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Our Prospectus

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The British International School, Abu Dhabi

A Nord Anglia Education School

My children feel very happy in school. They love their teachers and they are turning out to be confident, smart, compassionate, and aware of the environment.

Parent Survey, 2014

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bisabudhabi.com

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The school is very approachable in terms of staff and teachers. The environment is healthy and encouraging for young minds.Parent quotation, 2014

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Welcome to Our School

Message from the Principal

Why Choose The British International School, Abu Dhabi? Excellent Facilities Our School Curriculum Nord Anglia Education High Performance Learning

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Primary Secondary

Academic Success Beyond the Classroom Preparation for Life English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Communication Admissions

Table of Contents

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Welcome to Our School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the British International School Abu Dhabi, where it is my privilege and honour to lead this exciting and vibrant school.

Our school is part of the prestigious Nord Anglia Education family of schools and since opening in 2009 we have established ourselves as a truly international school and the school of choice for families across the Middle East. We welcome students from over 70 nationalities through our doors each day.

Our success has been achieved through the persistence and hard work of our partnership of teachers, students and parents. The attitude and environment of this school is one which always strives to achieve excellence and never settles for anything less. As an educator I am a passionate believer that high expectations for students can lead to outstanding and inspirational outcomes. We aim not only to have students going to the top universities in the world, but also to develop a lifelong passion for learning and a genuine interest in the world; a world where they can make a difference.

More than just an educational establishment, our school takes centre stage in the hearts of the community. Our family feel and nurturing environment ensure that our school provides the support and network that many rely on when living away from home.

Choosing the right school for your child is a major decision. We hope that we can support you in giving your child the best possible education and helping them become the best that they can be. We look forward to welcoming you into our family.

Patrick HornePrincipal

Message from the Principal

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Thank You for Considering Our School

The British International School, Abu Dhabi provides a premium and contemporary British education for students aged 3 – 18 years. We offer the English National Curriculum until Year 11 and the IB Diploma Programme in Year 12 and 13. Parents choose to send their children to our school for a wide variety of reasons.

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Why Choose The British International School, Abu Dhabi?

World Class Academic Results

We perform well above international and UK national averages in examination results. In 2014, 82% of students achieved A* to C grades in our GCSE examinations, compared to the 2014 UK average of 68.8%. In 2013, 20% of Nord Anglia Education students were offered places at the world’s top 30 Universities.

Quality of Teaching

We only recruit the best teachers originatingpredominantly from the UK (and also other Western nations), those that are highly experienced and committed to the academic, social and physical development of every child. Once they arrive with us, they all participate in further professional development through Nord Anglia University.

Global Citizenship

Our school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of 31 premium schools. This allows our students to interact with 20,200 students around the world through virtual learningenvironments such as Global Classroom.

High Performance Learning

We benefit from having a proven methodology for enabling children to perform highly, regardless of their perceived academic ability. High Performance Learning is a research based model that provides our teachers with the latest pedagogies to develop advanced cognitive behaviour in children.

At The British International School, Abu Dhabi we motivate, support and inspire children to maximise their potential.

Community Spirit

We encourage parents to be actively involved in the school community – not just in their child’s learning. Our class parents are extremely active and hold many events and social gatherings over the course of the year.

Convenient Location

We are located off Abu Dhabi island, approximately 30 minutes from the city centre and 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

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Our large campus offers spectacular outdoor sport and relaxation areas, play areas, gardens, grassed fields with football pitches and hard-surface courts. Later this year we will be opening a large sports centre and a brand new second floor.

Excellent Facilities

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Inside, our school boasts spacious classrooms, an indoor swimming pool, dance and drama studios, music suites and dedicated IT, Art and Design studios.

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Our School Curriculum

English National Curriculum and IB Diploma Programme

We follow the English National Curriculum from the Early Years up to Year 11 and then follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Year 12 and 13. This approach combines the best qualifications available to students studying overseas and is structured as follows:

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Nursery (FS1) and FS2 (ages 3 to 5)

• Key Stage 1 Years 1 and 2 (ages 5 to 7)

• Key Stage 2 Years 3 to 6 (ages 7 to 11)

• Key Stage 3 Years 7 to 9 (ages 11 to 14)

• Key Stage 4 Years 10 and 11 (ages 14 to 16)

• Sixth Form International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and Pathways to Equivalency Programme Years 12 and 13 (ages 16 to 18)

The English National Curriculum is used by over 30,000 schools around the world and is known for the rigorous training it provides to teachers and also for its reliable assessment system and rich variety of resources.

We start in the Primary School with Early Years Foundation Stages, progressing through Key Stages 1 and 2, following a well planned and tested programme of study in a range of core and extension subjects.

In the Secondary School, specialist teaching programmes offer a broad and balanced educational programme across the arts, humanities, languages and sciences. In Years 10 and 11, students sit examinations in up to ten subjects, earning GCSE/IGCSE qualifications recognised worldwide.

For the last two years, our students study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), valued by universities and colleges around the world as the ideal preparation for higher education and the world of work. We also provide an alternative academic route in the Sixth form, where required.

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We believe a global education will benefit your child in many ways and to make that a reality, we have developed the Global Classroom.

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Nord Anglia Education

A History of Academic Excellence

The British International School, Abu Dhabi is part of the Nord Anglia Education family, the leader in the international provision of high quality, innovative education, training and guidance.

Founded in 1972, Nord Anglia Education has developed extensive experience of managing schools and working with governments to raise standards and improve educational achievement.

Nord Anglia Education is currently a global family of 31 premium international schools in 13 countries across China, Europe, the Middle East, North America and Southeast Asia, providing a premium education to over 20,200 students around the world. As part of an international family, The British International School Abu Dhabi is able to draw on education expertise from the UK and across the world. This includes having a dedicated education team that ensure the highest of standards are met.

It also includes having access to educational products like Global Classroom, which is an online learning platform available to all of our students.Global Classroom allows children to

interact with students in other Nord Anglia Education schools in different countries, and develop a greater understanding of the cultures and issues in other communities.

High Performance Learning is a bespoke educational philosophy unique to Nord Anglia Education. It is an approach that inspires and supports all children to achieve academic and social success that is not constrained by outdated notions of “ability”.

Nord Anglia Education also have a professional development programme, Nord Anglia University, which is a vibrant community which enables teachers to connect and continually enhance their subject expertise, understanding of the latest educational research and topical issues, excellence in teaching approaches, and leadership skills.

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High Performance Learning

Our highly qualified and experienced teachers support and enable all our students to thrive. This is achieved through our High Performance Learning approach, which is centered on a combination of guided learning, challenges and collaborative study in and outside the classroom.

The high level of academic success, demonstrated within our global network of schools is evidence of our capability to help every child thrive and excel.

But High Performance Learning is not just about the academic achievements that our students achieve. It is also about developing them as socially confident individuals who display leadership skills and behaviours, cultural awareness and sensitivities and about developing physically and culturally through in-school competitions and performances.

This unique integrated approach is designed to inspire our students. High Performance Learning is unique to Nord Anglia Education, developed by world renowned educationalist Professor Deborah Eyre. It is exclusively available to our students and helps them to develop into global leaders, advanced performers and enterprising learners.

It is founded on an advanced understanding of cognitive development and learning methodology. It empowers children not just to absorb knowledge and facts, but to understand how to apply that knowledge, how to challenge it, and how to form their own opinions through independent critical analysis.

There is a good vibe when you walk through the gates. You always see children smiling and laughing which means they are happy to be there.Parent quotation, 2014

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“The British International School, Abu Dhabi is different to all other schools I have worked at because of the diversity of the students and staff. I am privileged to work with people from all over the world and I thoroughly enjoy the exposure to such a variety of cultures.”

The British International School, Abu Dhabi

Staff quote, 2014

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Our students aren’t just inspired to achieve academic success. They’re also encouraged to develop respect, confidence and a global view.

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About Our School

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Primary

During the Early Years, Nursery (FS1) and FS2, children learn through well-planned, challenging play activities – focusing on the English National Curriculum’s 7 key areas of learning and development and delivering these activities through key themes.

This themed approach continues into Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1), but children also start to become more aware of different subjects, recognising the common strands that define areas of study. More formal concepts of literacy and numeracy get introduced and a streamed approach to phonics continues in order to support the foundations of writing.

During Years 3 to 6 (Key Stage 2) children make more use of specialist facilities, and subject areas like science and languages are developed.

Our overriding aim is to ensure that every child develops at the right pace for them, and we support this by choosing topics that catch the interest of young minds in a fun and stimulating way.

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We build confidence in all our students, preparing them to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Our students will make a strong and positive contribution to society, and our curriculum gives them the skills and knowledge they will need for the transition into Secondary School.

For more information on our Primary School, please request our Primary School Handbook.

“Because BIS Abu Dhabi is friendly and nurturing, my child has improved immensely academically since joining, and is very happy there.”

Parent quotation, 2014

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About Our School

Secondary

The transition to Secondary School can often be a big step and we ensure that each child is given the appropriate amount of support to adapt to a more intellectually challenging curriculum.

At The British International School, Abu Dhabi, we are fortunate that we are a ‘through school’, which makes pupils’ transition from primary to secondary education much smoother. Students join the Secondary school in Year 7, having already mixed with other forms through various activities such as sports days, community events, and academic studies.

During Years 7 to 11 (Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4), a blend of practical experience and experimentation, books, discussions, lectures and new technology allow students to learn at a rapid pace.

Careful assessment, linked to UK standards, allows us to be sure that everyone is reaching their potential and that they are regularly monitored. Regular reports to parents provide reassurance and maintain the link between school and home.

All subjects are taught by specialist subject teachers, making use of an extensive range of science laboratories, computer rooms, drama rooms, gym and rooms for music and other lessons.

Technology complements learning, with every classroom equipped with projectors and interactive whiteboards to help teachers bring learning to life.

In Year 10 and 11, students sit the UK national exams, GCSE and IGCSE.

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In Years 12 and 13 students study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is the world’s leading pre-university qualification. It is widely recognised and highly regarded by the world’s leading universities as a result of its high academic standards.

The IBDP is an academically rigorous and personally challenging programme, which is designed to provide students of different linguistic, cultural and educational backgrounds with the intellectual, social and critical perspectives necessary for life in the 21st century.

The mission of the IB Diploma Programme is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better, more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

For more information on our Secondary school, please request our Secondary School Handbook and IBDP Handbook. For more information on the IBDP, please request our IBDP Handbook.

94% of parents agree thattheir child is developingindependence at school.

Parent Survey, 2014

“My child has been very happy at the school since he joined. The staff are very approachable and supportive. The school has strong leadership and is retaining high quality teaching staff.”

Parent Survey, 2014

“My children have had 2 amazing teachers this year who have both challenged them and nurtured them, and enabled them to learn and develop in a happy, safe environment.”

Parent Survey, 2014

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We are immensely proud of our students’ academic success. We perform well above international and UK national averages in examination results and received an outstanding set of GCSE results in August 2014.

Academic Success

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Beyond the Classroom

Education is about much more than lessons and qualifications, important though they are.

From Year 1, we offer our students numerous opportunities to participate in Extra- Curricular Activities (ECAs) designed to be fun, challenging, inspiring and motivating. ECAs are available to students from Year 1 upwards and the majority are held after school.

From first steps on the stage in the chorus of a Year 3 play, to the lead role in a whole school performance: these are the journeys that students make as they develop and grow with us.

We see passion and pride in our students as they represent the school in various sports, trips and performances around the UAE and overseas. We work with local providers and numerous clubs in Abu Dhabi to offer a comprehensive programme each year.

We also offer the challenging International Award, combining service to others with expedition and adventure. Shared experiences lead to lifelong friendship, and memories that will endure long after tired bodies have recovered.

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Sample ECAs

This is a sample of ECAs offered in Primary and Secondary. ECAs vary from term to term.

Boys Football, Boys Rugby, Swim Team, Girls Football, Girls Basketball, Girls Netball, Boys Touch Rugby, Playground Games, Table Tennis Club, Yoga Class. Wakeboarding and Kneeboarding (Wakeboarding and Kneeboarding ECA is subject to additional fee)

Chess Club, Homework Club, Maths Club Maths Magic Club, High Performance Learning, ICT Club, Drama Club, Peer Mediators, Science Club, Problems and Puzzles

Animal Art Club, Hand Sewing and Embroidery, Cooking Club, Art & Craft Club, Dance Fit, French Club, Non-native Arabic Reading & Writing, Latin, Japanese and Spanish Clubs, Junk Band, Drama Club, Primary and Secondary Choir, Book Club, Quran Reciting, Hip Hop, Dance Group, Islamic Stories, Eco Warriors, Construction, ICT Club, Photography Club, Film & Media Club, Arabic Calligraphy, Homework Club, Rock Band.

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Preparation for Life

Our work experience placement scheme and career days provide Secondary students with first-hand insight into future careers. Students experience life in the world of work, taking their first steps towards a future career. Our IB study allows senior students to develop the independent learning habits so important for University and the world of work.

Experienced staff provide coaching and support to pupils preparing themselves for University, and our dedicated University and Careers Advisor is familiar with admissions processes across the globe.

We support children’s social and emotional development throughout their time at school with a comprehensive personal, social and health education programme, led sensitively and carefully by experienced staff and visiting speakers.

Our House system is a focus for teamwork and friendly competition, with students’ achievements contributing to their House’s success.

Students learn about democracy and representation in the School Council, and we find opportunities for leadership for students of all ages.

There are 4 houses: Oak (green), Ash (red), Willow (blue) and Elm (yellow). All students have the opportunity to earn house points which are tallied every week. At the end of the year a trophy is awarded to the house which has collected the most house points during that entire school year. At various intervals in the year, house competitions are held in order to raise the profile of the house system.

University and Careers House System and Student Council

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English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Education is delivered in English and we do accept students who are still learning English.

Children who do not speak English as their first language can access additional support through our EAL team. Children will be assessed to evaluate their level of English so that we can best meet their needs.

EAL at The British International School Abu Dhabi is a course that is designed to help students develop their language skills, learn more about school life, how to talk and interact with people and get the best out of their education. It allows students to learn English with others in a relaxed and friendly environment where they can make friends and learn how to express themselves properly in a different language.

As children progress, or for those students who only require a little help, EAL can show them how to hone their skills. By learning how to use everyday English grammar and English expressions, learning different writing styles and using advanced reading techniques, students will find that they are able to function much better in their studies than they used to.

Whether your child is a beginner in English, in the early stages of learning English or just needs a little extra help, EAL is here to help your child enjoy their time at school and acquire the tools they need to perform to their full potential in their lessons.

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School newsletter - We have a school newsletter which goes out at the beginning of each week. This shares some important reminders but is mostly for parents to hear news from the Principal and other Heads.

Communication books and homework diaries - At the beginning of each year or when a new child begins, they are given a Communication Book in the Primary school and a Homework Diary in the Secondary school. These books allow for teachers to write comments for parents and vice versa, as well as for keeping organised.

Social media - We operate a successful Facebook page which is regularly updated with news and events from the classroom and the wider school community as things happen. We also have a Twitter account, an Instagram account and a YouTube account where we upload videos from school life.

Parent Weblog - Our weblog has plenty of stories and information about what is happening in school. It is a great place to visit to read about activities over the week and also to hear personal letters from our Principal and other leadership staff.

Information evenings - We like to regularly hold information evenings that allow us to explain different things about school life.

Weekly/Termly letters - For both Primary and Secondary, we send out year-specific letters that focus on what a child will learn in the following week, along with any important reminders.

Communication is Vital

We aim to keep parents updated regularly and concisely about their child’s learning progress and school life. We communicate in a variety of ways and will always welcome families to come and have open and transparent conversations with us.

Methods of Communication

“The British International

School Abu Dhabi is a

fantastic school, with great

teachers who care about the

well being of my children.

I could not ask for more

than that!”

Parent Survey, 2014

Keeping in Touch

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We have a simple and easy application process and will be happy to talk you through this when you contact us.

Once we receive your application, it will be reviewed and you will receive a written response from the admissions office as to the status of your application and the next steps.

Please come and see us by arranging a visit at the school with our friendly admissions team. Each visit we carry out is personalised so that you have the opportunity to meet with the key people.

The British International School, Abu DhabiPO Box 60968, Abu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates

Behind Abu Dhabi University,off Al Ain Road (E22)

+971 (0)2 5100 101 / +971 (0)2 5100 131admissions@bisad.aeFull contact details on reverse of prospectus

Admissions

How to Apply

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The British International School, Abu Dhabi

A Nord Anglia Education School

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bisabudhabi.com

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Contact us

The British International School, Abu DhabiPO Box 60968Abu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates

Behind Abu Dhabi University, E22 Al Ain Road

Admissions +971 (0) 2 510 0101 +971 (0) 2 510 0131+971 (0) 2 510 0136 +971 (0) 2 510 0138admissions@bisad.ae

General Enquiries+971 (0) 2 510 0100enquiries@bisad.ae

Student University & Career Guidanceuniversity.careers@bisad.ae

www.bisabudhabi.com

BritishInternationalSchoolAbuDhabi@bis_ad