Cranbrook possesses a distinctive and increasingly relevant educational philosophy which taps into the great liberal traditions of education.
We emphasise breadth and balance, relish difference, elevate creativity, and our students enjoy the rewards that come from thoughtful, disciplined preparation.
WE VALUE CRITICAL THINKING AND STRIVE TO BUILD SELF-BELIEF FOR ALL OUR STUDENTS – SKILLS THAT WON’T JUST HELP THEM SUCCEED IN THEIR SCHOOLING, BUT ARE ALSO SO INVALUABLE FOR LIFE BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATE.
BOB MEAKIN, HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL & DEPUTY HEADMASTER
IB Continuum School
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Cranbrook’s approach to Teaching and Learning is informed by pedagogical philosophies espoused by the IB. The IB is a global leader in international education, developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Their programmes empower students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.
The IB Learner Profile describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. As an IB school, Cranbrook seeks for its learners to be:
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Caring
- Risk-takers
- Balanced
- Reflective
Education in IB World Schools centres on learners, works within global contexts helping students understand different languages and cultures, and explores significant learning content that develops disciplinary and interdisciplinary understanding. An IB education aims to transform students as they learn, through dynamic cycles of inquiry, action and reflection.
Cranbrook is the first major Sydney school to be an IB Continuum School; that is, a school who offers at least three IB programmes offering an education for students from the age of 4 through to 18. Cranbrook offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Junior School, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7-10, and the Diploma Programme as an alternative to the HSC in Years 11 and 12.
Individualised
At Cranbrook we treasure difference and are committed to developing the talents and intellect of our students. While we have our regulations and routines, they do not obstruct creativity, or individuality. Well-rounded development enables the growth of confidence and self-belief without arrogance, which in turn, feeds a drive and hunger for achievement, whether one’s interest is in the realm of Sport, Art, Drama, Music or Service.
Central to our Mission is a celebration of the individuals. We are driven by the desire “to lead all students to discover and make the most of their talents, to give of their best and to thrive in and love the pursuit of excellence.”
The one thing special to Cranbrook is that it is willing to cater to the needs of the individual and embrace the talents of its students. Being able to accelerate my studies or attend Maths classes many years above my own meant that I was able to develop my own talents.
Ethan Tan (OC 2018)
At Cranbrook Ethan Tan’s studies were accelerated, allowing him to develop his particular talents. He is now a Mathematics Student at Cambridge University. In 2018 he became the youngest student to achieve the highest possible ATAR of 99.95.
Cranbrook really walked the talk when it came to fostering the individual.
Luke Mazzaferro (OC 2002)
Filmmaker Luke Mazzaferro loved Drama at Cranbrook and was supported in his passion for Drama and Film. He was one of the first Cranbrook students to be invited to perform at OnStage, the annual showcase of exemplary NSW HSC Drama performances. The connections he formed through School saw him landing his first industry job straight after the HSC. He is now a partner at FINCH, a film production company that creates documentaries, feature films, digital content and social good initiatives.