Following in the footsteps of our 7 global ambassadors who took part in Nord Anglia Education’s expedition alongside students from 18 of our school worldwide last year, I headed to our Shamba Kipara expedition camp for our annual senior leadership conference.
Alongside our usual gathering of 31 Principals and senior members of our education team the days spent were an opportunity to experience the opportunities our students will have when they visit this unique setting and how we can develop the experience further through community projects.
Highlights of the trip were visiting the local school, enhanced by the hard work of our students last year when the classrooms were painted to provide a more stimulating appealing learning environment. The warm welcome bestowed on us by the staff and students was truly heart -warming. Additionally we spent time at the local orphanage, following in the footsteps of our students we spent the afternoon playing simple activities such as Uno cards and thinking how we can engage our students with this group of children further this year. One of the ongoing community projects is the building of a free library and computer area, this will certainly be a project our CAS students will be involved in during their visit.
Around 20 BISAD sixth form students will visit Tanzania in February, joining students from our school in Houston, Boston, Warsaw, and our Swiss schools amongst others. Our students will partake in service activities and have the opportunity to go on Safari and visit Zanzibar. The facility and resources at the camp is truly unique and I certainly welcome the opportunity for our students to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity to act as global citizens.
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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