Message from the Principal: Success in the Final Term

Firstly, may I wish Ramadan Kareem to all members of our community. I hope you are all enjoying and benefitting from the peace, the sharing and the reflection of the Holy Month.

As we begin the summer term of this academic year, may I welcome back all BIS Abu Dhabi families for this new term. Also, a very warm welcome to all the new families that have joined the school this week. I am sure that you and your children will have a happy and successful time as part of the BIS Abu Dhabi family.

I referred to the summer term above. Seasonal differences in the UAE are not always as stark as in some countries, and although we may not quite have winters here, the summer temperatures are increasingly evident right now!

The summer term in British education is always the term where senior students undertake their final examinations. For all of us adults, we went through this process and we know the difference this makes to our future academic and career directions in life. The grades our students have achieved in recent years have been truly outstanding and we know this year’s IB and IGCSE students are on course to do the same. We offer them all our support and best wishes as they approach this important time in their lives.

Although the senior students may face external exams, the term ahead is also the time for reaching highest achievements for all of our students. Every student, no matter what age, will have learnt so many things and made great progress so far this academic year. This final term is that opportunity to bring it all together, to demonstrate that success and to ensure they are perfectly prepared for next year too.

This term of achievement applies not only to academics, but also to so many other aspects. In particular, the BISAD Diploma offers that structure so that all students can aim for great success across all aspects of their education. Whether it is CCAs or Service activities or leadership opportunities, the students can make sure they develop and succeed across all areas of school life. Please discuss this with your children and help them to aim for the silver or gold awards which reflect that full contribution and participation in all they undertake.

Our school is such a pleasure to be part of, helping the learning for students of all ages. Some students learnt to read this year and others gained a greater understanding of molecular biology or poetry perhaps. Whatever their ages and achievements to date, with the ongoing support of staff and parents our students have the opportunity ahead this term to reach even greater heights.

Patrick Horne