra-curricular involvement, there is much to suggest that the year group will maintain their studious approach to their learning and take advantage of countless opportunities outside the classroom in Year 11
The whole set-up was designed to replicate what they’ll experience during their GCSE exams at the end of year 11 in terms of rules to follow in the exam hall, and the challenges that exam leave presents when managing their own time and transport to/from school
Along with being able to showcase the academic progress that they have made this year, our year 10 students' approach to their end of year exams was extremely mature.
I am certain that the students will be able to lean on this taste of the exam procedures as we continue our approach to their GCSE exams in summer 2027
WORK EXPEREINCE
From June 16th to June 19th, Year 10 students stepped out of the classroom and into the working world!
From hospitals to banks, students all gained valuable insight into a whole range of different industries
Feedback from employers was overwhelmingly positive, with all students being praised for having conducted themselves with true professionalism
It’s been great to hear students be able to give a bit more detail on their future career aspirations based on how they have found their placements
They’ll be building on this when it comes to considering their KS5 A level / B-Tech pathways in term 2 of Year 11
AWARDS EVENING
I write this as I look forward to the Annual Awards taking place this evening Anticipating the celebration of some of the very best achievements from Year 10 later tonight makes me realise that this only scratches the surface of what they have accomplished.
I also know that this will be my last Annual Awards at BSAK as my family and I are moving on this summer. This is a perfect opportunity to express our gratitude to the whole BSAK community for everything you have done for us over these brilliant 4 years.
I wish every single student the absolute best of luck as they continue studying towards their GCSEs, and I am comforted knowing they will be in extremely good hands with Ms Hunkin as their Head of Year next year.
MISS LEAH HUNKIN HEAD OF YEAR 11
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF YEAR 11
What a term it has been for Year 11!
Students have now completed their end-of-year assessments and officially reached the end of their Secondary School journey Whilst this is always a significant milestone, this year has been particularly memorable
Year 11 demonstrated remarkable resilience, maturity and adaptability, continuing to work hard and support one another despite the uncertainties.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE
Following their assessments, Year 11 also had the opportunity to take part in the Sixth Form Ascent Programme This included a three-day entrepreneurship challenge delivered by 8 Billion Ideas, where students worked collaboratively to develop innovative solutions and pitch their ideas Congratulations to Anna, Imogen and Sophie, whose team impressed the judges and were named winners of the challenge
Year 11 also benefited from a range of A Level masterclasses delivered by their teachers, providing a valuable insight into Sixth Form study and helping them prepare for the exciting transition ahead.
CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY
The highlight of the term was our Year 11 Celebration Assembly on Friday 5th June.
It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on memories, achievements and friendships that have shaped this year group throughout their time at BSAK
From baby photos and tutor tributes to student speeches and plenty of laughter (and tears), it was a fitting way to mark the end of their Secondary School journey
Having had the privilege of working with this cohort for the past four years, it is difficult to put into words how proud I am of the young adults they have become.
I have watched them grow from young Year 8s into confident and compassionate individuals
JOURNEY TO SIXTH FORM
To our parents and guardians, thank you for your support throughout the years It has been a pleasure to work with you and to share in the successes of your children.
For those returning to BSAK Sixth Form, we look forward to welcoming you back in August For those moving on to pathways, we wish you every success and happiness in the future
Year 11, thank you for the memories, the laughs and the privilege of being part of your journey.
I know that each of you has a bright future ahead
MR STEVE OAKS HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
BSAK LIFERS EVENT ON
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
This term, we celebrated our 'Lifers' , the students who have been at BSAK since Year 1. This year, we decided to move this poignant event to where it all beganthe Primary School. Students, parents, and staff enjoyed a wonderful evening reminiscing right where their journeys started
As the academic year comes to a close, we want to say a huge thank you to our departing Year 13s for the energy, leadership, and lasting memories they leave behind. We look forward to Results Day! To our Year 12s, enjoy the summer break; we look forward to seeing you return as the senior leaders of our Sixth Form in September.
YEAR 11 ASCENT PROGRAMME
After the Eid break, Year 11 returned to school for the Year 11 Ascent Programme a bespoke initiative designed to equip students for Sixth Form. BSAK welcomed 8billionideas for a three-day internship focusing on real-world skills, leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving
The week concluded with subject masterclasses, allowing students to delve deeper into their chosen Sixth Form courses, and finished with a memorable Leavers' Assembly. Wishing all of Year 11 the very best of luck with their GCSE results enjoy your well deserved summer break, and we look forward to welcoming you into Sixth Form in August!
MRS JANE ROUGHLEY HEAD OF YEAR 12
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF YEAR 12
It is hard to believe that our Year 12 students are already about to embark on their final year of school. Year 13 is an incredibly exciting and fast-paced chapter; as the pinnacle of our student body, the entire school will be looking up to them While we have now announced those students taking on official senior prefect roles, we believe true leadership isn't defined by a badge Every single student in Year 13 shares the collective responsibility of leading our community, and their work ethic, kindness, and daily attitude will set the tone for everyone below them. I wish all of our students and their families a wonderful summer break, and I look forward to seeing the class of 2027 return in September, ready to make their final year their best one yet.
SIXTH FORM SENIOR PREFECTS
Thank you to all the students who applied for the senior prefect roles; the high calibre of applications made it a very difficult decision.
We deeply value your dedication
For those who just missed out this time, please remember that leadership takes many forms, and we look forward to you taking on other key roles within the Sixth Form next year.
Llll
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SENIOR PREFECTS 2026/27
MISS LOUISE MELL HEAD OF YEAR 13
GUARD OF HONOUR
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF YEAR 13
As the academic year draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to congratulate our incredible Year 13 students.
Their school journey has been defined by resilience, growth, and determination, and it was a privilege to celebrate this milestone during our recent Legacy Day The day commenced with an assembly featuring speeches from the Head Boy and Girl, the Head of Secondary, and the Headmaster. Following this, our senior prefects led the presentation of certificates of completion. The assembly concluded with a wonderful video looking back on the memories of this exceptional year group.
Staff lined the stairs in a moving tribute as our Year 13s took their final walk through the school, greeted by applause and heartfelt congratulations from fellow students and proud parents It was a moment filled with emotion and pride, reflecting just how much this year group has meant to our community We wish them all the very best for the exciting paths ahead and look forward to hearing about their future successes
