TDIC announces construction of Cranleigh School in final stages

Abu Dhabi (WAM): Tourism Development and Investment Company, TDIC, the master developer of major tourism, cultural and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi has announced that the construction of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, the leading school campus on Saadiyat, has entered its final construction stages, including three main buildings a Junior School, a Science Building and an indoor Sports Centre ahead of its opening in September 2014 for the Foundation Stage 1 to Year 9 school years. For the Junior School and the Science Building, work has begun on internal finishes, mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, and the external facade. Construction is also well underway for the sports facilities which include an indoor multiple-purpose gymnasium, a 25-metre competition swimming pool and a 10-metre junior pool. In addition, in its first phase the campus will have two central grass sports fields. Work on the school s roadways and general infrastructure is also proceeding smoothly. Brendan Law, Headmaster of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, said, "We are pleased that the school s construction is on schedule and progressing smoothly. We are looking forward to welcoming our first batch of pupils in September, and are keen to ensure that they will have access to Cranleigh Abu Dhabi s high-quality facilities that are sure to enhance their scholastic experiences with us." Construction work on site began in December 2013, and to date all of the progress achieved has been accomplished with zero injuries over 1,000,000 man working hours. The Senior School structure has also been built, with internal finishes and MEP installation currently taking place ahead of its opening for the school s second term of operation in January 2015. Once fully opened, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi which was awarded a Two Pearl Design Rating Certificate by the Urban Planning Council, UPC, as part of its Estidama Pearl Building Rating System - will be one of the largest school campuses in the emirate with open green spaces, extensive landscaping and an ambient environment stretching over seven hectares of land. Additionally, it will host co-educational facilities for more than 1,550 pupils, aged from 3 to 18 years, comprising separate Junior and Senior schools with each housing its own classrooms, faculty offices, administration offices, dining hall and library. The school a sister campus of Cranleigh School, a leading U.K. independent school founded in 1865 - will also introduce a broad academic curriculum with an emphasis on the individual, while a wealth of opportunities will allow pupils to explore their full range of talents in the arts, sports and culture. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi will provide state-of-the-art IT facilities, including electronic tablets for its pupils. These will be complemented by a shared 650-seat auditorium, sports centre and outdoor fields with generously spacious recreational areas. The sporting facilities will include two grass pitches, an Astroturf pitch, tennis courts, swimming pools and an indoor arena comprising of two full-sized courts, which can be used for basketball, football, badminton, gymnasium, dance studio and drama suite. The school s full faculty will also be on hand to welcome its first batch of pupils in September. It is comprised of over 60 academic staff, 36 teaching assistants and over 20 support staff who were recruited through a rigorous process. Most of the staff members have a U.K. or British curriculum experience, many from major independent or international schools. There are also teachers from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Middle East, including a U.A.E. national. "We received almost 1,800 applications for positions within Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, which reflects the great interest for our world-class campus. Those chosen bring with them outstanding skills and experience that will only enhance our aim to provide pupils with the best academic journey possible," added Law. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi pupils will also be given the opportunity to take advantage of its boarding facilities - a first for the emirate. Various boarding arrangements in purpose-built houses - separate for males and females - will be offered, including full-boarding as well as individualised day and weekly boarding options. – Emirates News Agency, WAM