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 9 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, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to Year 9 at BSAK. Students undergo many transitions as they journey through our School; in particular the transition into Year 9 presents an ideal opportunity to push educational boundaries and continue to develop interests and hobbies beyond the classroom. As students enter this last year of Key Stage 3, they will be expected to take greater responsibility for their own learning.
Ms Nichola Cooper ASSISTANT HEAD
The Year 9 curriculum is designed to provide opportunities for students to experience the broader world in a more independent manner and develop a passion for life and learning. A key focus for students this year is making positive choices for their future and our Year 9 pastoral team is here to fully support them through the GCSE options process. It is vital students have control over these choices and as such they must make the most of every opportunity they are presented with. It is a hugely exciting time in students’ lives, as they develop into young adults. We are strongly committed to working in meaningful and positive partnership with parents to support the best possible education for all our students and I very much look forward to joining you and your child on this next leg of their learning journey. 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 give a warm welcome to our new starters and all our returning students to Year 9 at The British School Al Khubairat. I have already had the pleasure to meet many of you, however, for those who do not know me, my name is Mr Bertrand and I am responsible for overseeing the academic progress and pastoral care of Year 9 students this year.
Mr James Bertrand HEAD OF YEAR
The well-being of every child in our care is of the utmost importance to me and I am looking forward to working with you and my experienced team of excellent tutors to ensure that every student in Year 9 is safe, happy and achieving their true potential. Establishing a relationship between parents and tutors is a vital ingredient in the success of students at BSAK. Every form group has a dedicated form tutor, who is the constant in each day of a BSAK student’s journey and who invariably has the best understanding of their tutees’ needs. You should regard tutors as your first point of contact at school and if needed, should direct enquiries and pass on information directly to them. As Head of Year, I am always here to listen, if you or your child has any queries or questions. Year 9 is an important year in your son or daughter’s educational career as they will be making decisions about subject preferences and GCSE options. Each morning, during form time, students will receive pastoral and academic guidance from their tutors to help support them through this process. Tutors are also responsible for delivering the Moral Education and Life Skills (MELS) elements of school life to their form. I look forward to supporting our students throughout this academic year and overseeing the options process moving forward to GCSEs. Thank you in advance to all parents for your support. I look forward to working with you this year to ensure your son or daughter is happy and successful in Year 9. Mr James Bertrand Head of Year 9 jbertrand@britishschool.sch.ae