World Kindness Day

"Play is the highest form of research." – Albert Einstein

Step into any vibrant Early Years classroom, and you'll likely hear the joyful hum of children deep in play - building, pretending, exploring, and negotiating their world. To the untrained eye, it may just look like fun and games. But within those moments of giggles and glue sticks lies something truly magical: deep, meaningful learning. 

In this article, discover how play supports vital early development, how BIS Abu Dhabi brings the EYFS curriculum to life through play, and why protecting this joyful, purposeful approach to learning is more important than ever.

 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.