The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is Abu Dhabi’s leading British not-for-profit, co-educational day school. From Nursery to A Level (3 – 18) our dynamic school culture offers students an enriching experience and outstanding results.
OUR VISION
Building on our unique local heritage, we will provide a world-class British education, inspiring all our students to exceed expectations.
OUR VALUES
Empathy and Care | Respect and Inclusivity
Honesty and Integrity | Endeavour and Resilience
YEAR 11 PASTORAL HANDBOOK
2024/2025
CONTENT
P02 BSAK’s Vision and Values
P04 Assistant Head Welcome
P05 Wellbeing One Stop Shop
P06 Meet Your Head of Year
KINDLY CLICK ON THESE HYPERLINKS
Code of Conduct Mental Health and Wellbeing
Safeguarding House System
Term Dates and Timings
Google Classroom and Devices
Uniform
Nursing Handbook
Transport Parking and Traffic
Communications - Parent Portal
Library
MELS
Communications - Social Media
Inclusion
Stationery
WELCOME FROM THE ASSISTANT HEAD
Dear Parents,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you and your child to Year 11 here at BSAK. The aim of this booklet is to supply you with the essential, practical information you need to get a smooth start to the academic year.
Year 11 is obviously a very important year for all students. For many, it is their first opportunity to show us what they are really capable of academically in the external GCSE exams.
We believe the support our students receive from their teachers, tutors and head of year give them the very best opportunity to exceed our expectations and achieve what they are truly capable of.
While it is vital that we work together to support our students to give their best in the exams, we believe in still maintaining a healthy balance between exam preparation and growing from the experiences they are offered alongside the curriculum, preparing them for life beyond GCSE’s.
The opportunities they receive outside of the curriculum are vast, through Moral Education and Life Skills lessons, tutor time and assemblies, co-curricular activities and many more, we aim to see our students grow into well rounded young people who embody our BSAK values of Empathy & Care, Endeavour & Resilience, Honesty & Integrity and Respect & Inclusion. In order for this to be possible we believe it is essential to work in a meaningful, positive partnership with parents and I would like to thank you all in advance for your support this year.
Ms Nichola Cooper Assistant Head ncooper@britishschool.sch.ae
WELLBEING PADLET ONE STOP SHOP
Last academic year BSAK launched our Wellbeing One Stop Shop which is accessible on the parent portal. Each month we added new materials associated with one of three topics; Inclusion, Digital Safety and Wellbeing. We will be continuing to do this so keep an eye out on our BSAK facebook page.
Below you can find examples of content already there. Please take some time to look through, it is a resource for parents so if you have any suggestions on topics you want including contact me on ncooper@britishschool.sch.ae
Inclusion A spotlight on Neurodiversity with a focus on Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism
A spotlight on anxiety, depression, OCD and ODD
How to support your child with trauma or bereavement
Digital Safety Back to school online safety tips
Guidance on how to monitor and restrict internet usage at home
Digital Safety Information booklet for parents with guidance on apps
Guidance surrounding AI
Online Gaming Safety Tips and ESports Parent Guide
Wellbeing Strategies to help your tween or teen identify and process emotions
How to boost your child's self esteem
How to help your child develop resilience and prevent exams anxiety
How to manage conflict with your tween or teen
MEET YOUR HEAD OF YEAR
Dear Parents,
I am delighted to be given the opportunity to follow this wonderful year group into Year 11.
I have been really impressed with the growing levels of maturity across the year group over the past year. The independence and enthusiasm they displayed during Work experience and their end of year exams fills me with great confidence for their success in this important year. Whilst much of this year will be focused on getting them GCSE ready there is still opportunity for fun, leadership and decision making.
In form times we will provide a chance for students to build on their study skills that were looked at during this year, continue our house competitions and also look to prepare them for Sixth Form. Part of this preparation will involve a Sixth Form Information Evening and a Taster Day for the students. I would encourage all of you to attend this information evening as it will provide you with an understanding of what our Sixth Form has to offer and the entry requirements for students.
Students will also have another opportunity to experience what external exams are like with their Mock Exams. These are designed to be as similar to the real thing as possible. Students gained a taste of this through their experience of exams in Year 10. During the Mock exams, they will have study leave and a Mock Exams Results Day. This has worked really well in the past for preparing our students for their GCSE exams in the summer.
There will also be opportunities for our Year 11 students to plan and contribute towards events that acknowledge the end of their time as Secondary students as they transition into Sixth Formers in 2025/26.
I look forward to working with you all when students return in Year 11.
Mr Sonny Zimmer
Head of Year 11 szimmer@britishschool.sch.ae
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