How The British International School Abu Dhabi unlocks creativity through the power of arts education
PARTNER CONTENT: At The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi), the creative arts are a core part of student development.
Adriane O’Connor, Head of Creative Arts, emphasises the importance of art, music, and drama, integrated into the British curriculum up to Year 9, with strong GCSE results (Year 11) in drama, music, fine art, and photography.
IB Diploma Programme students (Years 12 and 13) can specialise in one arts subject, further honing their creative skills.
“Creativity is vital in today’s world,” says Adriane, noting how art education fosters problem-solving and emotional intelligence.
“By the time students reach critical decisions, they already have a deep love for the arts,” she adds.
The arts also enrich students’ engagement in other subjects.
“It helps students think outside the box and work collaboratively,” she says.
BIS Abu Dhabi’s partnerships with The Juilliard School, a private performing arts conservatory in New York City, and NYU Abu Dhabi further enhance students’ preparation for the future.
A transformative journey
Adriane explains how the school balances technical skill-building with creative freedom in its arts curriculum.
“At Key Stage Three (Years 7-9), we focus on teaching students the essential skills, like musicology in music or line drawing in art,” she says.
By GCSE, students gain more autonomy.
“While there are exam board guidelines, students start exploring their own creative paths,” she notes.
At IB level, Adriane describes the experience as “magical.”
“Students have complete control over their projects, and my role becomes more about guiding them,” she says.
The journey from Year 7 to IB is transformative.
“At IB level, students are fearless, willing to take risks, and truly find themselves as artists,” she adds.
Nurturing talent
Adriane explains that the school places great emphasis on nurturing individual artistic talent through both the curriculum and a robust extracurricular programme.
“We have a very comprehensive CCA (Co-Curricular Activities) programme, which allows us to nurture creativity across the arts,” she shares.
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This includes everything from dance classes for younger students to specialised production groups and school-wide performances, helping foster talent at all age levels.
The upcoming Performing Arts Academy will focus on developing dance, singing, and drama for Key Stage Three students.
Adriane also highlights the importance of giving students opportunities outside of regular lessons, mentioning internationally recognised programmes like that from The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), and a range of CCAs such as photography and technical theatre, which further enhance students’ artistic skills.
Expertise and productions
The school’s specialist staff play a vital role in nurturing students’ artistic talents.
“Our teachers bring unique expertise to the table,” Adriane says, highlighting how their diverse backgrounds enrich the extracurricular programme.
From a drama teacher with stage management expertise to an art teacher with a background in graphic media and furniture design, the school taps into these specialisms to give students broader experiences in the arts.
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This expertise is especially evident in school productions, where students are involved not only in performing but also in set design, lighting, and stage management.
“Last year, 35 per cent of our Secondary students participated in the school play, whether in performing or technical roles,” Adriane shares, demonstrating how productions are a comprehensive learning experience.
Celebrating student achievements
Adriane is passionate about celebrating and showcasing student work, ensuring their efforts are recognised both within the school and in the wider community.
“We celebrate our students’ achievements in many ways, from small, informal showcases like Year 1 music performances to major exhibitions of our IB artwork,” she explains.
A highlight was exhibiting student artwork at Yas Mall, where passersby, including families with little knowledge of art, stopped to admire and discuss the pieces.
“It was a proud moment for me, and the school, to stand back and see how our students’ work resonated with the public,” she shares.
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The school also strives to connect students with broader opportunities, including partnerships with organisations like Apple and The Louvre Abu Dhabi, where students explore digital media and art on field trips.
International theatre companies such as Gecko Theatre and Paper Birds, which offer workshops, give students a chance to engage with current industry practices.
Future goals and expansion of the Arts Department
Adriane shares BIS Abu Dhabi’s vision for the future, focused on expanding opportunities for students across the arts.
“We want to introduce dance as a discrete subject in Secondary School and are working hard to make that part of our curriculum,” she says.
The school also plans to broaden the arts programme at GCSE and IB level, alongside existing photography and fine art courses. Additionally, BIS Abu Dhabi aims to implement in the future the BTEC Performing Arts to potentially providing more future pathways for those students who may not follow the IB route.
For more information, visit nordangliaeducation.com/bis-abu-dhabi
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