THE CRANLEIGH ABU DHABI Time Capsule

The UAE has achieved so much in just 50 years. It continues to strive for inclusivity, stability, innovation, and human development, ensuring sustainability for future generations. Therefore, we created a time capsule to be opened in another 50 years to mark the UAE’s Golden Jubilee and express our belief and confidence in our School, the education system, and the country. We also took this opportunity to reflect on the journey of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi and draw on the parallels that go hand-in-hand with the achievements of the UAE. As we celebrate our eighth year and continue to swell in numbers, our Cranleigh spirit has been strengthened by the many inspiring cultures that enrich our society. Vision, strong leadership, and the importance of a broad, cultural and holistic education to ensure young people are equipped to shape successful, fulfilled lives are central to a Cranleighan education.

We hope this time capsule will be an insightful reflection of life at Cranleigh today and represent current events and culture in the UAE during this historic year.

UAE National Day 2021

Dear Reader, 2021 marks the 50th Year of the United Arab Emirates. For us here and now, this country has already achieved so much in a short space of time. As you read this, we can only imagine what has come to fruition in this Great Nation’s future.

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi opened in 2014 and has grown exponentially in a short eight years. We plan to launch a new campus for our youngest Cranleighans as we have outgrown this purpose-built site quicker than expected. So by the time you read this letter, there may be many more Cranleigh Schools worldwide.

We marked the 50th Year with several celebrations across the country and, of course, the School. We ran competitions throughout the Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools, which were intended to reflect life at Cranleigh today and to offer an insight into how our pupils imagine the future of the UAE. The winning entries to these competitions are enclosed within this time capsule.

We also compiled some samples of schoolwork to help future Cranleighans understand school life here in 2021. In addition, our Year 9 pupils created a message scroll for prospective learners with their advice for the future. Finally, some images of the campus as it stands here today are enclosed with the whole School timetable showing the breadth of the curriculum we have here and now.

As you read, we imagine Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is bigger and better than ever. A thriving hub of learning, positive messaging, whole child development and happiness. The solid moral foundations that founded the School run deep, and we hope the legacy lives on.

I was teaching at Cranleigh, UK, at the time of the 100th Anniversary of the Junior School and the 150th Anniversary of the Senior School. It is heart-warming to think that by the time you read this letter, the School will be well on the way to these milestones.

With best wishes for the future,

Michael Wilson Principal