At the British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi), the early years mark the beginning of a magical journey where children thrive in a safe, happy, and child-centered environment. Led by passionate educators, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) nurtures purposeful, lifelong learners through engaging, play-based learning experiences.
The day starts with a warm welcome from teachers as children arrive, either by school bus or with their parents. After greeting their friends and completing the register, students proudly sing the national anthem and enjoy a lively “wake-up shake-up” session before discussing the day’s learning plans.
Throughout the day, children enjoy a mix of teacher-led and child-initiated activities. Set carpet times focus on circle time, storytime, maths, or phonics, followed by plenty of opportunities to independently apply newly learned skills in the classroom and outdoors. Our play-based approach centers on children’s interests, making their learning purposeful and engaging.
Language and communication skills are nurtured through role play and conversations that expand vocabulary. Fine motor skills are strengthened through activities like “funky fingers,” which prepare children for writing and mark-making.
Our exceptional facilities further enrich learning, including a dedicated early years library, an indoor swimming pool, and the innovative Eco Edventure area. In this outdoor space, children explore, grow, and harvest their own food, investigate water systems, build imaginative structures, and learn about animal care, habitats, and ecosystems. This fosters creativity and curiosity while supporting sustainability goals.
Specialist teachers in music, Arabic, PE, and swimming enhance the learning experience, while healthy meal times encourage independence as children manage their own snacks and lunches. The day concludes with a group story, reflecting on the day’s achievements and celebrating successes.
Nursery students benefit from extended Early Years Additional Sessions (EYAS), offering additional curricular time, swimming lessons, and yoga at no extra cost. These sessions align the Nursery finish time with the rest of the school at 3 pm. After school, optional extracurricular activities from 3:15 to 4:15 pm further develop skills in physical development, communication, and expressive arts, enriched by collaborations with Juilliard and MIT.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, every child is encouraged to explore, grow, and thrive in an environment that values curiosity, creativity, and resilience. Supported by exceptional facilities and a commitment to sustainability, our holistic approach provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
