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Talent (noun): a natural ability to be good at something, especially without being taught.
The description above is the definition of the word “talent” from the Cambridge Dictionary. Synonyms include words such as aptitude, flair or gift.
I mention this definition as we have our annual BISAD’s Got Talent event running throughout this week. There are mini performances taking place each day and it will all culminate in the Grand Final on Thursday. We look forward to seeing yet another amazing array of skills on show!
The name BISAD’s Got Talent does of course come from TV shows such as Britain’s Got Talent, and seemingly a similar one in every country. These are always heartwarming shows and it is great that people get to share their incredible skills and, for many, it has been a route to them using their skills to then become professional. Their dreams do come true in this regard.
However, the word talent is one we should be careful of. Going back to that definition and the synonyms, it suggests people are naturally gifted or they’re not, and they simply have a skill without being taught. In turn that suggests that people can’t improve…. which of course cannot be true!
Every one of the students who has performed this week will have done so much work to improve what they do and to try and get better. Their skills have also surely benefitted from assistance from parents and teachers along the way. Each of these students knows they can do better and each of them knows that other people can help them.
This is true for all of education really. Every student can improve and every teacher believes this. I am sure every parent believes it too. However, we must always be wary of any statement which says things like, “I’m no good at Maths”. Whatever we don’t feel we are as good at, we can still do better. Imagine one day saying, “I used to think I wasn’t very good at Maths but now I’m doing well at it”.
Keep a positive mindset and always believe you can be better. Then work hard with the help of others and you will certainly become better.
Patrick Horne
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.
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