BIS Abu Dhabi Times Term 2 2023-24

TIMES BIS

Relive

the magic of Show-Stoppers

Our students snowboarded their way across the Swiss Alps

Find out how our students supported the Tanzania Seeway Project

PRINCIPAL‘S

WELCOME

BIS ABU DHABI TIMES

As we bid farewell to Term 2 of the 2023-24 academic year, I am delighted to present to you the highlights of unity, achievement, and growth that showcase the remarkable spirit of our school.

Throughout Term 2, we have had numerous opportunities for us to come together as a community and celebrate. From the warmth of our coffee mornings to the excitement of our annual Duathlon and Triathlon, from our empowering ‘One People One Planet’ student-led event, where our students inspired us and paved the way to a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow, to our firstever Ramadan market, enabling our community to be ‘Ramadan-ready’, and our heartwarming Community Iftar where we embraced the spirit of Ramadan, strengthened our bonds, and honoured traditions.

In the realm of arts and culture, our students shone brightly on stage in the ‘Show Stoppers’ and ‘Little Stars’ productions, captivating us with their talent, enthusiasm, and sheer joy. They brought stories to life and showcased the transformative power of the arts in our community.

Sports Week was a thrilling showcase of athleticism, with students from Early Years up to Year 13 demonstrating their skills and sportsmanship across a range of events. Our Team Falcons’ achievements at BSMEs and ADISSA games filled us with pride and highlighted their hard work, determination, and teamwork.

Beyond our campus borders, our Secondary students have embarked on transformative national and international trips, from Duke of Edinburgh trips to Fujairah and Sharjah to Tanzania’s service mission and the snowy slopes of Switzerland. These experiences have not only broadened horizons but also instilled values in our students of empathy, resilience, and global citizenship.

As we look forward to Term 3, I extend my warmest wishes to all for a blessed Holy Month of Ramadan. May it be a time of reflection, gratitude, and unity for our community.

Ramadan Kareem!

Alan Cocker Principal

AT BIS ABU DHABI

Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders!

In January, Year 6 took part in our in-house Leadership Conference. This opportunity allowed our students to delve into the essence of good leadership and discover how they can make a positive impact on the world. Inspirational speeches were shared by our esteemed guest speakers – Mr. Cocker, Mrs. Atkins, and Mr. Harper. Adding to the motivation, our inspirational Year 12 students, James and Jorja, supported Year 6 with presentations sharing their insights on being motivating and empowering leaders within our school community.

Children in Year 6 had previously applied for the leadership role that they would like to take in our school and had eagerly awaited the chances to put their skills into practice. After the success of their Leadership Conference, our Year 6 students are now geared up to lead our school as outstanding Reading Leaders, Times Tables Champions, BISAD Diploma Leaders, and Playground Leaders. Their positive impact on our community is set to soar!

Year 1s Whistle Stop Tour around the World

Year 1 began this term with their new topic ‘Planet Earth’ by travelling around the world in 1 day!

The students enjoyed a whistle stop tour of our wonderful planet as they travelled through each of the 7 continents throughout the day. Children learnt how to paint numbers in Mandarin in Asia, they created a savannah sunset in Africa, investigated ice in Antarctica and took part in many, many more enriching activities!

The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were all set for another term of learning.

World Book Day

World Book Day was a great success! The theme this year was ‘Read Your Own Way’. As a whole school, we celebrated a love for books and championed children to find different and exciting ways to enjoy what they read. We encouraged students to dress up on the day as their favourite character from a book, using recycled outfits from previous years or making their own accessories from materials at home.

In Primary, students engaged in a lively Book Bingo, participated in delightful parent read-along sessions, and eagerly unwrapped mystery books with clues delivered across classes. Meanwhile, in Secondary, students showcased their creativity in a Literature-themed Bake Off, enthralled audiences with live poetry and prose readings, tackled challenge cards to test their literary knowledge, and engaged in the thrilling guessing game of the masked reader.

Year 4 Reading Parent Workshop

On World Book Day, Year 4 hosted a parent workshop dedicated to enhancing children’s reading skills. Parents engaged in insightful discussions on strategies to read with their children effectively, delving into methods to tackle vocabulary, retrieve information from texts, and infer answers.

Thank you to all the parents who participated, demonstrating their commitment to supporting our children’s literacy journey. Together, we foster a love for reading and empower our children to thrive in the world of literature.

Year 12 Zinngiessen class

Bleigießen (lead-pouring) is a traditional activity held on 31st December, where German-speakers (among other cultures) can look ahead into the New Year, enjoy what is to come and to contemplate their future actions. Due to its toxicity, molybdomancy is almost a thing of the past and the metal used to replace lead tends to be tin. And at the start of this year, that is exactly what our Year 12 German students were able to engage in.

After the equipment was set up and safety precautions were administered, our Year 12 students began their experiment by melting the tin and pouring the molten contents of the crucible into a bowl of water. After immersion in cold water, the tin quickly solidified and a new shape was formed. Like the tin to water, our students poured their hearts and souls into the activity, they worked professionally and safely, and thoroughly learned about yet another tradition in German-speaking countries.

Year 2 Safari Day

At the start of the term, our Year 2 students transformed into wild animals and intrepid explorers for a thrilling Safari Day.

They embarked on a compass-guided safari, learned about fascinating African animals, danced away at an African-themed disco, and expressed their creativity through vibrant art. A roaring success of a day filled with adventure, discovery, and joy!

IGCSE Information Evening

In January, we held our iGCSE Options Evening to current and prospective Year 9 students and parents. This evening signals the start of the process where students begin making decisions about their future educational and career pathways.

The evening started with a presentation by Mr. Lowe and Mrs. Goldsbrough, which detailed the student’s four-year journey through iGCSE and IB Diploma courses, what the iGCSE course entails, which iGCSE subjects are compulsory/ optional, Emirati equivalency, the support

Year 6 to 7 Progression Information Evening

available to students and families, and the options process timeline. Following the presentation, families moved upstairs to our interactive subject stations. Here they looked at current student work, viewed subject syllabi, and spoke to teachers and current students about course content and career pathways.

In February, we hosted a Year 6 into 7 Progression Evening for parents and Year 6 students. During the day, students visited the student led Secondary subject fair where Year 7 students informed Year 6 about the different topics they would learn about next year.

Later they went to the auditorium and met Mr. Lowe and Mrs. Baker who provided further information about the Secondary School, including details about pastoral care, timetabling, how Firefly supports students with home learning, and expectations. A special thank you to our wonderful Year 8 speakers who helped explain more about the changes moving from Primary to Secondary, such as form time, BISAD Diploma, YouHQ, and assemblies.

Following this evening, our Year 6 students will participate in our progression programme, which will take place over the coming months. We have several exciting workshops and activities planned, giving our Year 6 students the chance to learn about the wonderful opportunities that will be offered to them as Year 7 students next year.

Early Years Creative Day

The air buzzed with excitement as our little artists delved into a world of imaginative possibilities. From the sheer joy of bubble painting to the delightful chaos of walking in paint, and even turning the tables by transforming their teachers into living canvases, every moment was a vibrant celebration of creativity.

It was a morning filled with laughter, exploration, and boundless artistic expression, proving once and for all that every child is indeed a unique and budding artist.

Navigating the Journey to the Extended Essay

In January, our Year 12 IBDP students began the preliminary stages of their Extended Essay through a series of workshops. These sessions offered a deep dive into the multifaceted process of proposing an Extended Essay.

The workshops were designed to encourage our students to explore the possibilities that lie within the realm of academic research, encouraging them to explore a wide range of topics, subjects, and research questions. With an emphasis on the practicality and feasibility of their proposed ideas, our students were guided through the critical steps of assessing their topics’ viability. They delved into various methods of data collection, thoroughly exploring the mechanics of the proposal process. This was made more exciting by initial discussions with their subject teachers, ensuring a wellrounded and informed start to their research journey.

This seminar-style event was not just an academic exercise; it was a preparatory leap towards the rigors of university-level research and lectures. It provided our students with a taste of what their future academic endeavors might entail, setting a solid foundation for their transition into higher education.

This term, the Year 2 children invited their grown-ups in to watch an African drumming inspired singing performance. They sang songs all about their current science topic ‘Into the Wild’, where they have been learning about animals and their habitats, including what they look like and what they eat.

Year 2 Singing Assembly

Year 11 Crash Course in English

With the iGCSEs just around the corner, the English Department launched an initiative to provide students with that extra push for their upcoming exams. They hosted a student-led workshop - by students, for students. Research clearly shows that peer learning is one of the most effective tools for enhancing a student’s understanding.

During extended form time, a cohort of students attended what is hoped to be the first of many sessions. We are very fortunate and grateful to have talented students like Salma from Year 11 to assist us with this, and she bravely agreed to run the first workshop. Salma has impressed many

of her teachers with her English proficiency, and now she had the opportunity to do the same with her year group.

Students were actively taking notes and participating in discussions as Salma shared advice that helped her achieve outstanding results throughout Year 10 and 11. The Head of Department, Mr. Stanier, and the Head of Year, Mr. Butterworth, were on hand to supervise this excellent first session. Well done to Salma and all those who participated!

FS1 Petting Zoo

Our Nursery students delved deep into the fascinating world of animals, learning interesting facts and participating in a variety of creative activities. To bring the children’s learning to life, a Petting Zoo arrived at school, offering a variety of animals for the children to feed, stroke, and hold. The children had the opportunity to bravely hold snakes, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even engage in a conversation with an incredibly intelligent parrot.

Back in class, this interactive experience fuelled wonderful discussions about the differences between mammals and birds, as well as the textures and feel of the animals’ skin, feathers, or fur.

UKMT Intermediate and Senior Maths Challenge

This term, some of our students sat the UKMT Intermediate and Senior Maths Challenge and the results have been amazing. 14 of our students received the Gold award for the Intermediate Challenge and 5 students received Gold for the Senior Challenge. A huge congratulations to all our winners.

Based on their results for the Senior Challenge, students Younes and Dongha were automatically entered into the next round. The British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 is a very challenging paper that consists of 6 questions and is completed over three and a half hours. Both did extremely well with Younes achieving a Certificate of Distinction.

Fantastic work everyone!

Committed Learner Ambition Badge Awards

Congratulations to Year 12 students Rafaa, Zoya and Susan on their achievement of receiving the highly respected Nord Anglia Education Committed Learner Ambition Pin Badges. This was awarded to them by NAEs Dr. Leslie Williams in recognition of their leadership in a student live peer talk on Global Campus and their commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) during this year's World Children's Day theme of ‘Inclusion for every child’.

From all of us here at BIS Abu Dhabi, congratulations!!

Shining the Spotlight on Adithya from Year 9!

Adithya, one of our brilliant Year 9 students, brought his creativity to life!

During Term 1, Adithya generously volunteered his time, offering invaluable help in our Marketing department. He shadowed us for a day and designed the sensational Welcome wall welcoming everyone into our new Creative Technology Zone! His graphic design skills are truly impressive!

Headteacher's Commendation

We are delighted that Sebastian, Year 9, was nominated by Maths Teacher, Mrs. Richards, for a Headteacher's Commendation Award.

This award is given to students whom teachers feel have gone ‘over and above’ what might be expected in their learning and in Sebastian’s case, Mrs. Richards was especially impressed with the animated graphs on Desmos that he created for the class.

From all of us here at BIS Abu Dhabi, well done Sebastian!

Arabic Language Week

In celebration of the Arabic language and our students’ progress, and to provide students with the opportunity to take the lead in their own learning, our Arabic Department organised Arabic Language Week. The week featured a series of activities in collaboration with parents.

Students showcased artistic performances, including plays and songs, and engaged in classroom activities. Teachers and parents had the chance to read stories with students, participate in Arabic speech and debate, and explore cultural assignments.

Holding an Arabic Language Week offers a distinctive opportunity for our students to interact with the Arabic language, showcasing their individual skills and talents in acting, singing, poetry, and competitions. It’s a platform for learning that goes beyond the classroom and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the Arabic language.

Emirates NBD 'Poetry for All' competition

Our Arabic Department and everyone here at BIS Abu Dhabi are bursting with pride for Year 7 student Mohammed's outstanding achievement at the final round of the “Emirates NBD Poetry for All” competition in Dubai. Despite tough competition, Mohammed’s poetic brilliance left an indelible mark, showcasing his exceptional talent. This success is a testament to Mohammed’s and the collective dedication of the school, Arabic Department, and his parents in fostering and celebrating diverse talents.

Year 5 and Year 6 Legacy of Zayed Sustainability Exhibition

Year 5 and 6 students, along with our Arabic Department, were delighted to host the Legacy of Zayed Sustainability Exhibition. The event aimed to showcase the students’ talent and creativity in creating artworks made from reused materials.

During Year 5 & 6 social studies lessons, we have been teaching the students about sustainability and how to protect the environment through practices such as cleaning, recycling, and reusing materials.

The students have produced amazing projects using recycled materials and presented them at the exhibition. They demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of both terrestrial and marine environments, as well as how to preserve and protect them from pollution. They explained their projects and emphasised the role we all must play in environmental protection.

Quran Competition

The Holy Quran Competition aims to promote literacy in the Quran and encourage its recitation, memorisation, and application of its spirit in life. In March, we were honoured to hold the final round of the Quran Competition at BIS Abu Dhabi. This annual event is truly inspirational for our students, instilling the importance of memorising our Holy Quran.

Embracing the Ramadan spirit at BIS Abu Dhabi!

Before the start of Ramadan, our BIS Abu Dhabi community came together and got Ramadan-ready at our first-ever Ramadan Market.

Students enjoyed engaging and creative activities, while parents and staff explored the festive atmosphere of our Ramadanthemed market souq.

Community Iftar

On the 14th of March, under the glow of the Ramadan moon, our community united to break fast and embrace the essence of Ramadan.

It was a privilege to gather our cherished BIS Abu Dhabi family – parents, students, and staff – for a memorable Iftar. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the warmth and joy of this special occasion!

May Ramadan be filled with tranquility and blessings for all.

DofE Bronze Trip to the mountains of Fujairah

In January, 87 students from Years 9 and 10 embraced the challenge of their DofE Bronze Practice Journey in the breathtaking mountains of Fujairah.

13 groups of students navigated the undulating landscape with finesse, conquering checkpoints and building crucial skills in teamwork, navigation, and campcraft. Their Expedition Journey Purpose provided a meaningful goal, setting the stage for their upcoming Qualifying Journey in February.

Witnessing our students develop themselves over this experience was truly a pleasure. They not only honed essential skills, but also showcased the spirit of BIS Abu Dhabi at its best. Well done, everyone!

Year 4 Chinese Culture Day

Year 4 have been learning all about Our Ancient World, with a focus on Ancient Chinese and modern-day Chinese culture.

On Wednesday, 6th March, our children embarked on a journey of wonder and awe in their Chinese Culture Day. This day allowed our students to immerse themselves in many aspects of Chinese culture, including cooking and eating traditional Chinese food, creating traditional Chinese art and learning about the modern-day Chinese culture.

World Scholars Success

This term, we celebrated the incredible success of our BIS Abu Dhabi World Scholars at the Dubai Winter Global Round!

All nine participants secured early qualification for the finals at Yale University in November. The Junior team - Sanskriti, Lydia, and Daniel - took 4th place (with Sanskriti securing individual

5th), while our Senior team - Khalid, Salem, and Hannah - earned a fantastic 7th place. Special congratulations to Abdul Aziz, who proudly represented the UAE as a flag bearer in the closing ceremony.

The whole school community is incredibly proud of their achievements!

Year

1 Visit

to The National Aquarium

At the start of this term, Year 1 students embarked on a fascinating journey to the National Aquarium, immersing themselves in a world of marine wonders.

As part of their animal science topic, the students were eager to explore the diverse species that inhabit the ocean. They encountered a stunning display of colourful fish, sharks, and mesmerising jellyfish. They had a fantastic day!

Nord Anglia Eastern Hemisphere Chess Battle

In January, 16 students from Year 8 to Year 12 took part in the Nord Anglia Eastern Hemisphere Chess Battle.

Our BIS Abu Dhabi Chess Team competed against teams from 23 other Nord Anglia schools in the Eastern Hemisphere. The enthusiasm and energy in the library was great, and we are delighted to have qualified in the top 5 on the leaderboard.

A massive well done to all the players on this fantastic achievement!

DofE Silver Qualifying Trip to Fossil Rocks in Sharjah

In a remarkable display of resilience, determination, and camaraderie, 68 adventurous students from Years 11 and 12 embarked on a Silver Qualifying Trip as part of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award this term, immersing themselves in the breathtaking landscapes of Sharjah. This memorable expedition unfolded over three days, pushing the participants to their limits as they camped under the stars, hiked through the arid terrains, and created lasting memories in the heart of the desert.

They navigated the vast desert landscape using only maps and compasses. This aspect of the expedition not only tested their ability to navigate the unknown, but also fostered teamwork and problem-solving as they collaborated to stay on the right path, enjoying encounters with camels, goats and cows along the way.

On the second night they set up camp at the base of Fossil Rocks, surrounded by the breathtaking views of towering rock formations. They hiked around the majestic rocks, hitting checkpoints along the way, whilst immersing themselves in the ancient wonders of the desert.

Camping in the heart of the desert provided the perfect opportunity for the participants to test their survival skills, pitch their own tents, and cook their own meals. The nights echoed with laughter and shared stories, creating bonds that strengthened over the course of the journey.

The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Silver Qualifying Trip to Fossil Rocks in Sharjah stands as a testament to the transformative power of outdoor adventures. The memories forged during this exploration will undoubtedly remain with the students for many years to come.

FS2 Splatter Rooms

In January, FS2 had the most wonderful trip to Splatter Rooms!

This was the children’s first school trip and they were so excited. They explored a whole range of art techniques using paints on their own canvas, as well as being taught how to splat the paint to create different effects, and were able to mix colours to create different shades and colours.

Everyone had so much fun being creative and expressive!

Verbier Ski Trip

At the end of this term, 43 students from Year 8 and Year 9 headed to the snowy slopes of Switzerland. Along with staff and students from other schools in the NAE family, they’ve had a blast skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing their way across the Swiss Alps. They made phenomenal progress and had a great time with their friends.

Beyond the Classroom

Year 10-13 Sorbonne University Visit

On Thursday 25th January, those studying German in Years 10-13 were invited to Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to attend a Day of German Language.

Following an address and a ʺHerzlich Willkommen” from the German Ambassador and the Head of the Goethe Institute, students were free to explore the various stands. Most headed straight to the gingerbread decorating table or to taste Palatschinken, or Bretzeln with chocolate, while others played memory games or did Kahoot quizzes and language puzzles. For every activity completed, students received a ‘Stempel’ for their card and this card was then entered into a prize draw. Our students came away with goodie bags filled with books, water bottles and various merchandise from Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Congratulations to James, Y12, who was the lucky winner of the much-coveted ‘Brot’ hamper.

Year 2 children have been working hard this term to research, write, and present all about wild African animals. They have been learning about animal habitats, diet, and survival, so in February they spent the day at Emirates Park Zoo to see these animals in real life!

They had a wonderful time feeding elephants and giraffes, as well as watching the hippos, lizards, crocs, and more laze about in the sunshine. We even managed to squeeze in a bit of African singing, dancing, and drumming!

Year 2 Trip to the Zoo

Dune Productions ‘Change Makers’

In March, Dune Productions came to BIS Abu Dhabi to perform their show ‘Change Makers’ for Year 1, 2, and 3 students.

The show represented the progress and vision of the UAE in terms of sustainability, it celebrated how far we have come but how much further we still have to go to create a greener future for the next generation. The message that anyone can make a difference no matter how small we might be, was delivered in a fun and engaging way that had students hooked from start to finish!

Year 4 Spelling Bee

This term's Year 4 Spelling Bee showcased the linguistic prowess of 14 talented contestants as they navigated through rigorous challenges.

From the dictionary round to the anagram round, each participant showcased their mastery of language. The elimination round intensified the competition, narrowing down the field to the finest spellers. Finally, in the dictation round, precision was key. After a closely fought contest, Zade emerged victorious, earning well-deserved recognition for his class. However, the admiration extends to all competitors whose dedication and skill illuminated the event.

Congratulations to all, as their efforts shone brightly in our school community.

Term 2 Welcome Back Coffee Morning

We were delighted to welcome all the wonderful BIS Abu Dhabi parents for a delightful Coffee Morning to start off Term 2!

It was the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow parents, make new friends, and grab school essentials from our Community Group’s used uniform and book sale.

Year 1 Maths Workshop

We welcomed Year 1 parents to school to attend a Maths Workshop. This practical, hands-on workshop introduced parents to the Concrete-PictorialAbstract (CPA) approach for teaching mathematical concepts, providing them with a chance to experience exactly what maths lessons in Year 1 entail. Parents were guided through each stage of the approach and were given examples of the types of tasks their children are asked to complete.

We hope the workshop was helpful and has provided parents with some tips and ideas on how they can further support their children at home.

One People One Planet Community

On Tuesday, 30th January, our school was transformed into a hub of unity, wellness, and sustainability.

Our students poured their dedication and creativity into organising this event, and their hard work was evident in the beaming smiles that filled the air. From thoughtprovoking TED Talks on sustainability to enlightening presentations by guest speakers, the morning was brimming with inspiration and learning opportunities.

In the afternoon, under the warm sun, families indulged in a plethora of festival-style activities and sports. From the rhythmic melodies of BIYAND’s performance to the laughter echoing through the Eco Enterprise area games and the excitement of the FI recycled cars competition, there was something for everyone.

Creativity flourished as attendees decorated sock puppets and planting pots, explored the intricate world of cells under our microscopes, and indulged in sensory play with animal tuff trays and playdough. Sports enthusiasts engaged in friendly matches of football, volleyball, and dodgeball, while sustainability champions traded used football boots and shirts at our SWAP shop.

Parents browsed the sustainable offerings at our souq or delved into the world of literature at our Book Fair and used books sale, each purchase contributing to our collective commitment to a greener future.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating our shared humanity and our planet’s well-being. Together, we are paving the way towards a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

Tanzania trip to support Seeway project

At the beginning of March, 39 Year 10 students and 5 teachers travelled to Tanzania for a trip of a lifetime. The aim being to support the local NGO Seeway in their service mission: ‘Bringing hope to the new generation’, the staff and students returned to Abu Dhabi with full hearts and memories to last a lifetime.

The trip had challenges, both physical and emotional, but this didn’t stop our incredible Year 10s. They embraced every moment. Two days of the trip was spent building new classrooms at Dolly Primary School. The resilience and hard work that the students showed building at the school was outstanding - mixing bag after bag of cement, brick laying, bending and cutting wire after wire, carrying heavy rocks, chiseling bricks for the windows, lifting buckets of cement, loading and moving heavy wheelbarrows, and making desks from scratch (even in the pouring rain!). They listened carefully to instructions, worked as a team, supported one another, and exceeded all expectations. The impact of their hard work and effort has contributed to reduced class sizes and more space, ensuring a better education for all students.

Another day of the trip was spent alongside Seeway’s Social Workers. Students showed utmost respect when going into the local community to build a goat shed and install a solar panel and lights for a family in need. The interactions between students and the parents and children there were considerate, thoughtful and kind. Students were taken on a walking tour of a local village and coffee plantation where they were interested to learn more about Tanzanian culture.

To experience the beauty and wildlife that Tanzania has to offer, students went on a 2-day safari in the Tarangire National Park. The students engaged brilliantly with the local guides on safari. They listened carefully and asked questions to become more knowledgeable about the wildlife that surrounded them. There were elephants, giraffes, warthogs, wildebeest, mongoose, monkeys and some groups were lucky enough to see a pride of lions!

Students spent most of their stay at Shamba Kipara camp, which was stunning; however, they spent two nights camping in smaller tents! There were a fair few bugs and the toilets weren’t their usual Abu Dhabi standard, but they just cracked on with it and laughed instead of moaned.

All that the staff and students have seen and done has now motivated us to do more. We are so grateful for all that we have, but our eyes have been opened to those who have nothing. We will be getting together in Term 3 to make a plan for fundraising. We will work closely with Rebecca and Wendy, the founders of the NGO Seeway, to identify how best we can support the incredible work and initiatives that they have in place.

Red Crescent Tarahum for Gaza Appeal

Making a Global Impact! As an international school committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we are dedicated to fostering empathy, compassion, and active citizenship in our students.

Our community once again came together donating essential items, and our Year 8 to 13 students and staff worked hard organising and packing them in boxes for the Emirates Red Crescent Tarahum for Gaza Appeal. Together, we strengthened our partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent, building on our past initiatives such as Tanzania and ‘Bridges of Giving’ for Syria and Turkey.

Your overwhelming response to our donation drive was truly heartwarming, reflecting the compassion and community spirit that defines our school. Thank you for contributing to the success of the Emirates Red Crescent Tarahum for Gaza humanitarian initiative. Together, we are making a positive impact on a global scale!

Parent CCAs

We were delighted to see so many of our BIS Abu Dhabi parents at the Term 2 Parent CCA classes this Term! From Arabic Language and Islamic Culture to our new English and rejuvenating Yoga class, we had something for everyone to get involved in.

Women in our Lives

Our Early Years children embraced the spirit of appreciation, by celebrating ‘The Women in Our Lives’!

From crafting heartfelt decorations to sharing a special breakfast, they honoured the remarkable women who inspire them every day. It was a joyous occasion filled with love and gratitude!

Parent Out & About

On Wednesday, 24th January, 22 of our parents embarked on a thrilling Boardwalk experience at Jubail Mangrove Park.

Led by expert rangers, they immersed themselves in the beauty of the park, making stops at the ‘Salt Collector’ and the breathtaking ‘Viewing Tower.’ The Parent Out & About of Term 2 was a perfect blend of fun and education!

Parent Wellbeing Workshop with Dr. Adrian Harrison

Our Inclusion Department held an insightful Parent Wellbeing Workshop with Dr. Adrian Harrison (Child & Educational Psychologist) from kidsFIRST Medical Center, to talk about ‘Anxiety Management and the Role of Parents’.

Dr. Adrian Harrison covered the relationship between anxiety and stress, what the research says, and what parents can do at home to support their children.

Parent Coffee Morning with guest speakers

End of February, our Community Group hosted a Coffee Morning for our parents. Before heading up to The Hub to begin their coffee morning, parents were able to have a preview of our spectacular IB Arts Exhibition.

After enjoying a coffee and a browse around our Used Uniform Sale, they headed into Forum 2 for a short Ramadan Blessings presentation by our Secondary students followed by a Parent Workshop on ‘Migration and Senses of Belonging in International Classrooms’ by fellow BIS Abu Dhabi Parent and Public Health Consultant, Mrs. Assia Nait Kassi.

The workshop enabled our parents to delve into how even the smallest form of migration impacts their child’s identity, making friends, and feeling at home in their international classrooms. They enacted what it means to be part of international classrooms through activities which enabled them not only to visualise the process, but also collaboratively build upon it together.

Parents left with the skills and tangible activities to be able to support their children at home.

Primary E-Safety Workshop

In January, Mrs. Haake and Mr. Zindilis were thrilled to welcome Primary parents in for an E-Safety workshop. During the interactive workshop, they delved into the digital world, exploring apps commonly used by children and shared steps to create a safer digital environment.

Feedback from the parents who attended was wonderful - they explained that they left felling informed, empowered and had actionable steps to take.

Year 10 and 11 Louvre Art Trip

Our GCSE Art & Design students embarked on a culturally enriching journey, exploring the theme of ‘Power’ through a guided tour specially tailored for their IGCSE Art & Design Externally Set Assignment.

The tour was more than just a walk through art history; it was a dive into the diverse narratives of power depicted in art. Our students engaged with artwork from around the world, each telling its own unique story.

One of the highlights was an interactive art activity where our students connected Drawing with Islamic Art. This hands-on experience allowed them to blend traditional art-making techniques with their own ideas for their projects moving forward.

The experience was not just about viewing art; it was about experiencing it, understanding its context, and relating it to our curriculum. Our students left with enriched perspectives and a renewed enthusiasm for their independent exploration of Art & Photography. It was truly a great day exploring art from all corners of the globe.

The Arts

Show-Stoppers

We had never throught Show-Stoppers would happen, in fact we had applied for numerous shows at the end of last academic year to follow on from the success of Bugsy. However, when we met our cast and crew, we very quickly realised that a regular show would just not suffice…

It was a wonderful shock in early September, to walk into our first rehearsal and discover over 150 excited students, wanting to embrace the Arts or lend a helping hand backstage.

‘Arts for All’ is an integral part of the Arts programme ethos at BIS Abu Dhabi, with every child having the opportunity to shine; therefore, everyone who wanted to be involved in the show was given a chance to shine. With so many students desperate to be involved this year, ‘Show Stoppers’ was born.

The aim of this year’s show was to create a sense of unity and ensemble. The realisation that Theatre is not about the person with the most lines or the biggest musical numbers, but about being part of something bigger. Being part of a team. Working together towards an end goal and boy, did we work hard to achieve that.

The Set-Building CCA was the perfect place to unleash creativity and hone craftsmanship skills. This year, there was a range of opportunities from designing animal masks to wood-working to constructing a car model from scratch, students all found something to captivate them! The aim was to foster imagination, inspiration,

and collaboration within our students through this CCA. Imagination was encouraged as students expressed their creativity with freedom to animate and bring their ideas to life. Inspiration was a given as students produced phenomenal artworks from their individual muses. Collaboration was key as students worked together to compile the embellishments and appearance of the spectacular musical through painting, building, and much more! No matter the level of experience in any of these domains, students discovered new passions, acquired new skills and built invaluable friendships along the way! So, whether an aspiring architect, budding painter, or future engineer!

After six months of CCAs, weekend rehearsals, and a lot of hard work, the stage was set and we were ready for ‘curtain-up’. With big numbers from Footloose, Matilda, Aladdin, Grease, The Greatest Showman and Mamma Mia, we knew we had a show to be proud of and one that would hopefully inspire our audience to join in and sing along.

As the curtain went up, the energy in the auditorium was palpable. With every night a sell-out and the audience joining in for the final numbers, dancing and singing along to Mamma Mia, it was clear that the hard work was all worth it. As teachers, it is the moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. We were so proud of every one of the students involved in the show, they are a credit to themselves, each other and the school

IB Art Exhibition

We were thrilled to host our annual IB Visual Arts Exhibition this past month, and it was a resounding success! Parents had the exclusive opportunity to experience the pre-opening during our coffee morning, followed by the main exhibition event in the evening.

Our art students impressed visitors with their remarkable preparation, offering insights into their two-year journey and the profound thoughts behind each artwork. The exhibition featured a diverse array of paintings, installations, digital art, and more, each

Little Stars The

piece resonating with its own unique narrative. Attendees were treated to delightful nibbles and refreshments as they immersed themselves in the creativity and talent showcased by our students. We’re immensely proud of their exceptional work, and it’s no surprise that we’re now looking at exhibiting some of their pieces in Yas Mall.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special day, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate the power of artistic expression together.

Our ‘Little Stars’ from Year’s 1, 2 and 3 truly shone like stars in their performances of a ‘Musical Extravaganza’. Our students sang and danced their hearts out to various songs from children’s musicals. Songs came from shows such as The Greatest Showman, Matilda and High School Musical as well as some Disney favourites. The children have worked so hard over the last 6 months to learn the songs, actions and dances. It was wonderful to see the confidence and sense of pride in them all. They were especially excited about their matching t-shirts!

The audience of parents, teachers and children enjoyed every minute of the show. We definitely have some ‘Big Stars’ in the making!

Celebrating Remarkable Achievements at the BSME Games

Throughout Term 2, our exceptionally talented students showcased their prowess at the BSME U15, U13, and U11 Games, marking yet another season of remarkable achievements. Here’s a glimpse into our journey:

BSME U15 Games: Held in Abu Dhabi, BIS Abu Dhabi co-hosted the event in collaboration with Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. Our girls’ Netball team demonstrated sheer excellence, securing the runners-up position, while our boys displayed commendable performance in Volleyball, contributing to our overall sixthplace finish.

BSME U13 Games: With BSAK as the gracious host, the U13 Games in Abu Dhabi witnessed spirited competition among sixteen schools. Our squad’s unwavering resilience and skill propelled them to third place in boys’ Volleyball and an impressive ninth place overall.

BSME U11 Games: Hosted by Kings Al Barsha in Dubai, our students exhibited outstanding performances across various competitions. Notably, they also clinched several athletics medals, showcasing their versatility and talent on the field.

What remains consistent throughout these endeavors is the unwavering support from our parents and the relentless dedication of our students. Their commitment to preparation and performance has been truly commendable.

Looking ahead, while the department eagerly anticipates next year’s events, preparations will soon commence to ensure our students continue to shine on the BSME stage.

As we reflect on these achievements, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community for their continued support and encouragement.

Team Falcon Soaring High

Term 2 witnessed the full-fledged participation of our students in all school sporting events available. Team Falcon soared high as they engaged in a myriad of ADISSA competitions, showcasing their prowess in various disciplines:

In girls’ football, netball, and volleyball, as well as boys’ rugby, football, cricket, and volleyball, our teams displayed remarkable determination and skill.

Our incredible swim team continued to make waves, participating fervently in Primary and Secondary swim galas.

The term was marked by outstanding successes, with several of our teams clinching ADISSA leagues, galas, and end-of-season tournaments.

What’s particularly inspiring is the burgeoning number of students representing Team Falcon, reflecting the growing interest and enthusiasm for sports within our community.

The evenings have been bustling with activity, with students diligently preparing through training sessions in Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) or eagerly anticipating the commencement of their fixtures at 4 p.m.

The remarkable improvement in our teams’ performance is a testament to the dedication of our students in training, the delivery of exceptional sessions by our staff, and the increasing number of students extending their sporting journeys by joining clubs outside of school.

These additional competitive experiences not only enhance their sporting prowess, but also contribute significantly to their overall development as individuals.

As we celebrate these achievements, let’s continue to nurture and support the sporting aspirations of our students, fostering a culture of excellence and sportsmanship within Team Falcon.

Duathlon

In January, over 250 athletes raced, cycled and raced again to the finish line in our biggest Duathlon yet! Massive congratulations to every athlete who took part and received their medal and ‘goody bag’ for their outstanding achievement.

The celebration didn’t stop there – as families gathered at the Welcome Back BBQ.

A big thank you to our wonderful staff and Community Group for organising this great event!

Triathlon

In February, we hosted our annual BIS Abu Dhabi Triathlon!

Athletes from Year 3 onwards participated. Our amazing CAS student volunteers helped in the swimming pool and transition zones, providing guidance on the course. Staff volunteers marshalled the event, and the Community Group supported, keeping everyone refuelled by running the snack shop and arranging the goody bags.

All athletes participated in swimming, cycling, and running. The course varied in distance depending on the year group.

Every athlete gave a dedicated performance, and managed to complete the toughest last part, the run, supported by a crowd of parents clapping and cheering them on. Upon crossing the finish line, each athlete was awarded a participation medal.

Congratulations to all involved!

Sports Week

Sports Week was an exhilarating showcase of athleticism and fun across all year groups, from Early Years to Year 13. The events provided students with the opportunity to compete for their respective houses, earning valuable points contributing to the overall house tally.

Throughout the week, our students enthusiastically participated in a diverse range of athletics events, showcasing their skills, determination, and sportsmanship. From sprinting to long jumps, the dedication and spirit on display were truly commendable.

Thank you to all our parents who embraced the atmosphere, cheering on our students with unwavering support. Your presence created a wonderful environment for our young athletes to thrive, fostering a sense of community and encouragement.

After 5 days of intense competition, we were delighted to congratulate Willow House for emerging as the overall winners of Sports Day Week.

Well done to all our students for their hard work and dedication, they embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play throughout the week. Each student’s contribution made Sports Week a memorable and successful event for our school community.

We can’t wait to celebrate more exciting House sporting events and successes in the future.

GCSE PE Rock Climbing Moderation

North Star Camp, Dibba

Year 10 and 11 IGCSE PE students travelled to the North Star Camp in Dibba to complete their Rock Climbing Practical Moderation. Students completed the activity, which will count towards one of their three assessed PE activities at IGCSE level.

The course covered key components of rock climbing, ranging from rope management, knot tying, climbing safety, ground anchoring, belaying and communication, and climbing and bouldering techniques to climb effectively.

The students made tremendous progress in their climbing ability over the 4-day course, enabling them to gain high scores towards their PE assessment. The students were led by 3 experienced climbing instructors from North Star, Nathan (Lead Instructor), Brad and Luke. Their support was outstanding allowing the students to really push themselves and challenge new heights.

It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to not only gain a score for their IGCSE, but it gave an opportunity to develop a new skill set and bond with their PE group. Joe from Year 10 said he would like to continue Rock Climbing as he enjoyed this opportunity so much and did not realise before how exciting Rock Climbing is.

Mr. Givens and Ms. Barnes were very proud of the way the students conducted themselves over the course, they were great ambassadors for BIS Abu Dhabi.

BSAK 7s

In January, we had a fantastic time at Zayed Cricket Stadium for the BSAK 7s Tournament!

Congratulations to our Team Falcon Under 19 Girls’ Football Team, who won the tournament. Also congratulations to our U19 boys’ Football team, who played tremendously. They were unfortunate not to make the final, but without a doubt, they are a very talented group of footballers.

A special mention to all our footballers who participated in BSAKs 7s. It was wonderful to see our Team Falcon players competing in every age group.

Senior Swim Team Gala

Mr. Cocker, Principal, and Swim Coach Coralie brought together our Team Falcon Senior Swim Team to celebrate their outstanding success in the first Term 2 Swimming Gala held at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, 16th January.

Our Falcon Senior swimmers competed against Cranleigh, Canadian International School, Repton, and Al Yasmina. Despite some swimmers being unable to compete due to prior commitments, nothing could stop Team Falcon!

Results for the relay races were impressive:

U13 GIRLS:

3rd Medley Relay

U13 BOYS:

2nd Freestyle Relay

3rd Medley Relay

U15 GIRLS

(all under 13 years old):

3rd Freestyle Relay

3rd Medley Relay

U17 BOYS:

2nd Freestyle Relay

2nd Medley Relay

U19 GIRLS:

1st Freestyle Relay (2 of these girls swim in U17 age group)

1st Medley Relay

U19 BOYS:

1st Freestyle Relay (2 of these boys swim U17 and 1 swims U15 age group)

1st Medley Relay

In the Individual Races:

19 swimmers secured 1st place

9 swimmers claimed 2nd place

6 swimmers achieved 3rd place

The Team Falcon Secondary Swimming Team emerged as the overall winners in the Gala, beating the school in 2nd place by a whopping 102 points!

The team demonstrated determination, resilience, and unwavering support for each other. They truly worked as a united team and emerged victorious!

Where are they now?

BIS Abu Dhabi Graduate Lina El Rasheed

Class of 2018

What made BIS Abu Dhabi special for you?

The IB programme at BIS Abu Dhabi was the best thing for me to prepare for university. I moved to Abu Dhabi from Norway, where climate-wise, these countries are opposites, but the international culture at BIS Abu Dhabi made my time there incredibly special, meeting people from all types of backgrounds.

Which school club, activity, trip, or project inspired you the most?

I absolutely loved being the Football Team captain and coaching the girls’ and boys’ teams in the younger years. I have always loved football, and it was an incredible experience to have these opportunities. However, the most inspiring trip was when I was lucky to be the student ambassador for the school at the first Global Goals Summit at the UN in NYC. It was one of the best experiences of my life to participate in MUN and workshops at the UN and UNICEF and to get the experience of delivering a speech at the gala dinner about the Sustainable Development Goals.

What is the most important lesson you learned at BIS Abu Dhabi?

The most important lesson I learned is that I am tougher than I thought and how important it is to never give up. Even though I struggled with my grades in the first year of IB, I worked hard to make sure that I could improve and ensure that I continued even through hardship. My first test of this was a physical one when I decided to do the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and went hiking in the desert in Sharjah. I was at the back of the group for the first day as I had never experienced such heat when hiking and never hiked on sand where I would be sinking with each step. I was close to giving up and felt embarrassed that I was behind, but on the second day, I did much better and caught up.

What ambitions did BIS Abu Dhabi inspire in you?

I have met so many amazing and different people who have inspired me to make sure I stay ambitious, I hope and aim to help and inspire people in the same way one day, no matter what shape and form that takes.

Which university and degree did you choose, and why?

I studied Biomedical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in 2022 because I always loved biology in school, and IB higher level biology was the perfect preparation for this. I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Neuroscience at University College London, which I decided to do after completing an internship in a neuroscience research group.

How did the IB help your experience at university?

The IB is a difficult and rigorous programme that ensures you work hard if you want to pass and achieve good grades. Doing chemistry and biology at a higher level is excellent preparation for pursuing a science degree at university as it pushes you to engage with more advanced scientific content than other Senior School programmes.

What has been your proudest moment since graduating?

Graduating from the University of Edinburgh is the proudest moment of my life as I completed my degree even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. After that, I was delighted to be accepted into such a great neuroscience programme at UCL.

What are you doing now?

Currently, I am working on my Master’s degree in London and conducting my Master’s project at the Francis Crick Institute, where I am studying glial cells in the brain.