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My name is Oliver and I am in Year 11. When people meet me they ask where I’m from. My dad originated from Laos but lived in Australia and my mum is from the UK. I was born in Hong Kong and moved to Phuket, Thailand when I was 15 months. Island living taught me how to surf, sail, wakeboard and climb coconut trees and spending my primary years outside is one I am very grateful for.
I started BIS Abu Dhabi in Year 8 and on reflection I am amazed at how much I have accomplished through the school motto ‘Be Ambitious’. I have learnt new sports in rugby and cricket, I take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, I have participated in the whole school productions, Les Misérables, being the highlight of last year. I had the adventure of a lifetime in Tanzania where I collaboratively raised funds prior to the trip, which enabled our group to build goat pens and buy goats.
Academically, my teachers have inspired me with their passion in their subjects, which in turn made my IGCSE selection easy. I am working hard at school and home to get good results for my own self -achievement.
At the weekends, I am often wakeboarding, either learning a new trick or improving an existing one. I also volunteer at Cloud 9 pet hotel and vets, where I feed the exotic birds and work alongside the vets with the cats and dogs.
I always like to set myself a goal and this year’s goal is to attain my ski and snowboarding instructors course.
Be Ambitious!
Oliver, Year 11
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.
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.
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