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Having two children myself, I often wonder how given the same experiences, opportunities and lifestyle that they are so different. They can hold opposing views on just about everything and to the outsider, you would never know that they were siblings. Whilst this is not always the case in families, it does serve as a reminder that regardless of the experience we expose our children to, their own interests and passions will ultimately dictate the path they decide to follow.
My eldest child was obsessed with building and dismantling things from a very young age, and constantly asked questions about the shapes of buildings and why was section X constructed to look like that. Twenty plus years later, it came as no surprise to us when he qualified as an Architect. My daughter decided to play on a boys football team from a very young age because she wanted to play football. The coach of the team allowed her to play, and supported her passion for sports. She now holds a Sports Science Degree and will qualify as a PE teacher in the coming weeks. Each of their passions has ultimately determined the type of degree they studied, and ultimately the career they will follow in the future.
Some of the choices our children make and their interests may not always be aligned with our own experiences or thinking, yet we should be open minded enough to accept these differences, their individuality and do everything possible to support their passions in order to help them move forward.
I listened with interest to our IB students recently as they prepared to leave school for the last time before embarking on the next chapter of their lives. The range and breadth of subjects they were each pursuing exemplified how different people have different strengths and passions which should be celebrated. The students themselves acknowledged that the greatest debt of gratitude they felt was to their parents who had nurtured and supported them throughout, preparing and enabling them to chase their dreams. A timely reminder for us all to embrace individuality, celebrate differences and do everything we can to nurture and encourage passion because who knows where it will lead to.
Mr. Wolfe,
Vice 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.
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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