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On behalf of everyone connected with the school, may I first welcome all the new families who have joined us at BIS Abu Dhabi this term. Starting remotely won’t be ideal but we all look forward to welcoming you in person in a couple of weeks’ time. The school staff and the parent groups will be only too happy to help you and your children however we can in order that you can make the most of our school.
I hope that everyone has had a good start in these first couple of days. It would have been wonderful to see you all in school but we trust and follow the guidance of the authorities. Sunday, January 17th will be a very special day when we can welcome everyone back in school again and it is one we are all looking forward to.
Over the holiday our senior students have received some exciting University offers and we look forward to sharing these with you in the coming weeks. Even for our Primary families, it is nice to hear about the success of the older students. I am sure many fellow parents will tell you that even if exams and Universities seems a long way off now it will come around very quickly!
Learning throughout school is a journey that lasts about 15 years for most people – from the age of 3 through to 18. The curriculum is planned to increase in breadth and challenge as students get older and I know that many will have begun this term with exciting new topics. We should never forget the joy of learning and of discovering new things - there is a great deal of wonder to behold throughout school life and it is such a privilege to share this with young people.
My thanks as ever to all parents for their support throughout their children’s time at school and for enjoying the joy and wonder of learning alongside them.
Patrick Horne,
Principal
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.
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