BIS Abu Dhabi Hosts 'Amazing Race' to Welcome New Families and Explore the City
The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi) kicked off the new school year with a unique and engaging approach to family orientation. On August 24th, the school organized "The Amazing Race," a citywide adventure aimed at helping new families explore Abu Dhabi's cultural landmarks while fostering community spirit.
The event saw BIS Abu Dhabi families navigating iconic sites such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, and The Louvre Abu Dhabi, guided by a series of creative clues. As part of the challenge, families captured selfies at each location, with the most creative photo earning a luxurious overnight stay for a family of four at a top Yas Island hotel.
One parent expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “What a fantastic idea to organize this event! We had so much fun navigating through Abu Dhabi and discovering our new city. Since we didn't have a car yet, we teamed up with another family from the school, and it's wonderful to see that our sons are already friends!”
Alan Cocker, Principal at BIS Abu Dhabi, highlighted the school's commitment to making the start of the school year as welcoming as possible. “The Amazing Race was not just a fun event; it was a way for our new and returning families to bond, explore Abu Dhabi, and create lasting memories. We are thrilled by the positive feedback and look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and community spirit.”
In addition to The Amazing Race, BIS Abu Dhabi's orientation program included several innovative initiatives designed to support new students and their families. These included Transition Days, where tutor profiles and introductory videos were shared in advance, a buddy system to help new students settle in, and pastoral care provided by form tutors. The orientation week culminated in a group picnic in the school's Sports Hall, where over 140 families gathered to socialize and enjoy a meal together.
The school's creative and community-focused approach has set a new standard for starting the school year, ensuring that families feel connected and supported from day one. With this strong foundation, BIS Abu Dhabi is poised for a year of connection, growth, and success.
