BSAK Secondary Newsletter Spring Term 2025/25

MR NIGEL DAVIS

HEAD OF SECONDARY

Mr Nigel Davis HEAD OF SECONDARY

RESILENCE

It is a privilege to welcome you to the Spring Term edition of our Secondary Newsletter for the 2025/26 academic year.

At this nervous and unusual moment in time, I really hope that reading this and seeing the amazing photos of our brilliant BSAK students from last term will bring much needed smiles to your faces, and remind you of the happier times that we all hope will arrive back soon

STRATEGIES & DISTANCE LEARNING

The uncertainty that we are currently living through will not go on forever But while it remains, we really need to demonstrate tremendous levels of resilience and positivity for our BSAK students, so that they are able to build their own resilience and see their way through this current bumpy part of their journey.

‘Do it better than you need to’

At BSAK, we often talk about our commitment to being the very best at everything we doI love the mantra of ‘do it better than you need to’

This isn't just a mantra; it is a reality that lives in our classrooms, on our sports pitches, and across our stages

I really enjoyed reading Ms Cooper’s input into this newsletter, as it emphasises strategies that will help all of us in life; especially helpful in times like these.

This last term has been a short one, with Distance Learning curtailing the final week, and the Holy month of Ramadan meaning that CCEs were not available; however, as you can see from the following pages, there were certainly a huge number of activities and events that BSAK students were able to take part in.

YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE GULF

This term, that excellence was perhaps most visible when we made history at the Young Musician of the Gulf, where BSAK was represented by more young musicians than any other school, and won more prizes than any other school (by quite some distance - we took home 14 of the 24 trophies on offer), with the overall runner up in the incredible Trishna from Year 10.

But the special mention must go to Kenodh from Year 11, who was crowned as the Young Musician of the Gulf 2026 - only the second ever BSAK student to win this prestigious prize

YMOG CONT.

Many of us know the phrase ‘practice makes perfect’, but it is more than this - in life, practice also makes progress; practice makes better; practice makes possible; and practice makes permanent

To achieve what all of these wonderful musicians achieve, it goes beyond talent - it also requires grit, determination, and perseverance

A huge congratulations to not only Kenodh, but all who competed.

STUDENT LED INITIATIVES

From the student-led initiatives of Women in STEM Week and Future Finance Workshops to the high-energy excitement of Epic House Week and our Sports Day, our students are not just participants in their education; they are leaders

This term has been defined by resilience and adventure.

BUILDING BONDS

Whether it was our Year 7' s building bonds in Khorfakkan

Year 8' s tackling the rapids in Al Ain

Year 10's and 11' s showing incredible grit during their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions

MESSAGE FROM THE ASSISTANT HEAD

Ms Nichola Cooper ASSISTANT HEAD

RESILENCE

Failure - when handled well, can become one of the most powerful learning tools your child will ever experience and the good news is that parents play a crucial role in shaping how young people respond to setbacks.

8 practical, evidence-based strategies you can use at home.

Every parent wants their child to succeed, but as adults we all know that life is rarely without setbacks.

Research has shown that adolescents who develop a growth mindset are more resilient, cope better with stress, and show healthier emotional outcomes when facing challenges.

Whilst avoidance of failure, or protection from failure can result in poorer wellbeing.

1. Praise effort, strategy, and persistence rather than intelligence

Instead of saying:

“You’re so smart ”

Say:

“I’m proud of how hard you worked on that ” “You tried different strategies that’s excellent.”

Research shows that praising effort helps children develop resilience because they learn that improvement comes from effort, not fixed ability

This encourages children to take on challenges than avoid them.

CHALLENGES

This means, for all of us, child or adult, success requires learning how to cope and respond to failure.

2. Help Your Child See Mistakes as Valuable Feedback

When your child fails a test, loses a game, or struggles with homework, resist the urge to minimise or immediately fix the problem.

Instead, ask questions such as:

“What did you learn from this?”

“What could you try differently next time?”

This conversational tool reframes failure as part of the learning process, not the end of it and encourages your child to use setbacks as opportunities to improve and develop better coping skills

3. Teach the Po

Encourage your child to add the word “yet” when they feel discouraged

Instead of:

“I can’t do maths ”

Encourage:

“I can’t do this yet.”

This small language shift helps children see ability as something that develops over time, strengthening resilience and motivation.

4. Model Resilience in Your Own Behaviour

Children learn more from what parents do than what they say When you face setbacks, talk openly about how you respond

For example;

“That didn’t go as planned, but I’ll try a different approach.” Research shows that children often adopt the same mindset and coping behaviours they observe in their parents

Observing these behaviours teaches them that struggle and improvement are normal parts of life

5. Encourage Problem-Solving Rather Than Rescue

It can be tempting to step in when your child struggles, but solving problems for them can weaken resilience. Instead, guide them through questions like:

“What’s one small step you could try next?”

“Who could help you?”

Developing problem solving skills increases confidence and helps children cope better with future challenges

g g g

Goals

Large tasks can feel overwhelming and lead to avoidance. Help your child by;

Breaking tasks into smaller steps

Setting achievable short-term goal

Celebrating progress, not just outcomes

Achievable goals help build confidence and reinforce persistence

7. Help your child understand that their abilities grow with practice

Remind your child regularly:

Struggling means their brain is learning Improvement comes with effort and time Everyone learns at different speeds

You could even take on a new hobby that is out of your comfort zone to model these behaviours

8. Stay Calm and Supportive When Your Child Fails Your reaction shapes their emotional response. Supportive responses help children learn emotional regulation and develop resilience skills, which are essential for coping with adversity

Try saying:

“This is tough, but we can figure it out together ”

“Failure is part of learning ”

Avoid criticism, which can increase anxiety and reduce motivation.

What This Means for Your Child’s Future?

Failure is not something to protect your child from, it is something to help them learn from. Developing resilience through failure helps adolescents to cope with academic pressure, maintain wellbeing, build confidence and independence and prepare for adult life.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SECONDARY INCLUSION

We all shine at something and we all shine differently.

It’s time to celebrate that with the annual BSAK Time to Shine: Neurodiversity Week from the 9th-13th March Neurodiversity Week is a worldwide event which supports awareness of different ways of thinking such as dyslexia, autism and ADHD.

Mrs Fran Marshall HEAD OF SECONDARY INCLUSION

COFFEE MORNINGS

Our coffee mornings are a really enjoyable way to bring members of our school community together to discuss and share neurodiversity advice and experiences

DYSLEXIA WORKING GROUP (DWG)

The weekly Dyslexia Working Group (DWG) has continued this term.

This term we have worked on producing guidance for teachers on the theme of the organisation of resources We also nominate a DWG Star Teacher, this has become quite competitive! If you see a yellow star on a teacher door then this means they have been voted as a dyslexia friendly teacher so please give them a pat on the back.

Inclusion Questions?

Contact Mrs Marshall on fmarshall@britishschool.sch.ae

Neurodiversity Week

What is Executive Functioning?

This Neurodiversity Week we shone a light on Executive Functioning.

This is something which, if student struggle with it, can impact on all areas of their life.

is a term used to describe a set of cognitive processes which we use to manage tasks, emotions, and goal based behaviour There are 11 areas of Executive Functioning which are: task initiation, metacognition, time management, working memory, emotional regulation, flexibility, response inhibition, organisation, goal directed persistence, sustained attention and planning and prioritisation Connections in Mind is a great website which gives further information on Executive Functioning and what you can do to support this: https://connectionsinmind.com/ Executive Functioning

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF YEAR 7

Mr Craig Smith HEAD OF YEAR 7

KHORFFAKAN TRIP

Year 7 entered Term 2 with a growing sense of confidence as they settled fully into life in Secondary School

The early weeks of navigating new classrooms and routines quickly passed, replaced by a clear sense of purpose and belonging. They have continued to set high standards for themselves, making strong progress in their learning, developing friendships, and embracing the many opportunities that come with their first year in Secondary School

Term 2 with our first residential trip quite literally began at pace trip starting on the third day of term. Leaving early on Monday morning, the staff, and Mr Smith in particular, quickly realised that the no-phone policy might have been a mistake as we were greeted with a variety of songs, including Wheels on the Bus, before we had even left the city.

Team Building

Once we arrived, the students threw themselves enthusiastically into activities ranging from snorkelling to beach Olympics. They returned a few days later tired after three nights of limited sleep but full of fantastic memories The students were a credit to both the school and to you as parents, showing maturity, enthusiasm, and real support for one another throughout the trip.

EPIC HOUSE WEEK

Year 7 also experienced their first Epic House Week, embracing the energy and excitement of house competition across a range of activities on the sports pitches and in the auditorium The creativity, competitiveness, and house pride on display made it a fantastic week for the whole school community.

SPORTS DAY

The shorter 9 week term certainly kept the pace high with Secondary Sports Day arriving at the end of January. Year 7 approached the day with fantastic enthusiasm, competing with real determination while representing their houses with pride and respect Centaur were the eventual winners, although they were pushed all the way by the other houses in a brilliant display of teamwork and house spirit

Community Outreach

The start of Ramadan coincided with our community outreach programme. Led by our excellent Form Representatives, Year 7 students looked for meaningful ways to give back to the community. It was fantastic to see members of the year group supporting initiatives such as animal shelters, beach cleanups, and other local projects.

Looking ahead, Term 3 will bring further opportunities for our students to grow and develop. In the first few weeks we will begin our Pathways Programme, focusing on building postive learning habits as students prepare for their end of year assessments.

It has been wonderful to see how much the year group has grown and matured this term, and I look forward to seeing that progress continue in Term 3

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF YEAR 8

Miss Sarah Noray HEAD OF YEAR 8

EPIC HOUSE WEEK

It has been a truly exciting and action-packed term for our Year 8 students, filled with confidence-building opportunities and unforgettable experiences both in and out of school.

One of the highlights of the term, where students had the opportunity to proudly represent their houses in a range of energetic and creative activities The atmosphere across the school was electric as students took part in musical chairs competitions, showcased their artistic flair through live painting, and bravely stepped up to the microphone for karaoke performances.

YMOG SUCCESS

We were incredibly proud of the students who entered the prestigious Young Musician of the Gulf competition. Entering such a respected regional competition requires courage, commitment, and countless hours of practice Well done to Emily Yi Ran and Geoffrey on your achievements in this competition and best of luck to everyone competing in ADYM next term!

The week was filled with laughter, teamwork, and healthy competition It was wonderful to see so many Year 8 students getting involved, supporting one another, and demonstrating fantastic house spirit. Events like this continue to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community within our year group.

UNPLUGGED

Our talented musicians took centre stage this term during our much-loved UNPLUGGED Music Concert, celebrating rock and pop talent across the school.

Our Year 8 students performed with confidence and maturity, impressing audiences with their musical skill, stage presence, and dedication. The concert was a true showcase of the creativity within the year group

SPORTS DAY SUCCESS

Sports Day brought energy, colour, and spirited competition to the field as students competed enthusiastically in a range of track and field events, demonstrating teamwork, determination, and resilience throughout the day

Races to Relays

From sprint races and relays to cycling and the new addition of padel tennis, students gave their all and supported their peers with incredible encouragement and house pride What stood out most was not only the athletic talent on display, but the sportsmanship cheering, camaraderie, and celebration of effort made the day a true success.

U13 SPORT UPDATE - GIRLS

Our U13 Girls Football team had a fantastic showing at the Abu Dhabi Sport Championship Tournament They won all their matches, demonstrating excellent skill, coordination, and resilience. Their teamwork and commitment on the field were outstanding, and they should be very proud of their undefeated start to the tournament. Both teams have an exciting season ahead!

Our U13s boys football teams have battled hard in the Adissa leagues and the BSAK 7s, earning impressive results against tough opponents Their teamwork and determination have shone through every match. The U13s boys rugby team have been unstoppable in the Adissa leagues, edging tight games with flair and confidence. Their expansive play and clever shifting of the point of contact show real growth and skill on the field

AL AIN RESIDENTIAL TRIP

A major highlight of the term was our Year 8 Residential to Al Ain Adventure, where 105 students spent two unforgettable nights away

The trip was packed with adventure, teamwork, and personal growth. Students embraced a wide range of rafting, archery, and other waterbased challenges

Many stepped outside their comfort zones, demonstrating resilience and determination

Team Building

Beyond the thrill of the activities, the invaluable opportunities for team building and strengthened friendships, developed leadership skills, of achievement. It was fantastic to see them supporting one another and rising to every challenge with enthusiasm

GOOD BYE & GOOD LUCK

We must also say goodbye to one of our Year 8 superstars Willow Ryder

Keep in touch, we wish you all the very best in your next adventures and want to thank you for everything you have contributed to Year 8.

Thank you parents, as always, for your continued support.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF YEAR 9

Mr James Bertrand HEAD OF YEAR 9

Term 2 has been a term of growth and working towards goals for Year 9.

It’s been another hugely successful term for students in Year 9 as we have moved towards finalising GCSE Options Choices for next year while building key attributes, attitudes and skills for what lies ahead We held a successful GCSE Options Evening in January showcasing all that our school has to offer in Year 10 and 11.

GCSE Options Evening

I was incredibly proud of the massive turnout and grateful to all parents who attended this crucial information session.

As we begin to focus on End of Year Assessments, I feel that every child is making steady progress towards their goals and aspirations.

Congratulations to Ruby M, Henry S, Mouza N, Omar A, Lamya S and Hannah S on being recognised for their fantastic contributions to their Forms this Term.

to Quade B on being awarded the BSAK Citizen of the Term for Year 9! Congratulations

EPIC HOUSE WEEK

Well done to everyone who participated in this year ’ s Epic House Week earlier in February This year, students had the chance to partake in a variety of activities at break times including Netball, Speed Painting, Crossbar Challenge, Dodgeball, Karaoke and the famous Noray Macarena.

DUBAI THEATRE

Our students enjoyed a fantastic trip to the Dubai Theatre, The performance sparked creativity and left lasting memories. A big thank you to the Drama dept and staff involved for making the day so special!

Secondary Sports Day

The Year 9 contingent at this year ’ s Sports Day was out in full force racking up House Points and fun memories

Congratulations to everyone who participated and put themselves out there for their houses!

HEAD OF YEAR 10

Mr Sonny Zimmer HEAD OF YEAR 10

WORK EXPERIENCE

What a whirlwind of a term!

Our Year 10s have truly stepped up as they move deeper into their GCSE journeys, showing a level of maturity and focus that is wonderful to see.

From the grit shown in the desert to the creativity displayed in our MELS sessions, Year 10 students continue to impress me with their attitude

Maths

UKMT Intermediate Challenge

As we look toward the final term, please remember that Work Experience paperwork should be finalised and returned as soon as possible to ensure all placements are secured for the week of Monday June 15th to Friday June 19th.

YMOG SUCCESS

Year 10 students represented the school with immense talent at this year ’ s Young Musicians of the Gulf competition.

We are incredibly proud of Trishna and Qingxin, who both reached the overall competition finals

Trishna was named the Overall Runner-Up and received the Female Vocalist Award, while Qingxin was awarded Finalist-Piano and Knights Bequest Award for the most promising musician aged 15 or younger.

A huge well done to our Year 10 members of the BSAK Strings, who were crowned the Large Ensemble Winners.

It has been a historic term for our Year 10 musicians!

We had fantastic success in the UKMT Intermediate Challenge earlier this term This year, 29 of our Year 10 mathematicians stepped up to the plate, and the results were truly impressive, with a remarkable 21 students securing awards.

GOLD Idris H, Yousef T, Frederick F, Hasan K

SILVER

Jayden D, Advay G, Shanzay A, Celina A, Jenna C, Ahsan I, Nathan S, Surya B

BRONZE Mia D, Shrishti J, Srinika V, Alia E, Evan T, Oscar V L, Luke N.S, William E, Zafar M

A huge well done to all students that participated, and a special recognition must go to Idris H, who was awarded Best in Year.

Duke of Edinburgh

Our Year 10 students continue to show incredible dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, with more than half of the year group currently working toward their qualification

In early February, 75 students successfully completed their two-day Adventurous Journey to Al Khatim Mr Leppard, one of the many staff members who accompanied the group, was particularly struck by the students' outstanding teamwork and character throughout the trek.

This sentiment was echoed by all staff involved, well done to everyone for representing Year 10 so brilliantly!

Additional recognition is due to Maryam, Naser, Surya, Jenna, and Zafar, who had the prestigious honour of representing BSAK at an event attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward.

The students spoke with immense confidence and eloquence about their personal experiences and the lasting value of the Award

We received wonderful feedback from the Embassy staff and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award team regarding their conduct.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF YEAR 11

Miss Leah

Hunkin

HEAD OF YEAR 11

Year 11 have continued to demonstrate great resilience and momentum as we move through a really crucial stretch of their academic year

The term began with a fantastic display of energy and house spirit during Secondary Sports Day.

A huge well done to everyone who got involved, and a special congratulations to CENTAUR, who emerged as the overall winners of the day

SIXTH FORM TASTER DAY

It was great to see Year 11 getting so involved in the Sixth Form Taster Day in February, exploring new subjects and getting a real feel for life as a BSAK Sixth Former The day helped build a strong foundation for their post-16 choices.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH - SILVER

Our Silver Duke of Edinburgh students smashed their adventurous journey in January, bringing them one step closer to achieving their awards Their resilience and teamwork While navigating thier expedition was exceptional, and they should be proud of completing such a demanding challenge.

MELS SESSIONS

Following the delivery of mock results feedback, MELS sessions this term have been dedicated to refining study skills and exploring potential career paths.

Our Form Reps have also been working hard to promote community outreach during Ramadan, fostering a wonderful spirit of service.

Focus & Revise

As we head into the Spring Break, it is essential that students maintain focus and revise well.

This time is a crucial window to consolidate knowledge and build the confidence needed for the final weeks of Year 11

A number of our talented musicians travelled to Bahrain for the YMOG competition this term, representing the school with immense talent.

A special congratulations to Kenodh, who was crowned the Overall Winnera world-class accomplishment

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

As we conclude the term, I extend my warmest wishes to all families observing the Holy Month of Ramadan

With Eid al-Fitr falling during the spring break, I hope our students enjoyed this special time of celebration and reflection.

Mr

Steve Oakes HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

UNIVERSITY OFFERS

I am absolutely delighted to share that the caliber of our students' applications continues to be recognised on the global stage.

We are proud to report that our cohort has secured offers from:

University of Oxford Imperial College of London Johns Hopkins University.

DEDICATION

To gain entry into such prestigious institutions, one a cornerstone of British academic tradition and the other a world leader in research and medicine, is a phenomenal achievement.

It speaks volumes not only of the students’ talent but of the dedication they have shown throughout their time in the Sixth Form

Connecting the BSAK Global Network

CONGRATULATIONS

While these headlines are exceptional, I want to extend my congratulations to every one of our students currently receiving university offers.

Each acceptance represents years of hard work and a bright future ahead

However, as we break for the holidays, we must remember that an offer is a door left open it is the final exams that allow our students to walk through it

‘Final Sprint’

We are now entering the "final sprint."

The Spring break should be a balance of well-deserved rest and disciplined revision.

My message to Year 13 is simple:

Heads down. Use this time wisely Refine your notes, Master your past papers, Return in the Summer Term ready to finish what you started.

Our Careers Department continues to bridge the gap between school and the world’s top universities Most recently, our advisors visited Nice, Madrid and New York, meeting with admissions teams, career advisors and most importantly reconnecting with BSAK Alumni

Seeing our former students thriving on the global stage is truly special. These visits are vital; they allow us to provide firsthand campus insights and maintain the professional relationships that ensure our students' applications stand out

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF YEAR 12 & HEAD OF YEAR 13

We wish all of our Year 13 students the very best of luck.

We are incredibly proud of the maturity, commitment and leadership they continue to show As always, we are here to support our students and their families.

MRS JANE ROUGHLEY MISS LOUISE MELL

HEAD

OF YEAR 12 HEAD OF YEAR 13

If parents have any concerns during this busy period, please do not hesitate to contact the pastoral team.

UAE V ROW

We have officially launched the much-anticipated leavers’ eventsstarting with the UAE vs Rest of the World football games.

ATMOSPHERE

What began as an initiative created by our BTEC students has continued to grow year after year, and this year was no exception. The crowds were bigger, the squads were larger, and the atmosphere was electric In the girls’ match, the UAE team secured a fantastic win, while in the boys’ game the Rest of the World team took victory.

The UAE boys arguably created more opportunities, but despite their efforts, they were unable to convert those chances into goals.

Sportmanship

Beyond the score lines, what stood out most was the commitment shown by our Year 12 & 13 students in the lead-up to the event

Early morning training sessions before school demonstrated real dedication, and the respect shown between teams after the final whistle embodied true sportsmanship. They set a wonderful example to our younger students - competitive yet respectful, passionate yet gracious.

Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams "

MELS

Both Y12 & Y13 students have also been preparing for life beyond school in their MELS lessons

This term, they have taken part in a carousel of practical activities shaped directly by student feedback. From cooking and budgeting to public speaking, household DIY, mindfulness and managing stress as well as understanding the importance of safety.

These sessions are designed to ensure students feel confident and prepared as they transition to university and independent life.

A huge thank you to our Year 12 & 13 tutor team for delivering such thoughtful and purposeful sessions to support this important stage.

Our Year 12 and 13 BTEC Hospitality students stepped into the professional kitchens to serve a stunning three-course lunch to 20 VIP guests. Students applied their skills in a world- renowned French culinary studio- Ecole Ducasse. They created a FrancoArabian Fusion supported by expert chefs

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS