The annual Year 1 spelling bee took place today. 4 children from each of the Year 1 classes took part, each representing their house. All participants from Ash, Willow, Oak and Elm worked hard to spell words which they have learnt throughout their time in Year 1.
Round 1 began with simple high frequency words such as ‘was’, ‘they’ and ‘now’. The spellings got harder and harder with each round until finally round 5 had the children spelling words such as ‘shadow’, ‘transparent’ and ‘hearing’.
Well done to Oak house who were the overall house winners this year and a huge congratulations to Leena from 1D who was the overall Year 1 spelling bee champion with the highest score.
It’s something I’ve believed for a long time — that learning isn’t predetermined by our genes. It’s about growing, persevering, and learning through the process. I was really mindful of this idea at this week’s wonderful Primary Summer Concert, after which I found myself reflecting on whether these amazing children have an innate talent, or whether they have achieved so much because of hard work and practice.
I believe it’s the latter. These children, their parents, and their teachers all seem to share the belief that by trying and working hard, they will get better at what they do. This is what we call a growth mindset.
This week at BIS Abu Dhabi, we have had the joy of celebrating both ends of the school journey and it has been a beautiful reminder of how we support our students to dream big and grow into their future selves.
As exam season unfolds, there's a special kind of stillness that settles over the school. In the quiet hum of the examination hall, behind the rustle of papers and the soft clicking of keyboards, is a profound truth: we are witnessing a moment that our students will carry with them forever. It is the culmination of years of learning, growth, and perseverance, a chapter closing and a new one ready to be written.
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