Full Circle Moments: From Nursery to Graduation

From tiny footsteps to giant leaps — celebrating our students’ journey from Early Years to graduation

A Return to Where It All Began

At BIS HCMC, our story is one of connection, continuity, and care — a place where learning begins with curiosity and ends with confident, compassionate graduates ready to shape the world. Earlier this year, we witnessed a moving reminder of this journey, as eighteen members of our Year 13 Class of 2025 returned to the place where it all began: the Early Years Foundation Stages.

As the Class of 2025 embarks on new adventures beyond BIS HCMC, their return to Early Years stands as a powerful symbol of who we are. We are not just a school — we are a home, a family, and a community that nurtures every stage of growth, from the very first steps to the final walk across the graduation stage.

These students, now graduates having completed their IBDP exams, first arrived at BIS HCMC as curious little learners in Foundation Stage 1 and 2 back in 2010 and 2011. Before their final exams, they came back — not just as young adults stepping into their futures, but as living proof that the strong foundations we build in the early years truly shape lives of purpose, confidence, and connection.

“What an honour it’s been to see you begin your journey in Fundino,” reflected Ms Grace, who welcomed many of the returning students when they first joined the school. “You came in small, curious, and wide-eyed — and now you leave strong, kind, and ready. I’m so proud of each and every one of you.”

A Joyful Homecoming

The morning began with a heartwarming assembly, where our graduating students were welcomed back by Ms Dee, Headteacher of Early Years & Infant, and an enthusiastic audience of our youngest learners. There was something truly magical in the room — wide-eyed young children gazing up at these towering role models who once sat in the same spots, sang the same songs, and dreamed their first dreams within those very walls.

Curious as ever, the Early Years children had lots of questions for their older visitors. “Why are they here?” one child asked. The answers were heartfelt and revealing:
“They have come to visit us because they want to see how good we are!”
“They want to visit old teachers!”
“Because they are going to leave school and are sad!”

“It was incredibly special to see our oldest students reconnect with their very first learning environment,” shared Carole Forber, Head of Year 13. “The memories, the laughter, the relationships they still cherish after so many years — they truly capture the spirit of BIS HCMC.”

Full circle moments: From nursery to graduation - Number 1

A Walk Down memory Lane

Following the assembly, the returning students stepped back into the places that sparked their early imagination. They wandered through playgrounds, splashed by the pool, and visited classrooms that once nurtured their sense of wonder. There was play, laughter, and pure joy as they joined in with current Foundation Stage 1 students — if only for a moment, they were Fundinos once again.

And they remembered so much — the little moments that had stuck with them, even after all these years.

They spoke about the joy of playing in the sand, racing down the playground, and dancing at discos. They recalled golden time, sleepovers, and nap time, and smiled at the thought of playing with their teachers. There were fond mentions of writing competitions about space and the excitement of learning new words from another language.

These weren’t just passing memories — they were lasting imprints of belonging, discovery, and joy.

One of the most emotional moments of the day was the reunion with their former teachers — Ms Grace, Ms Crislet, Ms Christina, and Ms Gurvinder — beloved, experienced educators who continue to shape young minds at BIS HCMC. There were hugs, heartfelt stories, and bursts of nostalgic laughter as old class photos and shared memories brought the past beautifully into the present.

“Watching you graduate from Year 13 fills me with pride (and makes me feel a bit old!),” said Ms Gurvinder with a smile. “Seeing you during your visit last term, I was struck by what thoughtful, resilient and capable young people you have become! You were only 2 years old when you joined F1, playing in the splash pool, building in the sand pit and riding the tricycles — but time has flown by. I wish you all the best at the next stage of your journey — I am sure you will all shine!”

These enduring bonds are a testament to the deep-rooted sense of belonging that defines our community.

More Than a Visit

This tradition is more than a sentimental return — it’s a celebration of the entire learning journey. It reminds us that every song sung in F1, every game played, every encouraging word from a teacher plants seeds that blossom throughout a student’s life.

To our returning Fundinos: thank you for coming home. You remind us all — young and old — of the power of lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, and the beauty of coming full circle.

Full circle moments: From nursery to graduation - Number 2