BIS Abu Dhabi Times

BIS
ABU DHABITIMES
TERM 1 2021/2022
UAE
National Day
Examination
Success
Ukulele
Rockstars
#BISAD
Network
1
Issue #06

Principal’s Note
TERM 1 EDITION
PRINCIPAL’S NOTE
It is a pleasure to share this bumper edition of the BIS Abu Dhabi
Times, containing the latest news and events from The British
International School Abu Dhabi.
As you look through the pages of the magazine, you will see what
a busy start it has been to the 2021/22 academic year and how
there has been much to celebrate.
The students have showed us that nothing is impossible with
yet another set of outstanding examination results. Our 2021
graduates once again achieved record results in the International
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) examinations. Their
average point score of 38 is significantly ahead of the worldwide
average of 33 and has enabled our students to obtain places in
highly prestigious courses at some of the top universities around
the world including the University of Oxford, the University
of Sydney, McGill University in Canada and the University of
California, Berkeley.
Within this magazine you will read about numerous other student
achievements, awards and some of the events they participated
in. The students have some fantastic accomplishments, and we
are very proud to share them with you.
BIS Abu Dhabi are honoured to have been shortlisted again as
finalists in the prestigious International School Awards 2022, in
the Safeguarding Award category. This follows the tremendous
achievement of having won the Awards in 2020 and 2021. The
International School Awards celebrate outstanding teaching and
learning from leading international schools around the world.
They provide the opportunity for international schools to share
best practice, creative endeavours, community participation
and innovation. The International School Awards are highly
competitive, with 261 international school entries from 48
countries this year so it is a fantastic achievement to be recognised
as one of the leading international schools three years in a row.
This term we had the delight of celebrating the 50th Anniversary
of the UAE. BIS Abu Dhabi students joined the celebrations by
coming to school dressed in beautiful outfits representing their
host country. Throughout the day they learned about the past,
present and the future of the UAE and enjoyed many activities.
I also had the pleasure of planting a commemorative ghaf tree
ably assisted by Year 12 student Jalilah, in the school grounds.
The tree will stand to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
founding of the UAE and will, in time, provide shade for future
students of BIS Abu Dhabi, as these trees have done for the people
of these lands for many years.
As you turn the pages of the magazine, you will see that we have
also held some wonderful Covid compliant events and themed
days throughout the term including Kindness Day, House Day,
Flag Day and Superhero Day to name a few.
Restrictions have not stopped us coming together as a community
to enjoy coffee mornings at The Westin Hotel Resort and Spa. It
was a pleasure to meet some of our new families and catch
up with some of our parents that we have not been able to get
together with for quite some time.
Finally, this term has seen the launch of the BISADNetwork, a
virtual community which will allow Parents, Alumni Parents,
Alumni, IBDP Graduates, Staff and Alumni Staff to (re)connect,
network, find and offer mentorship, attend events, form groups
and more. It has been fantastic to connect the BIS Abu Dhabi
family together.
Patrick Horne
Principal
2

Contents
WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING
AT BIS ABU DHABI
12
STEAM ACTION
4
EXAMINATION SUCCESS
7
SECONDARY HEADTEACHER’S
COMMENDATION AWARDS
18CREATIVITY, WORLD KINDNESS ACTIVITY DAY IN SERVICE
13
10
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
6
UAE & ME COMPETITION
5
8
9
15
UAE NATIONAL DAY
CELEBRATING CLASS OF 2021
YEAR 2 SUPERHERO DAY
SPARTAN WORLD CHAMPION
14
FLAG DAY
22
BISAD DIPLOMA
UKULELE ROCKSTARS
19
16
22
HOUSE DAY
17
BISAD NETWORK
EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES
20
WORLD NURSERY RHYME WEEK
3

Be Ambitious
2021 Examination Success
“We are so proud of our students’ achievements. These
amazing results mean they have secured places at their chosen
universities around the world, including institutions such as the
University of Oxford, the University of Sydney, McGill University
in Canada and the University of California, Berkeley. These
results reflect the outstanding dedication of our students, their
families and their teachers. Many congratulations to every one
of these BIS Abu Dhabi students, all well on their way to even
greater success in the future.” Patrick Horne, Principal said.
In yet another record-breaking year, BIS Abu Dhabi International
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and IGCSE students
excelled to obtain outstanding results, with truly impressive
outcomes across all subjects.
For the 2020/21 academic school year, BIS Abu Dhabi IBDP
students achieved exceptional results with an average point
score of 38, far exceeding the global average of 33. These results
maintain BIS Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the leading IBDP
Schools in the world.
Almost half of the cohort achieved 40 points or more out of a
maximum score of 45, putting them in the top 10% of students
around the world. The highest achieving student Hagir, scored 45
points, placing her in the top 1% of IBDP candidates worldwide.
IBDP class of 2021
average subject grade
IGCSE class of 2021:
With 63% of all grades at A or A*, BIS Abu Dhabi IGCSE students
performed far beyond UK and international expectations.
Five students, Aamukta, Aisyah, Marya, Muhammad and Tamsin
managed to achieve perfect scores in every one of their subjects.
Patrick Horne, BIS Abu Dhabi Principal, said: “These are superb
grades from this group of students and everyone at the school
is immensely proud of them for achieving the highest results in
the school’s history. They have quite rightly been rewarded for
the tremendous work they have put in for the last two years,
wonderfully supported by their teachers and their families.
These terrific results give a perfect preparation for these
students as they begin their IB Diploma Programme, and look to
seek places at the very best universities around the world.”
With students taking examinations in 25 different subjects, the
breadth of opportunities provided by BIS Abu Dhabi ensures that
each student’s individual passion is nurtured in a truly inclusive
international school.
The continued success in IGCSE and IBDP results is a testament
to the school’s high academic standards, excellent teaching and
the hard work and dedication of students.
4

Be Ambitious
MEET OUR GRADUATES
The Creativity,
Activity and Service
(CAS) element of the IBDP
demands students to balance
academics with extracurricular
activities, which allowed me to
showcase my leadership, organisation
and teamwork skills, qualities which
universities look for in aspiring students.
My CAS activities were brought up in
interviews and I believe they helped me
secure places at numerous medical
schools.
-Hagir, IB 2020/21
Mohammed Bin Rashid University,
Medicine
Having numerous
friends that studied
both the IB Diploma and
A-Levels, I feel confident that
the path I chose has prepared me
well for university. While coursework
can be a source of stress if not planned
and managed correctly, the skills it
develops are fundamental for university.
Furthermore, the Creativity, Activity and
Service element of the programme allows
students to develop skills that are not
inherently academic.
-Daniel, IB 2020/21
Univerisiry of Oxford, Geography
Having
Psychology as an
option in the IB Diploma
Programme was a sure
advantage for me over many other
applicants who were not able to
study Psychology in school. There is an
entrance exam to study Psychology in
most universities and with the knowledge I
had already gained on the subject, I already
had an edge over the competition. I think
that the IBDP also helped me develop a
structured routine and discipline in my
work-life balance which I think will be very
helpful in my time at university.
-Marqaux, IB 2020/21
Leiden University, Psychology
5

Be Ambitious
Award Nomination
The British International School Abu Dhabi is honoured to have
been shortlisted as finalists in the prestigious International
School Awards 2022, in the Safeguarding Award category. This
follows the tremendous achievement of having won the Awards
in 2020 and 2021.
The International School Awards celebrate outstanding teaching
and learning from leading international schools around the
world. They provide the opportunity for international schools
to share best practice, creative endeavours, community
participation and innovation.
The International School Awards are highly competitive, with 261
international school entries from 48 countries this year.
The judging panel complimented participating schools on their
resilience and commitment to improving student learning at
such a challenging time for educators globally.
Judging is now underway, and winners will be announced at an
awards ceremony in January.
UAE & ME COMPETITION
As part of the UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations, BIS Abu Dhabi launched ‘The UAE and Me’ competition.
To participate, students were invited to write a poem or submit a piece of art (in any medium such as a
painting, photography, comic cartoon etc.) that demonstrates what the UAE means to them.
There was an incredible response to the competition with over 80 entries received! The judges were very
impressed with the range and quality of the countless outstanding submissions. Some students produced
wonderful poems and stories, while others created canvases, sketches, 3D models and more.
It was a difficult task to pick the winners, however BIS Abu Dhabi is delighted to announce that 20 students
have been crowned winners who will have their entries published in a commemorative book, as well as
displayed around the school.
Many congratulations to everybody that took part.
6

Be Be Ambitious
Secondary Headteacher’s
Commendation Award
Congratulations to the wonderful students who received the Secondary Headteacher’s Commendation Award in Term 1. This award is of high
significance, given only to students who teachers believe have academically excelled, and have done significantly well in their studies.
Congratulations to Zuni and Hyunseo from
Year 7, who were this years’ first recipients of a
Headteacher’s Commendation Award. They were
both recognised for their extraordinary efforts in
Maths. Well done!
Adithya was awarded a Headteacher’s
Commendation Award by Mrs. Cannon,
who was especially impressed with the
webpage which he created following
an assembly about the United Nations.
Congratulations Adithya!
Year 9 student Paul was awarded a
Headteacher’s Commendation last
week after being nominated by several
teachers for his regular and perceptive
contributions to class discussions. Well
done Paul!
Road to University by Christian, Year 13
While in year 12, I realised that law was a degree that I wanted and began preparing to apply
to universities. As a result of this epiphany, I joined Debate Club, Model UN and started doing
internships. I became more involved in service-related activities thanks to Mrs. Grange’s
advice. Through the summer and still, to this day, I worked for UpLaw (a nonprofit dedicated
to connecting and guiding prospective law students through the arduous application process).
I am also NexGen Wellbeing’s social media lead for male mental health, producing weekly
content for their digital platforms to raise awareness about male mental health. This will be
something I continue to do during my degree as Nex Gen Wellbeing aims to improve mental
health in universities and schools throughout the UK.
After watching “Suits,” I became interested in law, which led me to participate in InvestIN’s
Young Lawyer Summer 2021 internship, which confirmed my interest. After learning the basics
of British common law there and winning mock trials, I decided to pursue further study of
law. Having read ‘Fake Law’ and ‘Is Eating People Wrong’, I am more aware of criminal law
and its moral implications. Because of this appreciation, I founded BISAD’s law society, where
members discuss and conduct mock trials on legal cases that have inspired modern law (for
example, the renowned R v Dudley and Stephens case). Also, I participated in an Introduction
to the English Common Law class, in which I learned about the history of the English and Welsh
legal systems.
As daunting as the workload of law study may be, I am eager to embark on my degree in the UK for several reasons: first, having
the cold air swoop over me as I step out of my student accommodation and dusting off scarves, coats, and gloves excites me, as it
offers a different environment from the one I have called home for the last seven years. It will be a pleasure to drink warm coffee to
compensate for the lack of sleep while engaging in intellectually challenging and complex debates with newfound friends. Third,
after attending so many online webinars on different aspects of law, I am eager to sit in a lecture hall and hear from a professor
face-to-face. And to top it off, I look forward to living in a city and enjoying my individual student lifestyle.
7

Beyond the Be Ambitious Classroom
Year 1 Pirate Day
Year 1 students celebrated the end of their ‘All Aboard’ topic
with a fun-filled, high-energy pirate school day.
Pirate shanties were sung from the moment they walked
into school, and students had a fantastic time making pirate
flags, taking part in a pirate parade, and even making some
traditional pirate food, hard tack. The students enjoyed the
hard tack more than expected and even asked for more!
Students arrived to posters from the pirate asking for new
crew mates. They thought about what characteristics a pirate
needs, and then wrote a letter to the Captain to tell him why
they thought they would be a good member of his crew.
Students also read a range of pirate stories and took on roles
of pirates using first person to speak and write.
They also had fun completing an obstacle course where they
walked the plank, cleaned the deck, and avoided sharks
while island hopping. Thankfully the new pirate recruits
successfully passed their challenges and graduated Pirate
School, leaving with gold coins and their very own pirate
certificate.
The ‘All Aboard’ topic linked heavily with Science where
the students were learning about Materials. They were
recognising and naming materials before thinking about
their properties such as hard, soft, smooth, rough, bendy,
transparent. The students investigated this by completing a
range of pirate theme challenges (they had a pirate invasion
where the class mascots- Fred the Frog- was taken) to try
and get Fred back. This included investigating floating and
sinking and waterproof materials. The skills students learned
also developed their map skill - by creating their own maps
and using maps to find treasure.
Year 2 Superhero Day
Year 2 had an exciting start to the second half of the
term. The students all came to school dressed up as
Superheroes.
They started the day with a news report showing
a video from a nasty villain ‘Cyclone’ who had
kidnapped Head of Primary, Mr. Cocker, during
the half-term break! ‘Grammar Man’, the good
Superhero, needed their help to defeat the villain
and rescue Mr. Cocker.
Students (or superheroes in training) had to do
some different activities to solve some problems
and challenges to help give Grammar Man the
strength and tools he needed to find Mr. Cocker.
The students did a scavenger hunt around the
school, solving clues to find mystery letters to
spell out the name of the Superhero who would
help. They did a maths code cracking task to find
out where Mr. Cocker was hidden, and they had to
complete a very tricky jigsaw to give the superhero
extra powers to defeat the villain. Finally, they
made individual shields to protect them from the
wicked villain’s powers.
The students worked together and solved all their
challenges. Who then came to thank them at
lunchtime on the playground? Mr. Cocker himself!
He was very grateful for the student’s help.
What great perseverance and problem-solving from
Year 2. Who knows what could have happened to
Mr. Cocker without their help?
8

Spartan World Champion
Beyond the Classroom
BIS Abu Dhabi is thrilled to share a wonderful sporting achievement by a Year 12
student, Charlotte.
Charlotte is a gifted athlete and among her many sporting interests is obstacle
course racing (OCR), more specifically Spartan Races.
Charlotte performed incredibly in November, in the longer Spartan discipline,
the Al Ain Zoo Spartan Super where Charlotte placed 1st in her age group racing
against some of the best runners and against competitors that had flown in from
Europe. This achievement qualified Charlotte to run against the best competitors
in the world at the Spartan World Championships.
A massive congratulations to Charlotte who was crowned the new 14–17-year-old
Spartan World Champion 2021. The race included but was not limited to 22km of
deep soft sand, never ending dunes and 30 challenging obstacles. It was a very
emotional race, but Charlotte overcame
the difficulties to take 1st place. The
event was held in December in the UAE, which was also the first time the
event was hosted outside the US.
Well done Charlotte, BIS Abu Dhabi is proud of your achievements!
Swimming is Back!
BIS Abu Dhabi had an excellent start to the academic year with the reintroduction of Swimming as part of the Physical
Education curriculum for our Year 3-9 students.
Students have been excited at the prospect of starting Swimming in the Team Falcon Academy Pool and their
enthusiasm in the swimming lessons so far has been outstanding.
As students have progressed through the term, all Year 3-9 students have had the chance to partake in a Swimming unit
as part of their PE curriculum in readiness for a full unit of Swimming in Term 2.
9

Beyond the Classroom
Co-Curricular Activities
Students, staff, and parents have eagerly awaited the restart of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), and BIS Abu Dhabi is once
again able to offer a comprehensive programme of CCAs for students in Year 2 and above to support and enhance the
curriculum.
Students have been participating in a wide range of activities from football, Lego Robotics, chess, STEAM, yoga/
mindfulness, music, multi-sports, and much more. Each activity is run by an experienced teacher.
The CCA Programme is run with student safety at the forefront, and BIS Abu Dhabi follows the ADEK School Reopening
Policies and Guidelines.
Gifted and Talented Activity
BIS Abu Dhabi’s Gifted and Talented Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) provides all secondary students with the
opportunity to develop their analysis, reflection, and deeper critical thinking skills beyond the classroom.
Each week students attend a talk/seminar style meeting where special guests and visitors deliver engaging
presentations and provide thought-provoking discussion points for the students, encouraging students to
collaborate and talk to new peers as well as learn more about topics that interest them.
The gifted and talented CCA began at the start of this academic year and has been planned around six
main pathways: Politics, Power and Justice, Art, Creativity and the Imagination, Science Technology and
the Environment, Health, Ethics and the Mind, Culture, Identity and Community and Sport, Success and
Leadership. Students have access to the resources from their CCA sessions via a designated Teams page, as
well as also having access to materials and educational websites where they can further their knowledge on a
particular area that they are passionate about. So far this year the students have shown brilliant engagement
and participation in the Gifted and Talented programme, and BIS Abu Dhabi looks forward to what is in store
over the rest of the year.
10

Beyond the Classroom
Crochet Away
Crocheting was offered as a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) to International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
(IBDP) Students.
During the Crochet for Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) CCA, Year 13 students learnt how to crochet a beanie.
The beanies will be distributed to the school’s security guards to keep them warm during the winter months.
When asked why they chose this CCA activity, student Gabriel explained: “It was something that I found
interesting, as I can make different items that could be useful for me. The skill of being resourceful and selfreliant
was appealing. Also, because I like the soft feeling of the material once it is crocheted.” Heleen explained
that: “I’ve seen other people in my family learning to crochet and this encouraged me to begin learning. I also
chose this CAS activity because crochet is such a diverse experience and the skills that you learn from it can be
applied to other tasks.”
Malaika explained the benefits of crocheting: “To be able to make different pieces such as pumpkins and clothes,
the ideas being endless with just the use of a hook and some yarn. I also believe it’s a great way of releasing pent
up stress to make different types of projects.” Helena said that: “Crocheting can add to my skillset that I can use
for my future. Also, I enjoy passing time, crocheting. Again, I like gifting people with my talent and so I like the
idea of crocheting pieces to give to other people, who might want or need it.”
As for what the students will crochet next term. The ideas are already flowing, with Heleen suggesting “making
a bunch of little granny squares which we could then sew together to make large blankets, or bags.” Gabriel
suggested: “I think I would like to crochet animal plush toys, that could be given to younger KS students, who
might enjoy the presence of an animal peer in class. This can also bring complexity and bring more challenge for
me as it requires more skills that I can learn and use in my future.”
Watch this space!
11

Beyond the Classroom
Year 5 STEAM in Action
This term Year 5 Teacher, Mrs. Dodwell assigned all the Year 5 classes a STEAM challenge! Students had to
use their engineering skills to design a tower or structure that could elevate and hold a ping pong ball. They
had to build and measure a tower using only recycled paper, sticky tape, scissors, and paper clips. They were
challenged even further when told that there could be only one builder and one communicator at a time - after
five minutes they sanitized their hands and swapped roles.
Keeping a 1-metre distance at all times, partners had to communicate and work together to build their
tower. The classrooms buzzed with energy and excitement as the students set to work! The teachers were
overwhelmed by their resilience and determination.
A huge well done to the winners in 5C - Louis & Insyirah with a tower of 1m 70cm.
Year 5 students were set another exciting STEAM challenge this term. They had
to build the strongest and tallest tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows! With
a focus on teamwork, communication was the key to success! Year 5 rose to the
challenge, and some great towers were created! Can you spot the winning tower?
12

Beyond the Classroom
Year 9 STEAM Challenge!
Year 9 students
completed a
STEAM challenge
in Humanities this
term. With limited
equipment from which
to build, students had
to design and construct
an earthquake-proof
building.
Students discussed
their ideas and gave
feedback to one
another about their
architectural designs,
and then the building
began, before they
completed a highly
scientific desk shake to
measure their success!
Year 6 STEAM Activities
Our Year 6 explorers had an incredible time this term participating in STEAM activities. To
get to their classrooms they had to use steppingstones and a bridge to cross a river and then
crawl across thick foliage on the forest floor!
STEAM is all about collaboration, problem-solving and communication and the students
certainly rose to the challenges that they faced in their groups.
13

Community
Flag Day
On Wednesday, 3rd November BIS Abu Dhabi students celebrated the UAE flag day. It was lovely to see students and
staff across the school celebrating this important national occasion. Students came in excited for the day ahead - they
took part in activities to learn more about the UAE and its history, and at 11am there was a flag raising ceremony
whereby students took part from their classrooms as they sang the national anthem in unity.
14

Beyond Community the Classroom
UAE NATIONAL DAY!
On Wednesday, 24th November, The British International School Abu Dhabi celebrated the UAE Golden Jubilee.
Students came dressed in beautiful outfits representing their host country. Throughout the day they learned about the
past, present and the future of the UAE and enjoyed many activities including a falcon show, Youla dance and a fashion
show that displayed many forms of the UAE national dress. It was a fantastic day enjoyed by everyone!
15

Beyond the Classroom
Year 11 IGCSE Drama
Year 11 IGCSE Drama students have been performing one of
the three practical examination elements of IGCSE Drama
this term.
During the summer break, all IGSCE Drama students had to
choose one monologue from a published play to perform as
part of their IGCSE course. Students were assessed on their
ability to bring a character to life and interpret the role in a
way that demonstrated an understanding of the style/genre
of the play, as well as their performance of the piece.
It has been wonderful to see the students enjoying and
engaging in practical activities again.
European Day of Languages
Sunday, 26th September was European Day of Languages. BIS Abu Dhabi students celebrated all languages, diversity,
and international mindedness in their Personal, Social and Moral Education (PSME) lessons in Secondary School.
Students were engaged in class discussions, quizzes, and lots of other fun activities.
16

Beyond Community the Classroom
Community Coffee Morning
Members of the BIS Abu Dhabi community enjoyed getting together this term at coffee mornings which were held at The
Westin Hotel. They had the opportunity to meet other parents and hear and share ideas with members of the school
leadership team about the ongoing development of our community.
We look forward to hosting more community events in Term 2.
#BISADNetwork
It’s here! BIS Abu Dhabi has launched a new platform - the
BISADNetwork, a virtual community which will allow Parents, Alumni
Parents, Alumni, IBDP Grads, Staff and Alumni Staff to (re)connect,
network, find/offer mentorship, attend events, form groups and more.
If you haven’t signed up yet, do so now and find community offers,
members with specific interests, industries, and backgrounds. Also,
you can start groups based on nationality, interest, or activities (e.g.,
Community Running Club), join groups such as the ‘BISAD Marketplace
in Abu Dhabi’ to sell your second-hand items to the wider community,
share fun photos from past events, and set-up or join Parent Events.
BIS Abu Dhabi is excited to connect you with the wider community. Start
exploring the BISADNetwork, and simply stay in touch wherever you are!
IT’S
Connect, Inspire, Engage
HERE
Sign up today!
See back page for details
17

Beyond the Classroom
World Kindness Day
“Because that’s what
kindness is. It’s not doing
something for someone
else because they can’t,
but because you can.”
- Andrew Iskander
On Sunday, 14th November BIS Abu Dhabi celebrated World
Kindness Day in a big way!
World Kindness Day is a global celebration which promotes the
importance of being kind to each other, to ourselves and to the
world.
The amazing students at BIS Abu Dhabi spread kindness
everyday as it is one of our core values, but on this day, they
were spreading kindness even more so than usual.
Students and staff came into school wearing yellow, the colour
of kindness, and were welcomed into school by music with a
kindness theme.
Students began their morning with a brief history of Kindness
Day, and Secondary students participated in interactive
challenges to encourage discussion about what kindness looks
like and how important being kind is to our overall wellbeing
and happiness.
Decorations around the School marked the Kindness Day
occasion, and Primary held a Winning Window Competition for
the best Kindness-themed classroom windows created.
Students were encouraged to take part in random acts of
kindness throughout the day via an interactive Kindness Wheel,
which were situated in both the Primary and Secondary areas
of school.
A Kindness Box allowed Primary students to share notes of
gratitude to staff and fellow students, including ancillary staff
such as the cleaners and security.
A Kindness Tree display in Secondary promoted ‘Kindness
in Bloom’ for students to write messages on. It was not just
the students who had all the fun of course - staff also had the
opportunity to write Kindness notes to share their appreciation
and gratitude to each other too!
18

Beyond the Classroom
HOUSE DAY
On Thursday, 4th November BIS Abu Dhabi was a wave of activity as staff and students celebrated House Day. Students
participated by taking part in a range of Expo themed activity zones with a competitive element to earn points for their
Houses. These were P.E., STEAM, Music and Art.
Well done everyone on a fantastic day and congratulations to the winners- Oak House!
19

Beyond the Classroom
BISAD Diploma
Service House Environment Arts
The British International School Abu Dhabi values a broad
education, recognising students as interesting individuals full
of exciting potential. The BISAD Diploma is an important and
integrated part of the unique experience BIS Abu Dhabi offers
students, recognising their successes in all aspects of eductaion.
The BISAD Diploma is designed to provide formal recognition
and acknowledgement of student activities that go beyond their
participation in the academic curriculum. It creates a platform
that celebrates not only their successes in school, but also
their achievements and experiences beyond the classroom.
Each year students work towards a ‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’ or ‘Gold
Award’ by uploading submissions of their actions to their BISAD
Diploma App or Website to create a portfolio of evidence. As they
progress through the school this record of their development
and achievements will be an invaluable resource when writing
their university applications or applying for their first job.
A balanced life that encourages an appreciation of and
participation in, arts and culture, physical activity in a range of
sports and the value in developing empathy and compassion for
others as well as our environment, are all embraced within the
Leadership
CCAs Sport Culture Academics
nine achievement categories of the BISAD Diploma. Students
can submit evidence of a single activity or experience for a
‘Bronze’ Award submission, or upload a sustained endeavour,
planned event, or significant achievement, to earn them ‘Silver’
or even a ‘Gold’ award in a category.
Examples might be representing the school when it hosts the
Nord Anglia South-East Asia and Middle East conference in
March for Model United Nations, recognising that they overcame
their fears on the world’s longest zip line, or like Amelia in Year
9, coming in first place on the Gymnastic Bar equipment, to
achieve a Gold Medal at a national competition in Dubai.
The BISAD Diploma provides the perfect opportunity for
students to maximise their potential, develop collaboration
and leadership skills for the future, and to be the well-rounded
individuals that embody the school values of kindness, honesty,
and respect.
The Mysterious Creatures
BIS Abu Dhabi Year 7 student Khalid is a passionate reader and writer and over the summer he
wrote a book titled The Mysterious Creatures. The book takes the reader on an interesting and
strange adventure that the boy lives through this book.
Before writing his book, Khalid met with Polly Ho-Yen, the writer of Boy in the Tower, who
encouraged him to keep writing.
Khalid recently attended the Sharjah International Book Fair where he had the opportunity to
meet with different publishers, audiences, and readers. He also had the pleasure of signing his
book for them.
Khalid hopes to inspire fellow students to write because he believes it is really fun. He said, “The
biggest thing that inspired me to write my book was reading; I really enjoyed it and thought that
I might be able to write a book myself, which I actually did! I got all my ideas from schoolwork
in my English lessons, and from books I read in my free time. Also, the advice that Polly Ho-Yen
gave me was that sometimes writing can be really frustrating, but you should persevere, and, in
the end, you will have a finished piece of writing which I will always remember.”
Khalid’s book is available to purchase on Amazon! Congratulations Khalid, BIS Abu Dhabi is
very proud of you!
20

Community
Golden Jubilee Tree Planting
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UAE, a commemorative ghaf tree was planted.
The ghaf tree is the national tree of the United Arab Emirates, and it was with great pleasure that Principal Mr. Horne, ably
assisted by Year 12 student Jalilah, planted a sapling ghaf in the school grounds.
The tree will stand to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE and will, in time, provide shade for
future students of BIS Abu Dhabi, as these trees have done for the people of these lands for many years.
Commemoration Day
On Tuesday, 30th November at 11:30am, BIS Abu Dhabi paused for one minute of silence in Commemoration of Emirati
service men and women who have lost their lives serving in the UAE armed forces. Outside, the UAE flag was raised,
followed by playing of the National Anthem.
21

Beyond the Classroom
World Nursery Rhyme Week
To celebrate the end of World Nursery Rhyme Week, on Thursday, 18th November children in Nursery came to school
dressed as their favourite Nursery Rhyme characters. The students made microphones and performed the rhymes they had
learnt throughout the week for their friends in the audience.
BIS Abu Dhabi definitely has some stars in the making!
Year 6 Ukulele Rockstars!
Since starting the school year, students in Year 6 have had the brilliant opportunity to learn a
new musical instrument and are well on their way to mastering key skills on their instruments.
Beginning with how to get the instruments tuned correctly with the phrase “Goats Can Eat
Anything” - one that is now regularly heard along the Year 6 corridor! Students can successfully
adjust the pitch of their instruments and prepare themselves for practicing songs. With a solid foundation of
strumming techniques and a range of chords to play, students are enjoying their face-to-face music lessons and relish
the experience of making music together.
22

Where are they now?
BIS Abu Dhabi Graduate
Priyanka
Renaningtyas
What made BIS Abu Dhabi special for you?
I think since BIS Abu Dhabi was the first school I attended
with 1,000+ students, it was a really interesting experience;
before moving to the UAE, my previous school only had
around 70 students. So, thanks to the large and welcoming
community at BIS Abu Dhabi, it definitely was very fun to
participate in events like International Day or watching the
school productions.
Which school club, activity, trip, or project inspired you
the most?
Tanzania! Having the opportunity of doing overseas
volunteering and getting to see first-hand how your
actions and efforts could help better the lives of others
was a valuable experience, and one that I’m very grateful
for. If you’re someone who thinks volunteering can’t be
fun, I would strongly recommend you go; it’ll really change
your perspective! It was also nice being able to interact
with the locals because you get to hear from them directly
their needs and wants, making it very engaging. The best
part, however, is that you get to see things for how they
really are, as we all know sometimes things get distorted
by the media.
What is the most important lesson you learned at BIS
Abu Dhabi?
Trust and perseverance. Even if things aren’t going your
way, if you keep on marching forward whilst trusting the
teachers and yourself, you’ll be fine.
What ambitions did BIS Abu Dhabi inspire in you?
It was at BIS Abu Dhabi where I had my first ever
Geography class. Due to the interesting content and
supportive teachers who made the classes fun, I instantly
fell in love with the subject. It was the material we
covered in class over the years that helped strengthen my
passion for environmental conservation, as well as helped
cultivate new interests in other areas such as law, political
relations and policy making. Although I’m currently
majoring in Engineering at University, I’m trying to widen
my scope by taking courses from other fields that interest
me like business and environmental science.
Which university and degree did you choose, and why?
After completing the IBDP, I was still unsure about what I
really wanted to do. I figured I wanted to study something
related to environmental protection and ecological
science, yet at the same time, a part of me wished to
work in the food industry. After some contemplation, I
decided to pursue a BEng in Chemical and Environmental
Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and
Technology (HKUST). Due to the versatility of the degree,
I could opt to work in either the environment or food
industry upon graduating.
How did the IB Diploma help your experience at
university?
Having to write an extended essay in the IBDP definitely
helped prepare me academically for university. It made
referencing much easier, and word count requirements
from professors no longer scares me. On the other
hand, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) made viewing things
from a different perspective second nature. This helped
me integrate myself seamlessly into a new cultural
environment and helped prevent misunderstandings from
arising.
What has been your proudest moment since graduating?
I’m more on the quiet and timid side and have always
been scared of interviews; I try to avoid them as much
as possible. However, I was really proud of myself when
I signed up to join the executive committee for various
organisations at my university and passed the interviews.
I’m currently part of the secretary committee in the Hong
Kong Malaysian Student Association (HKMSA) and I am the
programme secretary at the HKUST sister chapter of the
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).
What are you doing now?
I spent the summer back home in Malaysia due to
travel restrictions where I was doing tutoring, as well
as helping train the new recruits for HKUST AIChE. In
August I started my third year at university.
23

PRESENTS
#THEBISADNETWORK
CONNECT
INSPIRE
ENGAGE
Bringing together our
students, alumni, IB Diploma
graduates, parents and staff
JOIN US
NOW
Complete your profile on
https://bisadnetwork.com/
24