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 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.

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.

Last term was brilliant for our BIS Abu Dhabi World Scholars!

Our 2025 season kicked off during the Winter Break, with 15 students competing in the Dubai Winter Global Round. In addition to taking part in the academic challenges of writing, debate and quizzing, students also enjoyed a fun-filled scavenger hunt at Global Village. We were thrilled that 12 of our scholars qualified for the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November 2025 — an incredible achievement that we are all immensely proud of!

The season continued with our first Regional Round of the year, held in Dubai. We were delighted to see 21 students qualify for the next round. Two of our participants, Khlood in Year 7 and Anahita in Year 9, have written a personal report of the events:

Thank you all so much for welcoming me into the BIS Abu Dhabi family. I have been utterly amazed and humbled by the number of you who have shown kindness and support towards me as someone who has so recently arrived at the school and in the UAE. Thank you!

BIS Abu Dhabi is a wonderful school – when I visited in February, I was so impressed with the students, staff, facilities, and Mr. Cocker’s vision that I could not resist applying for the position of Head of Primary. Now that I am here, I can only say that the school is even better than I had realised, and I can see where the students get their lovely characteristics from.