Science

Science helps us understand the world around us. From the structure of the atom and breathing of organisms; to scientific research and discoveries. The importance of Science in this world cannot be underestimated, as the quality of life that we enjoy as a result of mankind’s ability to take natural resources and convert them into useful products.

All young people should have an understanding and appreciation of this story, which shaped and continues to shape our planet and touch our lives every day in every way. 

You can teach a student a lesson for a day, but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives

Clay P. Bedford

Science in the Prep School

Pupils from Year 5 onwards are taught by Science specialists for Chemistry, Biology and Physics topics. The curriculum is taught with lessons that are practically focused; which encourages pupils to explore, take risks and think critically. All Science classrooms at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi are equipped with their own laboratory facilities; where exploration, curiosity, critical thinking and risk-taking are encouraged through practical focused lessons. 

Pupils are extended beyond the curriculum through inquiry-based learning, which further consolidates knowledge and develops skills for the future. The cross-curricular links Science has with different subjects within the school encourages pupils to realize that Science is not an isolated subject but one that can be explored in all facets.

A theory can be proved by experiment, but no path leads from experiment to the birth of a theory

Albert Einstein

Science in the Senior School

Science at the Senior School level is split into the three separate disciplines: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. While Science is a compulsory subject, students can opt to take one of three routes for GCSE: the Double Award, Triple Sciences or selecting two of the three subjects. A strong emphasis is placed on practical experimentation, with students learning through doing.  All GCSE laboratories are well-appointed for practical work, as well as set up for theory lessons. In addition, research skills and independent learning are promoted, allowing students to develop those strategies necessary for further education.

Chemistry

The structure and behaviour of matter has long fascinated mankind. Chemistry gives students the chance to develop their reasoning and logical thinking skills and use these to explain phenomena: whether the abstract behaviour of elements or the everyday application of Chemistry in our lives. Theoretical ideas are supported with practical experiences from exothermic reactions to the chemical properties of the Alkali Metals. 

Biology

Biology as a subject is constantly changing, especially with the revolutions in genetics, cellular and molecular biology, making it a fascinating subject to study, with an ever-developing curriculum. Biology may help us to answer some of life’s fundamental questions and informs us of the scientific concepts of life; what it means to be human, how we function as living organisms and why we behave as we do. We encourage students to actively investigate and explore many of the developments for themselves as they build an appreciation of the biological world around them. 

Physics

The study of Physics challenges pupils to comprehend abstract concepts, which they often cannot see or touch. Studying Physics will develop pupils’ practical and analytical skills. Studying Physics allows pupils to be creative in their approach to problem-solving, it can lead to a wide variety of interesting professions such as Engineering, and it will give them a better appreciation of the world around them.