I am very pleased to be able to inform everyone that BIS Abu Dhabi has been nominated and shortlisted for the British International School Awards 2017.
These awards are coordinated by The British International Schools magazine with the support of a number of leading educational institutions and sponsors. They are open to all British International Schools from around the world with categories of awards for different aspects of school life. BIS Abu Dhabi has been shortlisted for Teaching Initiative of The Year.
We are obviously very proud to be recognised for achievements at such a significant event. Furthermore, I am particularly pleased that it is a nomination with regard to achievements in teaching. We have a wonderful team of teachers here who encompass all aspects of the role: from expert subject knowledge and teaching skills, to the commitment and passion to ensure the well-being of every child in their care. Their ongoing dedication to the job is a tremendous asset for our school.
The initiative we have been nominated for is related to the professional development of teachers. It is essential that teachers are always looking to develop their skills and our programme here involves all teachers working collaboratively to undertake their own professional research and then sharing outcomes at our Learning Symposium for the benefit of all their colleagues. This programme ensures our teachers are constantly striving to improve and thereby constantly enhancing the lessons and the education for every child.
The Awards Ceremony will be held in London in January. Whether we receive the final award or not, it a very special achievement to be acknowledged alongside many of the leading international schools across the world.
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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