Graduation 2022

Graduation 2022 With the sad passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, it seemed unlikely that the school would be able to hold this year’s Graduation Ceremony. However, with permission granted at the eleventh hour, staff had just enough time to pull together a slightly adapted version of the previously planned event, now in the school’s Main Hall rather than Abu Dhabi University auditorium. With the sad passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, it seemed unlikely that the school would be able to hold this year’s Graduation Ceremony. However, with permission granted at the eleventh hour, staff had just enough time to pull together a slightly adapted version of the previously planned event, now in the school’s Main Hall rather than Abu Dhabi University auditorium.

Having put on their gowns, hats and sashes, students joined their parents and teachers for light refreshments in the Drama Studio. Many took advantage of the professional photographer to have formal family photos or friendship group photos taken. Patrick Horne, Principal opened the ceremony, welcoming parents and graduating students and then Rachel Batty, Head of Senior School, introduced each of the students in turn as they came on stage to be awarded their graduation certificate and receive academic awards.

Some of the graduating students have been at BIS Abu Dhabi for a considerable number of years with students such as Hamda having started on the very first day of the school opening 13 years ago, while others have been here for at least the last two years. Some have decided to take gap years to complete internships and gain some relevant experience before going to study, while others are heading straight to university to study subjects such as Business Administration, Law, Physiotherapy, Hospitality Management, Geography and (particularly popular this year) Computer Science. As always, our students have offers from universities all around the world, from the University of Toronto, Canada, New York University in the US, Imperial College London and London School of Economics in the UK to The University of New South Wales in Australia, Otago University in New Zealand, The University of Groningen in the Netherlands and closer to home The American University of Sharjah in the UAE.

While the school was unable to have any musical items, four of our graduating students recited the Poem ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling. Thanks go to Christian, Rumesa, Inshirah and Mahra for agreeing to perform at late notice. Oliver spoke brilliantly on behalf of the students, reflecting on these last two tumultuous years and considering with excitement the endless possibilities that lie ahead of them all, before Christopher Lowe, Head of Secondary, concluded proceedings with a similarly uplifting message of hope. Finally, it was time for the tassel to be moved from right to left which signifies the moment students officially become graduates and with a final cheer and fling of caps into the air, it was all over.

Congratulations Class of 2022 and good luck on Results Day: 6^th July!