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 8 PASTORAL HANDBOOK 2026/2027 CONTENTS 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, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to Year 8 at BSAK. Year 7 was a time for establishing routines, acquiring good learning habits and developing new relationships.
Ms Nichola Cooper ASSISTANT HEAD
In Year 8, students build upon those experiences to grow in confidence as active, engaging young people who enjoy the intellectual challenges of the curriculum. The year is full of new adventures and as students develop greater independence, they are encouraged to broaden their horizons and experience all that BSAK has to offer through its extensive extra curricular program. Our Year 8 pastoral team is here to fully support and care for students as they grow and develop on this next leg of their learning journey within a community which expects and delivers the highest standards. We are strongly committed to working in a meaningful and positive partnership with parents to support the best possible education for all our students and I would like to thank you in advance for your support. 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 welcome all of our new students and returning students to Year 8 at The British School Al Khubairat. As Head of Year, I am responsible for overseeing the pastoral care and academic progress of the Year 8 student body for 2026/2027. Enhancing the wellbeing of all students in our care is a key priority for me. I look forward to working alongside you and our excellent Year 8 tutors to ensure that every child in Year 8 feels safe, happy, supported, and able to achieve their full potential.
Mr Smith HEAD OF YEAR 8
My main aim is for every student to have a successful and enjoyable year in which they feel challenged, supported, and valued. I want Year 8 to be a community that students are proud to be part of, where everyone works together and supports one another throughout the year. I hope that your son or daughter will strive to be actively involved in our vibrant culture and take full advantage of the opportunities BSAK will provide for them; we are fortunate to be part of such a dynamic environment. I want all of them to feel supported and inspired to exceed expectations and our wish is to celebrate their individual success together, as the year unfolds. Your child’s form tutor will play an incredibly important role in their development through their Year 8 journey and will be there, as someone who will help support and nurture them to excel. They will also be the first point of contact if there are any pastoral or academic concerns and will be invested in your son or daughter’s success and happiness in Year 8. As their Head of Year, I am also always here to listen, if you, your son or daughter have any queries or questions. Establishing strong relationships between parents, tutors and the Head of Year is a vital ingredient in the future success of students at BSAK and I hope that we can continue to develop this as the year progresses. I want to extend my thanks to all parents, in advance, for providing your support to us as a team and I look forward to working with you all in the new term. Mr Smith Head of Year 8 csmith@britishschool.sch.ae