A Message from the Associate Principal

But, on Thursday, this place was extra special for it had just hosted the graduation of our Year 13 students. They have completed the IB Diploma, an end to a phase of their education. It is a landmark in their lives, a line drawn in the sand that will serve as a pivotal point in time.

I am sure us adults can all remember our last years of schooling. I am not sure the learning that I did at the time has stuck with me. I would struggle now to complete resolution of forces and take moments in a physics test or complete integration maths problems. But what does stick is the experiences that I had, the friendships I made and the moments in time that have lasted almost 40 years. I remember doing my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition cycling through Europe. I remember playing rugby and making ‘that tackle’ that stopped the opposition from scoring, I remember the teacher taking time to help me with my chemistry that I struggled with. Moreover, I can name all my friends from this time and relive many of the fun times we had.

Our students have had some amazing experiences, some are truly inspirational like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, others might just be hanging out together and enjoying each other’s choices in music. These students have formed good friendships, they have many experiences that they will look back on with fondness. I want them all to know that wherever they go next, that we are all immensely proud of them. We will watch from afar and hope to hear how well they are doing with the next chapter of their lives. The time ahead is an exciting one and they are well prepared to enter this with confidence, knowing that they can succeed and have the skills and attributes to thrive with whatever life throws at them. I also want them to know that as a community, BIS Abu Dhabi will always be here for them. A place that not only has fond memories for them, but a place that should feel like a second home to return to as and when they feel the need.

Year 13, we will always welcome you back with open arms and be ready to offer any advice and guidance we can. Good luck! Make the most of every moment, take time to notice and revel in it, because as Mr. Lowe so eloquently spoke at your graduation, life tends to have a habit of speeding up from this point onwards. Blink, but don’t miss it. 

Alan Cocker

Associate Principal

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