Art

A combination of practical skills, and sound intellectual enquiry are at the heart of Art at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. Through this engagement, we ensure that children grow in confidence both in their practical work and in their rational grasp of the decisions they have made.

Students have the opportunity to investigate new forms of artistic expression through a mixture of techniques and materials. Painting, ceramics, drawing, digital work and drypoint etching are just a few of the principles that students explore. Strong focus is directed towards student-centred learning and all children are encouraged to push themselves beyond their comfort zones.

The Art Department recognises that the nature of learning is dynamic. Our art-specific social media platforms celebrate and assist in the education of our young artists.
 

Cranleighans are fortunate to study in close proximity to the prestigious Louvre Abu Dhabi. Collaborations between the Cranleigh and The Louvre Abu Dhabi continue to raise the superior standard of our Art offering through the Teacher Committee and initiatives such as Museum Voices and Young Guides.

Cranleigh is strategically well placed as neighbour also to the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and The Berklee Abu Dhabi Centre which all form the Saadiyat Cultural District.

The Manarat Al Saadiyat is within walking distance of Cranleigh and is a state-of-the-art centre for interactive, cultural displays, and international exhibitions as well as being host to Abu Dhabi Art.

Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.

Andy Warhol

Art in Cranleigh Abu Dhabi Prep School

Through inquiry-based lessons, artists in the Prep School are inspired to experiment with new processes and techniques. They develop their innate talents, unlock their creativity and imagination in order to reach their personal goals. There is a focus on developing digital competency, research and critical thinking skills. Pupils utilise these skills when investigating and responding to the work of other artists. Pupils gain vast knowledge on how to present competent research, whilst considering composition, presentation and formative language. Pupils also use technology to create digital artworks along with traditional outcomes. The 21st Century skills are embedded within lessons, which will prepare our pupils to be lifelong learners.

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Art in Cranleigh Abu Dhabi Senior School

In Year 9 students build upon their prior learning and develop their creativity, skills and ideas. The Year 9 curriculum is loosely based on a GCSE format utilising the diverse range of studies, mediums and concepts promoted at that level. Self-portraiture and self-reflection are strong themes for this year group as they move from childhood into their teenage years.

Year 10/11 – During the GCSE period students will typically explore traditional and non-traditional avenues of study. There is a focus on still life, portraiture and independent study work that follow traditional artists techniques as well as current trends. As far as possible students are taught transferable skills and engage with real-world art and contextual trends. All students will have an awareness of the 21st Century Skills insert link here to skills page and will utilise these transferable attributes in their project work. 

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Art in Cranleigh Abu Dhabi Sixth Form

During the A Level period students will typically explore traditional and non-traditional avenues of study. There is a focus on diagnostic studies at the beginning of the course. In the second term of the second-year students will be given an externally set assignment from the exam board. As far as possible students are taught transferable skills and engage with real-world local and international art and contextual trends.

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