BIS
ABU DHABI
Term 3 2024
Issue #14
Our students excelled during the World Scholar’s Cup weekend
We bid farewell to our Year 13s in a memorable IBDP Graduation
Our Arabian Nights Dance Production wowed the crowd
PRINCIPAL‘S WELCOME BIS ABU DHABI TIMES
I am thrilled to share the highlights of Term 3 of the 2023-24 academic year, showcasing our vibrant community spirit and diverse accomplishments.
This term was filled with engaging theme days that brought learning to life. Year 6s’ Titanic Day allowed students to experience life aboard the Titanic. Nursery's ‘What I want to be when I grow up’ Day had our youngest students dressed as their future selves, from doctors to astronauts, engaging in fun, hands-on activities. Year 2s’ Marvellous Medicine Day, inspired by Roald Dahl's book, involved children concocting imaginative potions and exploring the history of medicine.
Our Year 13 students marked the end of their school journey with heartfelt celebrations. An afternoon tea allowed them to express gratitude to staff and share memories, while the highlight was their graduation ceremony, a joyous event celebrating their achievements and the close-knit community they have formed. The emotional speeches, musical performances, and the joy among students, parents, and teachers made it a memorable occasion.
The term was rich with community events that fostered unity and support, too. Tanzania Day was a vibrant success, raising substantial funds for our partner charity, Seeway. Parent coffee mornings featured insightful workshops on personality traits, metacognition, and digital safety,
strengthening the connection between parents and the school. Our ancillary staff were honoured with a special luncheon, recognising their invaluable contributions.
Our Team Falcon Swim Team secured 8th place out of 32 schools at the BSME Swimming Championship, and our junior swimmers shone at the ADISSA Finals, winning numerous medals. Students were also recognised for their sports achievements during the annual Sports Awards Assemblies.
In the arts, our students shone brightly. The Open Mic Finale showcased the musical talents of both Primary and Secondary students, while the Nord Anglia Performing Arts Festival in Dubai offered students an inspiring weekend of music, dance, and drama workshops. Our annual dance production, ‘Arabian Nights’, featured over 200 students performing mesmerising routines inspired by Middle Eastern themes. Finally, BISAD's Got Talent wrapped up the term by highlighting our students’ diverse talents with impressive acts that truly captivated the audience.
As we conclude Term 3, I am filled with pride for the achievements and growth we have witnessed across our school. I wish everyone a restful summer break and look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting academic year.
Alan Cocker Principal
Year 6 Titanic Day
As part of their Term 3 topic, Year 6 had an amazing Titanic Day! Experiences ranging from Ceilidh dancing in steerage with the 3rd class, playing games from the era in 2nd class, to dining in the opulent 1st class restaurants, life aboard the ship was truly brought to life.
The attention to detail with the students’ outfits deserves a special mention, as it added to the immersive experience. It was a memorable day for everyone involved that helped students connect with the past in a meaningful way!
Year 5 Olympics Re-Enactment
To kick off their new writing unit, Year 5 students travelled back in time to witness one of the most incredible spectacles ever - the first Olympic Games! The spectators enjoyed the 200m dash, pankration, and discus throw! Talented athletes (and amateurs) took part and there were some surprising results. All competitors demonstrated their incredible speed and strength, though the fan favourite, The Baker, dominated the running event displaying incredible speed. Full of excitement, the children returned to their classrooms to read and analyse news articles to prepare for becoming journalists themselves.
Nursery What I Want To Be When I Grow Up Day
To celebrate the end of Nursery’s ‘People Who Help Us’ topic, students came to school dressed as what they want to be when they grow up.
We had doctors, nurses, police officers, mummies, astronauts, and so many more. Throughout the day, the children became firefighters to complete a physical challenge, rescued a cat, then put out a fire, and did loads more fun, exciting things!
Year 2 Marvellous Medicine Day
Inspired by the classic Roald Dahl children’s book, George’s Marvellous Medicine, the children in Year 2 dressed up as scientists and medical professionals, and let their world of imagination come to life.
This term, they have begun to learn about the history of medicine in class and spent the day exploring and creating their own marvellous ‘medicine’.
Using a range of different ingredients, the children mixed up their own cure for a range of ailments – from a poor patient who kept using all the wrong adjectives, to a patient who couldn’t stop hiccupping numbers. These clever, imaginative inventors were able to create an exciting array of potions, which they then wrote up as their very own recipe!
Year 13 Last Day of School Celebrations
Year 13 marked the last day of their school years with an afternoon tea for staff and students to say thank you, farewell and good luck.
Students presented gifts to staff, exchanged heartfelt notes, and reminisced with Form Tutors over a montage of cherished memories. To cap it off, Year 12 held a clapping parade, sending Year 13 off on their final day with cheers of encouragement for their upcoming IB exams.
Year 13 Graduation
On 22nd of May, the school auditorium was filled with excitement and pride as our Class of 2024 celebrated their International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) graduation. This occasion marked a significant milestone for our Year 13 students, their proud parents, and the dedicated teachers who have supported them throughout their educational journey.
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Principal Mr. Cocker, then all rose in honour as students entered, donned in their graduation caps and gowns. With each student called to receive their diploma, the room erupted in applause, emphasising the collective sense of achievement. The moment of receiving their diplomas marked a joyous occasion, signifying years of dedication, study, and personal growth.
The event was not only a formal recognition of academic success but also a celebration of the close-knit community that has developed over the years. Parents and families beamed as they watched their children embark on a new chapter in their lives. Teachers, filled with evident pride, reflected on both the individual and collective accomplishments of the Class of 2024.
After the graduates received their diplomas, Katalin and Iris performed a duet of ‘Unwritten’ by Natasha Bedingfield. Their song, with its message of choosing one’s path because “the rest is still unwritten,” perfectly captured the essence of the graduates’ next chapter, and honoured the creativity and talent nurtured throughout their school years.
The ceremony closed with a speech from Year 13 student, Jasmine, who graciously represented the cohort of graduates. She reflected on their experiences, friendships, and the invaluable lessons they have learned throughout their time at BIS Abu Dhabi, which they will carry with them into the next stage of their lives.
Following the formal graduation celebrations, everyone headed to The Hub for a spread of refreshments and mouthwatering bites. Graduates, families, and teachers came together, reminiscing, capturing memories with photographs, and cherishing the moment. Laughter and joy filled the room.
Our Class of 2024 IBDP graduates are a testament to the strength, determination, and spirit of our students. As they embark on their next adventures and challenges, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and memories forged during their time at BIS Abu Dhabi, ready to make their mark on the world.
Year 12 IB Core Showcase
At the end of term, our school community gathered for the highly anticipated Senior School Showcase, an event dedicated to celebrating the impressive achievements of our IB Diploma and first BTEC students. This special occasion highlighted the core components of the IB programme, particularly focusing on the 2000-word drafts of the Extended Essays and the thoughtfully chosen TOK (Theory of Knowledge) Exhibition objects. Our students took this opportunity to reflect on their journey so far, creatively showcasing their personal achievements in CAS and their Collaborative Science Project.
In addition, we were delighted to welcome our Year 10 students, who visited as part of their induction into the programmes we offer in the Senior School. This gave them an inspiring glimpse into the future possibilities and the paths they can take. The event was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of our Year 12 students, and the invaluable support from our teachers and parents. It also demonstrated their readiness for the challenges and opportunities that await them in Year 13. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success as they progress towards their Diplomas.
Year 6 to Year 7 Transition Day
At the end of this term, our Year 6 students completed the next phase of their transition experiences in Year 7 by completing a day in the life of a Secondary student. They experienced a variety of lessons, including computer science, DT, art and humanities. These were then followed by an assembly with Mrs. Baker, where the students had an opportunity to ask any questions they were eager to know the answers to – with most questions focusing on buying food! The feedback from the students and the teachers alike was glowing, and it is clear that they are more than ready for the next step in their educational journey.
Science Fair
Our Science Fair showcased the impressive creativity and scientific curiosity of our students. Projects ranged widely: an amazing pulley system demonstrating the principles of mechanical advantage, a mirror project revealing optical illusions of symmetry, a wind tunnel used to demonstrate aerodynamics (magical according to our younger Primary students!), and a super cool maglev train showcasing modern transportation technology.
Each project reflected our students’ hard work, ingenuity and passion for science, making the event a resounding success & an inspiring experience for all who visited.
Squirrel Education
At the beginning of Term 3, our Year 3 students welcomed Ben, the co-founder of Squirrel Education, who spoke to them about the Squirrel Education app, a pioneering, fun, self-directed digital platform that teaches young people the knowledge, understanding, and habits needed to manage money and make informed financial decisions.
The Squirrel online platform is already being used by our Year 4 to 6 students, and is currently being rolled out to our Year 3 students. Through the app, our young learners are able to ‘bank’ their house points and convert them to a salary. This allows them to build savings, purchase property and transport, and settle bills and expenses in a virtual world.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, we set students up for life. That’s why we’re thrilled to collaborate with Squirrel Education and Ben, who found that basic financial literacy concepts are often misunderstood by adults in the current day and therefore, are on a mission to change the lives of the next generation through early financial education.
History of the Seven Emirates
Our Social Studies Department and students hosted The History of the Seven Emirates Showcase, featuring various student projects on the history of the Emirates throughout ancient and modern times. Our Secondary Arab and non-Arab students created models of the most renowned archaeological monuments from each Emirate and made historical magazines that included information and facts about the Seven Emirates. The students presented their information to fellow Primary and Secondary students.
Both students and teachers were impressed by the exhibition and what they learned through their journey in the history of the Seven Emirates.
Year 12 Science Internal Assessments
IB Biology, Physics, and Environmental Systems & Societies students were busy leading up to the end of Term 3, completing the data collection for their Internal Assessments. They needed to collate their own data through experiments, and secondary research, and help each other when needed.
The Internal Assessment (IA) is a critical part of the IB Science curriculum, and it is worth 20% of their grade. The Science team were proud of all the students, especially when they showed resilience and reflection even when things did not go as planned.
Headteacher's Commendation Award
Aurelia from Year 12 was nominated by Mrs. McGlue for a Headteacher’s Commendation Award this term. This award is given to students who teachers feel have gone ‘above and beyond’ what might be expected in their learning. In Aurelia’s case, Mrs. McGlue was particularly impressed with the video that she made at her own initiative to promote the new Tuesday morning girls’ rugby sessions.
Aurelia was presented with a certificate for her exceptional work and encouraged to maintain that high standard in her learning! Congratulations, Aurelia!
Headteacher's Commendation Award
Year 10 students Tim, Ibraheem, Joshua and Haaym were nominated by Mrs. O’Connor 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 their case, Mrs. O’Connor was highly impressed with the video that they made during their recent work experience to help Year 6 students navigate their way around The Arts Centre. Serving others in our community is an important part of our values at BIS Abu Dhabi and this was a fine example in action.
Headteacher's Commendation Award
Jorja was nominated by Mrs. Heptinstall-Lowe 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 Jorja’s case, Mrs. Heptinstall-Lowe (and many others!) were especially impressed with Jorja’s performance at the recent Dance Showcase. Ms Heptinstall-Lowe writes…
‘’Jorja is a wonderful leader, a role model, and an inspiration to the young girls who enjoy dance at BIS Abu Dhabi. Her leadership skills showcase exceptional communication, enthusiasm and motivation. She is knowledgeable and extremely creative in her field of choreography. Jorja is confident, reliable and an ambassador for dance at our school. She is a shining star and highly regarded in the community.’’
We all praise Jorga for her efforts and encourage her to maintain these very high standards! Congratulations.
Junior UK Mathematical Challenge
Several of our Year 6, 7, and 8 students were invited to take part in the Junior UKMT contest, where they demonstrated their impressive mathematical problem-solving abilities. We are delighted to announce that 17 of our students were awarded Gold in this contest. Mr. Lowe, Head of Secondary, awarded certificates to all the students to celebrate their hard work and commitment to excellence.
Nord Anglia Young Musician of the Year 2024
The 2024 Nord Anglia Young Musician Competition offers musicians across the Nord Anglia family the chance to compete with other talented students on a global scale. Our BIS Abu Dhabi Music Department was delighted by the number of entries this year and was incredibly impressed by the talents of our students during the first round of auditions. Those who made it through the first round were then entered into the global competition, where entries were judged by industry professionals and teachers. We would like to congratulate all of our students who worked incredibly hard in preparing for this prestigious event. The musical talent in our school is outstanding, and the judges were highly impressed.
We are incredibly proud to announce that two of our talented BIS Abu Dhabi students placed in the top three of their music category: Patricia, Year 12, was the overall winner for the secondary age group Woodwind Category, playing the flute. The runner-up for the Primary age group in the Brass/Woodwind category was Ekaterina from Year 5, playing the saxophone. Well done to everyone who took part. We look forward to building on these amazing results next academic year!
MIT Winners
We are so proud of our two Year 11 students, Diana and Leena, who have won places in this year’s MIT Student Trip to Boston in October 2024. Their achievement is particularly notable given the exceptional quality of entries received from not only our school, but from schools around the world. The selection panel was thoroughly impressed by the ingenuity and insight demonstrated in their submissions.
World Scholar’s Cup
On the 26th and 27th April, BIS Abu Dhabi had a visit from the World Scholar’s Cup, who held a competition for our students. We had 55 students participating over the course of the two days in a range of academic competitions.
On the first day, Friday, students were welcomed by Michelle from the World Scholar’s Cup. First up was the writing challenge. Students were given just over an hour to create a response to one of a range of thought-provoking writing prompts. This challenged their creativity as well as their academic prowess. In this, they were able to get support from their teams who could give them feedback to help them improve their work. However, they were on their own for the scholar’s challenge: an individual quiz where students have to answer 120 multiple choice questions in just under an hour!
After this, students were back in their teams for the final event of the day: debate. The standard was exceptionally high, with BIS Abu Dhabi staff and IB students (who were drafted in to judge) deeply impressed by the quality of our debaters.
Saturday began with the alpaca balance challenge. Randomly selected students had to balance with a toy alpaca on their head while attempting to dance, limbo, and give each other high fives! Well done to Marc, whose gravity defying skills were rewarded with a large stuffed alpaca.
Next, the Scholar’s bowl began. This was a team clicker quiz where students had to answer questions on a huge range of topics – often with 20 seconds or less to answer! During the bowl, scholars were given a small toy alpaca and had to take the alpaca oath while balancing it on their heads.
After lunch, there was a talent showcase followed by the closing ceremony. Our students performed brilliantly. Notable achievements included:
• Neil (Y9): Overall 1st Place Individual, 1st Place in the Scholars’ Challenge (Jac Khor special award)
• Maahi, Ann and Advika (Y8): Overall 1st Place Team, 1st Place Team Debate
• Chaen, Ankita and Lucky (Y8): 1st Place Team Challenge
• Neil, Tanush and Sari (Y9): 1st Place Team Writing
• Faris and Agastya (Y8): 1st Place Scholar’s Bowl
• Nouryah (Y9): 1st Place Individual Writing
• Maahi (Y8): 1st Place Debate, 2nd Place Individual
• Amro (Y6): 1st Place Cria Scholar
• Christian (Y9): 1st Place Asimov Award
A huge thank you is also due to our IB Volunteers (Fraser, Jack, Adam and Sarah) who helped with the running of the event on Friday and acted as debate judge. Thank you also to Ben, Athikha, Sanskriti and Adithya, our KS3 volunteers who were invaluable throughout the weekend!
Year 10 Work Experience Week
Year 10 students had an exciting week in Term 3, embarking on their work experience journey across Abu Dhabi and the UAE. From schools to businesses, hospitals to garages, hotels to offices, our students were immersed in real-world environments, gaining invaluable insights into various industries.
We are thrilled to report that our students received commendations for their exemplary attitude and effort. Employers were impressed by their professionalism and dedication, noting the fantastic impressions they made during their time in the workplace.
One notable aspect of this experience is the diligence with which our students tracked their progress. Their work experience diaries were filled with reflections and observations, showcasing their commitment to learning and growth.
We welcomed our students back into school, where they then had the opportunity to share their experiences with the rest of the year group, offering insights and inspiration for future endeavours.
To our Year 10 students, we commend you for your hard work and enthusiasm throughout your work experience week. Your dedication serves as a shining example for your peers, and we look forward to seeing the impact of your experiences as you continue your educational journey.
The Spiritual Journey Al-Hajj
The Hajj holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. It is the most significant Islamic pilgrimage, a journey that draws Muslims closer to their faith and their Creator. Every Muslim, who is physically and financially able, is required to undertake this journey at least once in their life.
The result of a successful Hajj is rich inner peace, which is manifested outwardly in the values of justice, honesty, respect, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, and empathy. These values, all attributes of God Almighty, are indispensable if we truly want to get along in this world.
Our Year 6 students completed a Hajj Simulation event here at the school. It was a great way to teach our students, step by step, how to perform Hajj in a fun and engaging way. The event provided a spiritually enriching experience for both parents and students, allowing everyone to feel the Hajj atmosphere and reflect on the values of this great occasion.
Quran Competition
We were honoured to host the annual Quran Competition between BIS Abu Dhabi and our sister school NAS Abu Dhabi! This inspiring event saw 50 students from the two schools participating across 5 different sections, allowing students of all memorisation levels to take part. The competition emphasises the importance of reciting, memorising, and living by the spirit of the Holy Quran.
Well done to all students who participated and showcased their dedication and hard work, as they have been diligently preparing for this since Term 1. Every participant is a winner, Insha’Allah, in front of Allah (SWT). We pray that Allah (SWT) guides our students in understanding the meaning and relevance of each ayah they have memorised.
Year 12 Spanish celebrate 'Feria de Abril'
At the end of April, our Year 12 Spanish IB students had a fantastic time experiencing the famous ‘Feria de Abril’! Held annually in Seville, Spain, just two weeks after Easter, this vibrant festival features flamenco music, traditional costumes, bullfights, and more! Students presented la comida (food), la decoración (decorations), la ropa (clothes), and la mÚsica (music) to their class and some younger native spanish speakers, creating a great opportunity to explore and experience Spanish culture while practising the language.
NAE UNICEF Student Summit
In June, three of our amazing students - Tia and Renad from Year 12 and Turkan from Year 10 - took part in the NAE UNICEF summit in Houston, Texas.
They had an amazing time attending several workshops and educational excursions, focusing on achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and stepping up their efforts to create change in their local communities. On the final day, Renad, Tia, and Turkan presented two solutions to their chosen problem statement: 'Climate/environmental policy lacks meaningful youth engagement', with confidence:
• ‘Desert Guardians: A desert cleanup initiative’, aimed at reducing plastic waste in the desert and protecting camels from plastic consumption.
• ‘Switch off and Save: Saving energy and our planet by reducing the number of idling cars’.
Their proposals were admired by UNICEF staff and their peers for their achievability, and they are looking forward to actioning these plans next year!
Splash
Day
Nursery to Year 3 celebrated the end of term with an exciting Splash Day! The sun was shining, the water was refreshing, and the activities were full of fun! The younger years had a playground filled with paddling pools, water slides, sprinklers, water toys, bubbles, and much more! While Year 2 and 3 had a blast with their teachers, in the school pools. It was the perfect way to expend energy and cool off as summer holidays approach.
Year 5 Academic Competition
This term, a group of our Year 5 students competed to win a spot on our BIS Abu Dhabi school team for the upcoming NASDOWN Cup!
Thirteen talented individuals battled it out, completing KenKens, spelling challenges, and countdown questions. After an intense and thrilling competition, two winners emerged victorious, ready to represent BIS Abu Dhabi in Dubai!
Congratulations to Abdullah and Rehaan, and a huge well done to all our amazing competitors!
Tanzania Day
Tanzania Day was a vibrant success with students dressing in the colours of the Tanzanian flag - black, yellow, blue, and green - and contributing 10 dirhams each, with many generously donating more. Throughout the day, we hosted three exciting fundraising activities:
• Tanzania Tuck Shop: Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we sold an array of homemade treats.
• Face Painting: Students enjoyed getting small designs painted, including the Tanzanian flag and various animals, for 5-10 dirhams.
• Pie the Teacher: This event was a highlight, where students could ‘Pie’ a teacher with a plate of cream for just 5 dirhams, generating lots of laughter and donations.
We are delighted to announce that we raised a grand total of AED 28,021.25!
All the funds raised will go to our partner charity, Seeway, to support their fantastic work in Tanzania. From feeding children at school to installing solar panels and renovating schools, every dirham makes a difference.
We are incredibly proud of our students and the entire school community for coming together to make such a positive impact. Thank you for your generosity and enthusiasm. You can learn more about Seeway’s incredible initiatives on their instagram @swtzkids.
Celebrating BIS Abu Dhabi’s Success at F1 in Schools
In June, we were one of 60 schools from across the UAE that had our student teams take part in the Yas F1 in Schools competition. We had 3 Pro teams and 3 Rookie Teams representing BIS Abu Dhabi. All our teams did amazing, and we are thrilled to share the incredible achievements of two of our Pro teams in this extremely competitive competition. Pantherion came 2nd overall, a major success! Swift Racing won the award for fastest car with a run time of 1.027 seconds—the fastest time recorded in the UAE and just 0.03 seconds off the world record!
Icelandic Adventure
A group of our IB students jetted off to Iceland, in June, for an unforgettable adventure. Damian from 12A was the group photographer and captured all the amazing sights. These included the eruption of a fissure volcano, washed-up glaciers, black sand beaches, waterfalls, ice caves, bubbling Geysirs and puffin, seal & Artic bird spotting. They also had a snorkelling adventure in ice-cold water between tectonic plates.
Parent Out & About - Painting on the Beach
Parents got creative at the last Parent Out & About event of the school year. The BIS Abu Dhabi Community group organised a ‘Painting on the Beach’ session at Alkaline, Mamsha Saadiyat.
The event was a huge success, and it’s safe to say we have some incredibly talented mums! Many were pleasantly surprised by their beautiful final results.
Parent Coffee Morning & Workshop with Susanne Pearson
In May, we welcomed Susanne Pearson, the founder and director of Sharing Parenting, to BIS Abu Dhabi for a Coffee Morning and an insightful Parent Workshop on ‘True Colours’.
Susanne engaged our parents in interactive activities that helped them explore their dominant personality traits, understand what motivates them, and learn how to communicate effectively with others.
Afterwards, everyone headed to The Hub to enjoy a coffee, catch up with one another, and browse around our Second Hand Uniform and Book sale.
Ancillary Staff Luncheon
Our Parent Community Group organised a special lunch to express our joint appreciation for the tireless dedication of our ancillary staff, who have been instrumental in caring for our school and our children throughout the entire year. We want to thank all the parents for their contributions by donating used uniforms and supporting the second-hand uniform and book sales, as well as the snack shop during events. These efforts made it possible to give back to our support staff by providing a lovely lunch and individual thank you envelopes.
To our dedicated cleaners, vigilant security team, diligent maintenance staff, skilled pool technicians, caring lifeguards, reliable bus drivers, and attentive bus monitors – we want to extend a massive thank you! Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated by the entire BIS Abu Dhabi community.
Celebrating the Men in Our Lives
Early Years welcomed their Daddies into our classrooms to celebrate the superheroes that they are!
The children had a blast making superhero masks with their dads and enjoying breakfast together. Everyone had so much fun!
Parent Coffee Morning & Metacognition Workshop
During our parent coffee morning, we were visited by Dr. Kate Erricker, the Nord Anglia Metacognition Curriculum lead, and Emily Murphy, the Nord Anglia Senior PD Lead, to introduce and provide more information about our involvement in Nord Anglia’s Metacognition Project, in collaboration with Boston College.
Dr. Kate Erricker and Emily Murphy conducted a parent workshop, focusing on introducing the concept of metacognition to parents and emphasising its significance in education. They provided insights into the ongoing research project and the core principles of metacognition in the classroom. Utilising ‘thinking routines’ developed by Harvard’s ‘Zero Thinking Project’, they engaged parents in discussions about applying metacognitive strategies to daily challenges. The session sparked insightful conversations among parents, who raised important questions and contributed to enriching discussions about the implementation of metacognitive approaches to support their children’s learning.
Student & Teacher Metacognitive Session
Our teachers switched positions during Dr. Kate Erricker and Emily Murphy’s visit, and joined some of our Year 6 & 7 students in the classroom to participate in a Metacognition Workshop.
During this session, both students and teachers were introduced to Nord Anglia’s Learner Ambitions and, with the help of a thinking routine, were analysing the importance of the different ambitions and discussed how they were significant for our ever-evolving world.
EYFS Cluster Meeting
In May, our Early Years Department welcomed fellow early years staff from schools around Abu Dhabi. This was a wonderful opportunity to network, share good practice as well as talk through current educational practices. There was a real buzz around the room, with staff from different schools exchanging their experiences, knowledge, and expertise. The discussions were followed by a tour of our department which gave us the opportunity to showcase our engaging, child centered classrooms as well as the fantastic provision our children get to experience outdoors. The meeting was extremely successful, and we look forward to meeting again in the next academic year and continuing to learn and develop together.
Parent Coffee Morning & Workshop with Mr. Barry Lee Cummings
On 11th June, we held our final Parent Coffee Morning of the 2023-24 academic year with Mr. Barry Lee Cummings, a digital strategist, delivering a thought-provoking and engaging workshop about navigating their children's digital lives. Mr. Cummings emphasised the importance of proactive parenting and avoiding the pitfalls of being clueless about what our children do online. He reminded us not to outsource parenting to digital services or schools but to take an active role in managing our children’s screen time and modeling the right behaviour as parents. He stressed the importance of cultivating open lines of communication with our children, ensuring that they feel comfortable approaching us first when an issue arises.
Open Mic
Our Music students put on a phenomenal show for the Open Mic Finale event!
This term, we have been dedicated to continuing our Open Mic lunchtimes, where students perform on stage each Wednesday with support from their friends. This has been such a great success in Secondary that we also introduced the Primary Open Mic lunchtimes. The lunchtimes have been a wonderful opportunity for students to discover, develop and showcase their talents within school, with many students performing for the first time, discovering their love of music and bringing live music and energy to lunchtimes!
Alongside this, students have also taken part in a multitude of CCAs, including Rock band, Choir, Orchestra, Ukulele group, Piano group and trumpet groups.
The Open Mic Finale was a showcase of our students' talent and dedication throughout the term. We are so proud of their passion and dedication. We can’t wait to see this new tradition continue next year!
Nord Anglia Performing Arts Festival
This term, our creative arts teachers and students headed to our sister school NAS Dubai for the Nord Anglia Performing Arts Festival.
Our students along with students from NAS Abu Dhabi and NAS Dubai united to explore the realms of Music, Dance, and Drama, delving into workshops led by industry professionals including a professional opera singer, orchestral conductor, and West End performer.
Each group passionately embraced their chosen area of either Drama, Dance, Orchestra or Choir and together worked on creating pieces inspired by meaningful themes.
Students from all 3 schools collaborated to bring their creations to life on stage, in a breathtaking performance illuminated by stage lighting and sound. The event commenced with a spellbinding concert by the National Youth Orchestra.
It was an unforgettable weekend filled with hard work, new friendships, and cherished memories. Seeing all three schools unite in such incredible teamwork was truly inspiring. Our students shone brightly, and it was an honour to support them every step of the way!
Four Notes Competition Winners
A number of our talented piano students took part in the Four Notes International Piano competition, this term. They performed exceptionally well in front of a panel of four professional judges, competing against over 100 students from around the Emirates, followed by a celebratory gala concert, watching some spectacular performances from the judges themselves.
A huge well done to all of our students, and a special mention to our award winners: Sara from 7D, who won 1st Prize in the Piano duo category, Lili from 9G, who won 3rd place in her category and Peichen from 3G, who was not only the youngest pianist in the competition, but won 1st prize in her age category!
Arabian Nights Dance Production
This year’s Arabian Nights Dance Production featured over 200 talented students from Year 3 to Year 12. They took us on a mesmerising journey through the Middle East. From Pearl Diving to Snake Charmers, Desert Foxes to Arabian Oryxes, Islamic Patterns to Sailors, Astronauts to a playful Lindy Hop, the performances were nothing short of spectacular!
BISAD’s Got Talent
Our school was alive with talent, creativity, and sheer excitement as we hosted our annual Primary and Secondary BISAD’s Got Talent. It was a spectacular showcase of the diverse skills and passions our students possess, and we couldn’t be prouder of their outstanding performances.
The Secondary Talent Show kicked off the festivities. From dance routines to musical performances, our older students wowed the audience with their confidence and enthusiasm. Each act brought something unique, reflecting the vibrant personalities and talents that make our school community so special. The Primary Talent Show followed with an incredible array of talents from our youngest students. From dramatic gymnastics sequences to impressive instrumental solos, and even an unexpected comedic surprise, the students demonstrated remarkable creativity and skill. The atmosphere in the auditorium was incredible in both shows and showcases the supportive and kind nature of our wonderful community.
These performances went beyond just showcasing talent, they were a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, as well as the encouragement and guidance from our teachers and staff. They created an invaluable opportunity for our students to showcase their talents, build confidence, and celebrate their achievements with their peers.
BSME Swimming Championship 2024
On 9th May, our BIS Abu Dhabi Team Falcon Swim Team competed in the BSME Swimming Championship 2024 at Hamdan Aquatic Centre in Dubai. Team Falcon secured 8th place out of 32 schools!
Everyone performed amazingly on this long 18hour day, showing exemplary behavior, attitude, and support for one another.
Awards from the competition:
• Stefan, Year 10: Gold in 200m
• Teddy, Year 4: Bronze in 50m Freestyle, Bronze in 50m Butterfly, 5th in 50m Breaststroke
• Arianna, Year 5: 4th in 50m Breaststroke
• Karim, Year 12: Bronze in 50m Breaststroke, Silver in 100m Breaststroke
• James, Year 12: Bronze in 100m Butterfly, 5th in 50m Freestyle, 5th in 50m Butterfly
• Samsara, Year 12: Silver in 200m Freestyle, Silver in 100m Backstroke, 4th in 50m Butterfly, 4th in 100m Freestyle
• Alma, Year 8: Bronze in 200m Freestyle
• Bronze in Boys Medley and 200m Freestyle Relay 15 & over
ADISSA Junior Swimming Championships
On 20th May 2024, we entered our junior swimmers into the ADISSA Finals Competition. Despite having a small team of just 40 swimmers, our SUPERSTARS shone brightly throughout the long, noisy day from 8am to 6:15pm, winning numerous medals and ribbons! Congratulations to all the swimmers for their incredible achievements!
Medal Winners:
• Jian, Year 5: Gold - 100IM, Silver in 50m Butterfly, 50m Breaststroke & 50m Backstroke
• Alessandro, Year 4: Gold in 25m Backstroke
• Sultan, Year 3: Silver in 25m Backstroke
• Silver - 100m Girls Freestyle Relay (6-7yrs)
• Bronze - 100m Girls Medley Relay (6-7yrs)
• Bronze - 200m Boys Freestyle Relay (10yr olds)
Juilliard visits BIS Abu Dhabi
We were thrilled to welcome Helen Tocci, our Dance Specialist from The Juilliard School, to our school this term. Helen observed our PE teachers delivering the Juilliard Creative Classroom lessons, which support the Dance programme within the PE Department here at BIS Abu Dhabi.
The Juilliard Creative Classroom is an online platform full of resources and tools that provide additional material to teachers to engage students in creative lessons with meaningful tasks and activities, along with visual images, accompanying music, and reflective dialogue.
BSME Dance
Our BIS Abu Dhabi Dance Team competed in the BSME Dance Competition held at Cranleigh.
The theme of this year's BSME Dance was ‘Into The Future’. Mrs. Lowe and 12 students from Secondary created a dance based on ‘Sands of Time’ taking inspiration from the explorer Wilfred Thesiger and his journey across the empty quarter, with movement inspired from the modern architecture of the growing Abu Dhabi City.
As dance impacts our students across the curriculum, Helen also worked with Year 5 and 6 classroom teachers who participated in workshops to understand the Juilliard philosophy.
EYFS and KS1 Swimming Showcase
Our young swimmers from EYFS and KS1 had the wonderful opportunity to showcase their swimming skills to their parents. The event was a fantastic display of the progress our students have made throughout the academic year. Parents were able to witness the learning environment firsthand and observe the high quality swimming curriculum taught by our dedicated staff.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as our students eagerly demonstrated their abilities. We extend our thanks to all the parents who attended and contributed to the positive and thriving atmosphere, making the showcase an unforgettable experience for our students.
Celebration of Sports
This term, we celebrated our sporting achievements at our Annual Sports Awards Assemblies for both Primary and Secondary. We were filled with pride as we acknowledged and celebrated our students’ contributions to sports throughout the year.
Team Falcon had an exceptional year, participating in all local ADISSA leagues and competitions, the BSME Games, individual sports, Jr NBA, BSAK 7s, and Dubai 7s.
Our CCA programme continues to grow, with an increasing participation and engagement in sports both within and outside of school.
Next year, we aim to further develop and enhance our programme. Our Term 1 Team Falcon programme will be shared soon.
What made BIS Abu Dhabi special for you?
Moving from the UK to Abu Dhabi was a big change for myself and my family. But from the first day of attending BIS Abu Dhabi, I felt supported and understood, which helped to calm a lot of the worries I had around moving schools. The atmosphere at the school always felt accommodating towards newcomers, which helped to build a strong sense of community.
Which school club, activity, trip or project inspired you the most?
The expedition to Tanzania was one of the most memorable experiences I have had to this day. Getting an insight into a nation and culture that I otherwise would have had no contact with was eye-opening, especially to teenagers who are about to venture out into the real world.
What is the most important lesson you learned at BIS Abu Dhabi?
The 5 years I spent in BIS Abu Dhabi taught me to value myself, and be proud of my achievements, while still always pushing to improve. I believe it’s important for a person to recognise how far they have come, in order for them to continue being motivated to grow further.
What ambitions did BIS Abu Dhabi inspire in you?
The students, teachers, and other staff at the school inspired me to always try to help others, as even a small gesture can make someone’s day.
Which university and degree did you choose, and why?
When I graduated in the summer of 2020, I had applied to study undergraduate medicine in the UK, but was unsuccessful. Through clearing, I got onto Applied Medical Sciences at Swansea University, and moved back to my home city. I felt interested during the 3 years of this sciencebased course, and graduated with a First Class Honours degree in the summer of 2023.
How did the IB help your experience at university?
I found the IB to be very challenging during my time at BIS Abu Dhabi, but it definitely prepared me for life at university. The Internal Assessments
(IAs) helped teach me to turn in coursework before deadlines, the exams allowed me to experiment with revision styles that work for me, and the extended essay acted as a mini dissertation. Choosing co-curricular activities that I enjoyed, showed me that even with deadlines approaching, I could still have a life outside studying.
What has been your proudest moment since graduating?
My proudest accomplishment since leaving Abu Dhabi is graduating from my undergraduate degree. The pride in this achievement comes more from the amount of work I put into the course, and seeing that pay off with the grade I was working towards, than the result itself.
What are doing now?
My desire to study medicine only strengthened during my undergraduate degree, which pushed me to apply for Graduate Entry Medicine in Swansea. In September of 2023, I started on this four year degree, which ticked off a huge dream of mine. I hope I can inspire others to not give up on their passions when they face a setback, and instead look for alternative routes or similar paths.
BIS Abu Dhabi Graduate Nathan Taylor
Class of 2020
