There are many factors that go into a successful education. We often consider the things which are most visible: the teacher, the resources, the homework for example. In this week’s article I want to raise another aspect which is Attitude.
It is hard for students to affect some of the external factors related to education, but what they can consider is their own attitude towards whatever it is they are trying to accomplish. If we can help them develop a positive mindset then they gain in confidence and can achieve more than they might have thought possible.
Success is dependent on hard work, and yet we can add to that by making sure we approach things with the right attitude. For all students (and no doubt adults too), considering how we react to the world around us and how we take advantage of opportunities presented to us is crucial if we are to continue to develop and to expand our horizons and our achievements.
An American author, Charles Swindoll, put this better than I could ever do. Some powerful words to reflect on:
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude … I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you … we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
Patrick Horne, Principal
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.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, we believe that when families and schools team up, incredible things happen. We’re proud to have won the MENA School Excellence Award 2025 for Parent Partnership, but this award is about more than just recognition. It’s about the people, the conversations, and the community that make it all possible. Read on to discover how we’re making a difference together.
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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