Islamic and Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi explores the geography, history, people, society and community of the UAE, the Gulf region, and indeed the wider world. The curriculum is set and overseen by the Ministry of Education.

As in all our subjects here at Cranleigh, there is a strong focus on embedding our 21st-century skills into the curriculum and the students are given a very engaging and enriching educational experience in Social Studies. The subject of Social Studies is organised into two areas, namely Native and Non-Native. In the former, students are taught through the medium of Arabic and in the latter, they are taught in English.

The Islamic and Social Studies department delivers an outstanding, comprehensive educational programme and achieved the Academic Distinction Award during international accreditation for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Cranleigh delivers excellence to its students in all areas of the Islamic curriculum, highlighting the importance of Islam and its significance in the UAE. The subject is well serviced by highly qualified and experienced Islamic Education professionals equipped not only with subject knowledge but the ability to foster and develop children’s learning through 21st-century methodologies. Outward-looking, the department takes pride not only in its teaching standards within the school but in participation in significant  educational events,

In the classroom, Islamic Studies lessons include a focus on the teachings of the Qu’ran as well as on Islamic beliefs. The curriculum describes the history of Islam and the moral compass that it provides for millions of people around the world, and learning is brought to life through the use of interactive techniques that engage and involve pupils, including group project work, baking sessions, online activities, as well as the creation of artistic displays. We also honour important annual celebrations such as the Prophet’s birthday, Ramadan and Islamic New Year, using these as opportunities to link academic work with community values and activities. Outside the classroom, we make full use of the rich natural heritage around us in the UAE through trips and visits which further deepen and enrich our curriculum.

One of the main notable achievements of the Islamic department is the development of the innovative Islamic Education platform, Al Noor Education, in accordance with ADEK curriculum guidelines. Through a series of games, stories and electronic tests, the platform enriches and assesses a student’s level via linked criteria and outcome reports.  Cranleigh Native Arabic-speaking students also take Social Studies in Arabic for one lesson a week from Year 2 - Year 9. This offers them insights into past and present aspects of the Emirates, their physical features and their location in the world, as well as an appreciation of local heritage and the principal elements of national infrastructure.  A strong focus on economics, technology and the evaluation of information equip children with relevant skills for life through a Social Studies lens, whilst a further vital function of the Social Studies curriculum lies in its emphasis of  UAE national identity and cultural values, and pride and knowledge of the Nation is instilled and nurtured through interactive activities and projects, creating a sense of responsibility and respect.

Cross-curricular initiatives throughout all three schools ensure the department remains part of the fabric of the school with Drama, Science and the Arts all playing integral roles in lesson content. Both Social Studies and Islamic Studies also provide important support for Arabic Language studies due to the medium of instruction, and the departments work closely together.