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I was really touched by Áine’s newsletter piece last week, posing the question: ‘What would I tell my younger self?’

I spent some time afterwards thinking about my own parenting journey, and what it’s all been about, now that my two are adults and have ‘flown the nest’. Parenting isn’t easy for any of us, and that’s true even if you’re an experienced school leader – at home, I’m just Dad.

The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi) was deeply honoured to welcome Her Highness Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan to its campus on Thursday, 17 April 2025. Her Highness, President & CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) and The Climate Tribe, is a distinguished entrepreneur, thought leader, and researcher with a deep commitment to sustainability, climate change, and gender equity.

You might have seen the trend going around - “If I could tell my younger self one thing…” - a moment to reflect, to offer advice we wish we’d heard earlier, or to remind ourselves of what truly matters.

As students prepare to cross some of the biggest milestones in school life, it feels like the perfect time to pause and join in that conversation. But it’s not just our students who are preparing — so are we, as parents. These milestones don’t just belong to them. We’re living every part of it too: the anticipation, the pride, the nerves, and the quiet hopes. Sometimes, it’s the hardest thing in the world — to watch them take these big steps, to stay strong when they wobble, to let go just a little more. It’s a milestone for us as much as it is for them — and we’re walking it together.

Finding the right school for your child is a big decision. Whether you’re new to Abu Dhabi, transitioning from another school, or simply looking for the best fit, we know it can feel overwhelming. At The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi, we’re here to make that journey as smooth and reassuring as possible. From your very first enquiry to your child’s first day (and beyond), we’ll be with you every step of the way. This article tackles the key concerns families face when transitioning to a new school, offering clear insights into our admissions process to ensure a smooth and informed journey.

Last term was brilliant for our BIS Abu Dhabi World Scholars!

Our 2025 season kicked off during the Winter Break, with 15 students competing in the Dubai Winter Global Round. In addition to taking part in the academic challenges of writing, debate and quizzing, students also enjoyed a fun-filled scavenger hunt at Global Village. We were thrilled that 12 of our scholars qualified for the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November 2025 — an incredible achievement that we are all immensely proud of!

The season continued with our first Regional Round of the year, held in Dubai. We were delighted to see 21 students qualify for the next round. Two of our participants, Khlood in Year 7 and Anahita in Year 9, have written a personal report of the events:

At BIS Abu Dhabi we recognise that play is not just for early years—it is a vital component of learning at every stage of life. Play fuels creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, shaping curious minds that thrive in an ever-changing world. This year, we are continuing to build on the strong foundation of play in learning, further exploring how curiosity and hands-on experiences enrich education for all.

At The British International School (BIS) Abu Dhabi, we are committed to developing creativity, curiosity, compassion, collaboration, commitment, and critical thinking- also known as the Nord Anglia Education’s ‘6 Cs or ‘key learner ambitions’- in our students. As a pilot school in Nord Anglia Education’s Metacognition Research Project, we are exploring how metacognitive practices can strengthen these essential qualities. To truly develop these learner ambitions, children must first learn to think in these ways. These qualities are embedded in our Star of the Week rewards and shape the way we support children’s learning, helping them grow both academically and personally.

This follow-up article delves deeper into three of the 6Cs – curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion – offering practical ways for parents to nurture these transformative skills at home.

During my time as a headteacher and school leader, I have worked with many Muslim families and colleagues in the UK who observe the holy month of Ramadan. However, this is the first time I’ve lived and worked in a Muslim country, and I wanted to learn more about the importance of this special time of year - especially since The President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has declared 2025 as the Year of Community - and Ramadan is such an important time for the community. 

Right from an early age, parents often imagine great futures for their children, built around their interests and talents. The journey to adulthood, though, is anything but straightforward. While we all aspire to see our children succeed in fulfilling careers, the reality is nuanced, requiring a holistic approach to education and career preparation. This guide offers advice on how parents can empower their children to explore diverse interests, make informed educational choices, and develop essential skills for future success.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right."   - Henry Ford

Belief is a powerful force. As educators, we see daily how a student’s confidence - whether strong or fragile - shapes their learning journey. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or on stage, students thrive when they believe in their ability to succeed. As a Drama teacher, I often see this in action - students stepping outside their comfort zones, taking risks, and growing in confidence. But this idea extends far beyond Drama; it is fundamental to education as a whole.

Inspired by the latest Nord Anglia INSIGHTS article exploring why the Early Years are the most important years of a child’s education, we know that a child’s most significant learning happens during this time - in ways that are not always immediately visible.