CRANBROOK

Cranbrook School was founded in 1918 in order to uphold the great tradition of a liberal educational philosophy, and continues to do so by instilling, and supporting the development of academic rigour.

Cranbrook’s vision and mission: Cranbrook’s vision is to be a world-class school which encourages and enables all of students to explore, enjoy and fulfil their potential. Staff lead students to discover and make the most of their talents, give of their best and thrive in and love the pursuit of excellence.

The school energises the educational environment by offering a rich and distinctive schooling both within and beyond the curriculum and give powerful pastoral support. Staff uphold the character of the school’s Anglican foundation in order to promote the moral and spiritual development of each student and foster the principles of service.

Cranbrook builds resilience and confidence so that each student can face the challenges of the 21st century with personal confidence, intellectual versatility, academic hunger and optimism. Staff inspire and support them to respect the integrity of differences, lead adventurous, courageous and generous lives contributing to the betterment of society.

The 2017 boys achieved outstanding HSC results, receiving 274 merits including 64
in Mathematics courses and 37 in English Advanced. Two Cranbrook boys achieved the highest honour, coming first in their course and top of the State and second in the State respectively for English Extension 1 and Mathematics General 2. Of the 2017 cohort, 107 were placed on the Distinguished Achievers List in at least one subject.

Cranbrook’s all-round ethos was reflected in the fact that many of the school’s most successful candidates, including the Dux of the school, were not only great scholars but talented sportsmen, musicians and overall contributors to the spirit of the school.

Curriculum: Cranbrook offers the International Baccalaureate’s MYP program for Years 7
to 10. The Australian Curriculum and NSW syllabus requirements are fully delivered within an MYP context. It builds on the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed by the IB Primary Years Program currently being delivered by Cranbrook Pre-schools and Cranbrook Junior School. The MYP comprises eight mandatory subject groups. In Years 7–8 students will study mandated courses in each of these subject groups, and in Years 9–10 students are able to adopt a more individual pattern of study with elective courses.  In Years 11–12 Cranbrook offers the NSW HSC as the leaving credential.

As a school, Cranbrook places great importance on the enduring value of the arts. Participation in these programs aims to develop skills in leadership, performance, creativity and decision-making. Staff engender a love of the arts in children from Pre-school through to Year 12 and firmly believe that creativity is a process which must be stimulated, encouraged and nurtured.

Sport: Physical fitness and mental agility go hand in hand, reinforcing an acuteness of perspective. The Cranbrook School sports program is both deep and wide, and one of inclusiveness, opportunity, and competition. Staff encourage the balance between the team and the individual within each sport as well as place great importance on the ongoing cultivation of skills, training and conditioning. Weekend competitions are arranged with other schools in most major sports, including AFL, basketball, cricket, cross-country, football, rowing, rugby union, sailing, skiing, swimming and tennis.

Co-curricular activities: AV club, bands, ceramics, chess, choir, debating, drama and music productions, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, ensembles, lunchtime concerts, Open Day hosting, orchestras, outdoor education programmes, photography club, production crew, public speaking, robotics, Student Representative Council, theatre sports, Explorers and Travellers Overseas Partnership, and magazine editing. All boys in Years 7 to 12 are encouraged to be actively involved in community service.

Pastoral care: The program recognises that the promotion of student wellbeing and a safe and secure learning environment that challenges, encourages and supports all students is fundamental to the achievement of the school’s aims. It promotes a whole-school approach and supports other initiatives to create an environment in which students feel safe, valued, engaged and purposeful.

Boarding: Boarding offers a powerful and remarkably contemporary form of schooling. Being at the centre of school life gives an experience filled with valuable activities and engagements: living, and working, alongside peers and mentors enables the growth both
of self-belief and of inter-personal skills.  The boarding houses have undergone a renovation befitting their heritage building and spectacular setting. The renovations have reinvigorated boarding at Cranbrook and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to this important aspect of Cranbrook life.

Facilities: The Junior School campus was opened in 2011 and is an inspiring campus with purpose-built educational facilities which include a library, art rooms, a music centre, IT and science laboratories, a double gymnasium and tennis courts. The Senior School is housed in modern classroom blocks, has 21st-century IT resources and sporting fields, an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and a strength and conditioning centre. This campus is in the process of an exciting redevelopment that will provide senior students with a world-class learning environment. Cranbrook’s Year 12 college is an excellent working environment
for the school’s most senior students as they prepare for their final year examinations. Modelled on a university college, the Year 12 college eases the transition between and school and university introducing the boys to life as part of a community of scholars.

Enrolment: Approximately 1400 students (Kindergarten to Year 12) including 70 secondary boarders. There are also 120 places in two co-educational Pre-schools (across two, three and five-day programs).

Principal: Mr Nicholas Sampson.