OUR SCHOOL The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is Abu Dhabi’s leading British not-for-profit, co-educational day school. From Nursery to A Level (3 – 18) our dynamic school culture offers students an enriching experience and outstanding results.
OUR PURPOSE We are a community committed to inspiring our students to create an impactful legacy
OUR VALUES Empathy and Care | Respect and Inclusivity Honesty and Integrity | Endeavour and Resilience
YEAR 11 PASTORAL HANDBOOK 2026/2027 CONTENT P02 P04 P05 P06
BSAK’s Purpose and Values Assistant Head Welcome Wellbeing One Stop Shop Meet Your Head of Year
KINDLY CLICK ON THESE HYPERLINKS Student Staff Agreement Safeguarding Term Dates and Timings Google Classroom & Devices Transport Communications - Parent Portal Library MELS Stationery
Mental Health and Wellbeing House System Uniform Nursing Handbook Parking and Traffic Communications - Social Media Inclusion Mobile Phones
WELCOME FROM THE ASSISTANT HEAD Dear Parents, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you and your child to Year 11 here at BSAK. The aim of this booklet is to supply you with the essential, practical information you need to get a smooth start to the academic year. Year 11 is obviously a very important year for all students. For many, it is their first opportunity to show us what they are really capable of academically in the external GCSE exams.
Ms Nichola Cooper ASSISTANT HEAD
We believe the support our students receive from their teachers, tutors and head of year give them the very best opportunity to exceed our expectations and achieve what they are truly capable of. While it is vital that we work together to support our students to give their best in the exams, we believe in still maintaining a healthy balance between exam preparation and growing from the experiences they are offered alongside the curriculum, preparing them for life beyond GCSE’s. The opportunities they receive outside of the curriculum are vast, through Moral Education and Life Skills lessons, tutor time and assemblies, co-curricular activities and many more, we aim to see our students grow into well rounded young people who embody our BSAK values of Empathy & Care, Endeavour & Resilience, Honesty & Integrity and Respect & Inclusion. I would like to thank you all in advance for your support this year. Ms Nichola Cooper Assistant Head ncooper@britishschool.sch.ae
WELLBEING PADLET ONE STOP SHOP A few years ago BSAK launched a Wellbeing One Stop Shop which is accessible on the parent portal. Each month we add new materials associated with Wellbeing, Inclusion, or Digital Safety. We will be continuing to do this so please keep an eye out on our Social Media channels to see what's new each month. Below you can find examples of content already there. Please take some time to look through, it is a resource for parents so if you have any suggestions on topics you want including contact me on ncooper@britishschool.sch.ae Inclusion
A spotlight on Neurodiversity with a focus on Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism A spotlight on anxiety, depression, OCD and ODD How to support your child with trauma or bereavement
Digital Safety
Back to school online safety tips Guidance on how to monitor and restrict internet usage at home Digital Safety Information booklet for parents with guidance on apps Guidance surrounding AI Online Gaming Safety Tips and ESports Parent Guide
Wellbeing
Strategies to help your tween or teen identify and process emotions How to boost your child's self esteem How to help your child develop resilience and prevent exams anxiety How to manage conflict with your tween or teen
MEET YOUR HEAD OF YEAR Dear Parents, I would like to take this opportunity to give a warm welcome to our new starters and all of our returning students to Year 11 at BSAK. As Head of Year 11, I am looking forward to supporting the year group through this crucial and exciting final stage of their secondary education, as they prepare for their GCSE examinations in 2026.
Miss Leah Hunkin HEAD OF YEAR
The Year 11 pastoral team is made up of myself as Head of Year, and our six experienced and enthusiastic form tutors. Together, we are responsible for overseeing the academic progress and emotional welfare of the year group. We are further supported by Ms Nichola Cooper, Assistant Head, and together we are committed to ensuring that every student is guided, motivated, and well-supported as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of this important year. Year 11 is a pivotal time. Students will complete the final parts of their GCSE courses, consolidate their learning, and hone the skills needed for exam success. Excellent attendance, punctuality, organisation, and consistent effort are more important than ever, and we will be encouraging Year 11 to take ownership of their progress and embrace the support available to them. Form time and weekly MELS sessions will continue to provide a structured space for personal development, revision strategies, and well-being support. While this year can bring pressure, it is also an opportunity for real growth and achievement. The wellbeing of every student remains our top priority, and I look forward to working in close partnership with you to ensure every student thrives, academically, emotionally, and socially. Miss Leah Hunkin Head of Year 11 lhunkin@britishschool.sch.ae