So we reach the end of yet another busy and successful year at the British International School Abu Dhabi. It is a time for reflection and celebration as students, parents and teachers get to relive the achievements of the year. We started the year back in September 2018… the time seems to have flown by yet so much seems to have happened!
Over the past few weeks we have had the IB Graduation, Awards Assemblies, Sports Awards evening, Primary Showcases and so much more. One highlight was the Year 6 Celebration Assembly which was led by the students and looked back on their accomplishments of the year as well as looking ahead to the exciting opportunities in Secondary.
The overwhelming impression of all these events is two-fold. Firstly, the quality of the students’ learning and their success in so many events tells us how highly they are performing. Secondly, we see smiles on their faces and enjoyment in what they are experiencing at school. The feedback from so many parents and teachers tells us of the pride everyone has in what these students are achieving; they are happy, successful young people.
Being part of a school is such a privilege and for all our efforts we are rewarded a hundred times over by what the students accomplish and the way they participate fully in every opportunity on offer to them. From the young ones who have learnt to read this year to the senior students who have gained highly-ranked University places, all students are demonstrating the aspirations and qualities we wish to see, plus they seem to exceed our expectations every time!
With thoughts of success, happiness and exciting futures ahead, can I please extend my thanks to every student and every family that has played such a key role in what has been a great year. I wish you all a wonderful summer break and we look forward to seeing you back again raring to go for next term.
Patrick Horne, Principal
A few weeks ago, as part of our IB DP Language programme, Year 12 students in the French Ab Initio and French B classes united to celebrate Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday). Originally a catholic event welcoming the ritual fasting of Lent, Mardi Gras is celebrated in France with festive parades and sumptuous public celebrations.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, students came together to not only recognize the festivity but rejoice at the opportunity to share and learn about the international traditions fostered within our community. With the help of Monsieur Depose and Mademoiselle Merchadier, the French DP classes baked tasty treats, including crepes, waffles, brownies, and traditional beignets!
As a teacher at BIS Abu Dhabi, I have the privilege of watching students grow — not just academically, but as young people finding their path in a complex world. One thing I’ve learned time and again is this: success doesn’t come from rare moments of brilliance — it comes from the quiet power of habits.
Research tells us that up to 40% of what we do each day is driven by habit, not active decision-making. That means the routines our students form — the way they begin their morning, how they handle a setback, whether they choose to read or scroll — are shaping who they become.
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.
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