Senior School

Our English department aims to instil pupils with a love of literature and language, with most lessons being discussion-based. Pupils are encouraged to express an informed personal response to a range of texts and are taught how to improve their analytical and creative writing skills, developing arguments with accuracy, fluency and sophistication.

In Maths, we nurture confidence and develop pupils' fluency in numeracy and algebra, teaching strategies to help pupils improve their ability to solve problems and reflect on their answers. We teach both Maths and Further Maths at A-level.

We strive to make the learning of Biology, Chemistry and Physics relevant and engaging by employing a wide range of demonstrations and experimental work. By instilling a desire to understand and question the complexities and workings of the world around us and taking pupils beyond the syllabus, pupils develop their problem-solving and analytical skills and achieve the highest academic standards. Pupils follow either combined or separate sciences to GCSE.

Geography is a subject for the naturally inquisitive, covering both the physical processes that shape our planet and the human processes that shape our societies. Through the study of Geography, pupils develop a deep understanding of the world's landscapes, cultures, and the complex interactions between them. This subject encourages critical thinking about environmental and societal issues, fostering skills that are highly valued in various fields.

The History Department at Brighton College Abu Dhabi aims to inspire young adults through a rich, inclusive, and rigorous curriculum. Its five pillars focus on fostering respect for diversity, promoting global awareness, and nurturing students' cultural identity and confidence. The department encourages curiosity about the world beyond the classroom and supports career aspirations.With a strong emphasis on academic skills such as literacy, critical thinking, and analysis, the curriculum is grounded in historical scholarship. Above all, it promotes a deep love of learning, self-development, and the value of historical literacy in shaping informed, empowered individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities and the wider world.

Psychology covers a wide range of topics, including social influence, memory, and psychopathology. Pupils examine the five main approaches within psychology and develop their understanding of research methods. The course encourages pupils to broaden their outlook, challenge assumptions, and think deeply about contemporary topics and issues.

Business Studies GCSE or A-Level. Both levels encourage a holistic approach to business, covering aspects of theory, business models and current issues in the subject, with globalisation a key theme running through all modules. 

Computer Science is the study of computers, computational systems, and the principles that govern how software and hardware work together to solve problems. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from algorithms and programming to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analysis. By learning Computer Science, pupil gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that prepare them for a wide variety of careers and empower them to shape the future through technology. Whether developing apps, designing systems, or exploring the ethical implications of AI, Computer Science equips learners with the tools to understand and influence the world around them. Computer Science is offered as a GCSE and A level.

Our Arabic MOE curriculum follows the UAE Ministry of Education standards, designed to promote linguistic accuracy, cultural awareness, and national identity. From Years 7 to 13, pupils engage with a range of literary and informational texts, enhancing their reading comprehension, expressive writing, and critical analysis skills. Lessons are interactive and discussion-based, encouraging students to express ideas confidently and thoughtfully. Pupils sit the official MOE external examination at the end of Year 13, ensuring alignment with national academic benchmarks and preparing them for future success.

Islamic Studies for native Arabic-speaking pupils is delivered in accordance with the UAE Ministry of Education curriculum. The programme offers a deep and comprehensive exploration of Islamic teachings, values, and history. Pupils engage in advanced analysis of Qur'anic texts, Hadith, Fiqh, and Islamic ethics, fostering critical thinking and moral development. Lessons promote reflection, respectful discussion, and an appreciation of Islamic heritage, encouraging students to connect their learning with contemporary issues and their personal lives.

Art and Design encourages imagination, observation and analysis of the visual world. There is opportunity to learn practical skills including oil painting, mixed media, photography (both digital and darkroom based) and printmaking as well as drawing from life. Drawing is a fundamental element of the course and pupils learn to use this as a basic tool for research and experimentation, before following and developing their own creative interests.

Drama is a course enjoyed by pupils interested in theatre from the perspective of director, actor, and designer, as well as those wanting to develop and harness their creativity, communication, collaboration, leadership and empathy. Pupils gain a practical and theoretical understanding of rehearsal techniques used when directing, performance in contrasting styles and the design of set, costume, lighting and sound.

Music is a practical, creative, and academic subject. This subject aims to provide pupils with a broad understanding of musical concepts, history, and practice. This includes developing practical skills in performing, composing, and listening, often through learning instruments, engaging in group performances, and exploring diverse musical genres from various cultures and historical periods. The emphasis is on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for music's role in society, alongside the development of transferable skills like teamwork, discipline, and self-expression. Music is studied throughout Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) and can be studied further at both GCSE and A-Level.

French is a key part of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department at Brighton College Abu Dhabi. French is an official language spoken in 29 countries across five continents. Studying French at GCSE provides pupils with the opportunity to develop their linguistic skills in a variety of contexts and to gain a broad understanding of the culture of countries and communities where French is spoken. Pupils will learn to communicate effectively in French through both spoken and written mediums, covering topics relevant to them and their interests. At Brighton College Abu Dhabi, French is more than just a language; it’s a gateway to future success and meaningful global engagement.

Spanish is a key part of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department at Brighton College Abu Dhabi.Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world after Mandarin, with 350 million speakers in 21 countries. It is an excellent language to study for business, culture and pleasure. The aim of the course is to give pupils the confidence to communicate in Spanish through acquiring a sound grasp of the grammar, language and a broad range of vocabulary. At Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Spanish is more than just a language; it’s a gateway to future success and meaningful global engagement.

Chinese Mandarin is a key part of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department at Brighton College Abu Dhabi. Since the College opened in 2011, we have been proud to be one of the first British schools in the UAE to offer Mandarin. Developed in partnership with Brighton College UK, our innovative Mandarin programme begins in Prep School from Year 3 and continues into Senior School, spanning from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5. This progression allows pupils to build strong language skills and a deep understanding of Chinese culture over time. With Mainland China and Hong Kong China together representing the world’s second-largest economy, learning Mandarin gives our pupils a real advantage. It prepares them for future university applications and opens doors to exciting career opportunities worldwide. Beyond language, our Mandarin programme encourages critical thinking and intercultural awareness, helping pupils develop a global mindset. At the same time, we foster respect and appreciation for the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring our pupils grow into open-minded global citizens who value both local and international perspectives. At Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Mandarin is more than just a language; it is a gateway to future success and meaningful global engagement.

Pupils explore the principles governing all life, including cells, cell reproduction, genetics, natural selection, ecology, and environmental issues. They learn about the scientific method, data collection, graphing, and various biological concepts like homeostasis, energy transfer, and the relationship between structure and function. Key topics include evolution, diversity, and classification.

Chemistry is the scientific study of matter (anything that has mass and takes up space), its properties, and how it changes. It explores the composition, structure, and behavior of substances, as well as the transformations they undergo during chemical reactions - including the release or absorption of energy during these changes. Chemistry explores how atoms are arranged to form molecules and other larger structures. Chemistry is often called the "central science" because it connects with, and underpins the understanding of, many other scientific disciplines, such as physics, biology, and environmental science. Essentially, it's the science of everything around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat, and even our own bodies.

Physics is the science of the fundamental concepts of field, force, radiation and particle structures, which are inter-linked to form unified models of the behaviour of the material universe. From such models, a wide range of ideas, from the development of the universe over time to the numerous and detailed ways in which new technologies may be invented, have emerged. These have enriched both our basic understanding of, and our many adaptations to, our material environment.

For non-native Arabic-speaking pupils, Islamic Studies is taught in simplified Arabic and English to ensure accessibility and understanding. The curriculum follows the MOE framework but is differentiated to meet the needs of learners from diverse backgrounds. Lessons focus on the fundamental principles of Islam, including the Five Pillars, Prophet’s biography, Islamic values, and selected verses from the Qur’an and Hadith. Through age-appropriate content and interactive activities, pupils build knowledge of Islamic beliefs and practices while developing cultural and spiritual awareness in an inclusive environment.

Arabic Non-Native is designed for pupils who are not native Arabic speakers. The programme follows the Ministry of Education curriculum standards, adapted to suit varying levels of language proficiency. From Years 7 to 10, pupils develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through engaging and level-appropriate materials. The curriculum focuses on building functional language use and cultural understanding, helping students gain confidence in real-life communication. Lessons are differentiated to ensure progress for all learners, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for acquiring a new language.

The Edexcel Arabic GCSE course offers pupils a structured and engaging pathway to develop their language skills across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Aimed at learners with prior exposure to Arabic, the course enables pupils to deepen their understanding of the language while exploring a variety of cultural, social, and contemporary themes. The curriculum emphasizes communication, grammatical accuracy, and real-world application. Pupils are assessed through four externally examined papers and are well-prepared for further study, including Arabic A-Level or other advanced qualifications.

The Edexcel A-Level Arabic course is designed for pupils who have a strong foundation in the language and wish to achieve advanced proficiency. It offers a comprehensive study of Arabic through a focus on linguistic accuracy, critical thinking, and cultural insight. Pupils engage with a rich variety of authentic texts, including literary works and contemporary media, enhancing both their analytical and expressive skills. The course develops fluency in both written and spoken Arabic, preparing students for higher education, professional use, or global communication. Assessment includes listening, reading, writing, translation, and an in-depth research-based speaking task.

A-Level Politics aims to develop an informed understanding of the political structures in the UK and internationally (through global politics) and showing how they are rooted in political philosophy. Studying this will enable pupils to develop a critical awareness of changes in politics and the links between ideas, institutions and processes. Furthermore, pupils will become aware of the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups.

The BTEC International Level 3 in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship helps students understand what it takes to start and grow a successful business. This course gives aspiring entrepreneurs practical skills in business planning, marketing, finance, and operations. Through real-world projects, students develop an innovative mindset and problem-solving abilities vital for today's global marketplace. Students launch their own venture in school to help boost their knowledge boost their business knowledge and put into practice what they have learnt, this course provides a strong foundation for future success in enterprise.

German is a key part of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department at Brighton College Abu Dhabi. Introduced from Key Stage 3 in Senior school, German offers pupils the opportunity to learn one of Europe’s most important languages. As the most widely spoken native language in the European Union and the official language of major global economies including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, German opens doors to a wide range of opportunities in business, science, engineering, and international relations. The aim of the course is to give pupils the confidence to communicate in German through acquiring a solid understanding of grammar, language structures, and a broad and practical vocabulary. At Brighton College Abu Dhabi, German is more than just a language; it is a gateway to future success and meaningful global engagement.

The Economics department aims to equip students with a deep understanding of how economies function on both a national and global scale. Lessons are interactive and discussion-led, encouraging students to think critically about real-world issues such as inflation, inequality, government policy, and market dynamics. Students are taught to analyse economic problems, interpret data, and construct clear, well-reasoned arguments. Through studying both microeconomics and macroeconomics, they develop the skills to evaluate economic decisions and their impact on individuals, businesses, and society. Our goal is to foster independent thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong interest in the forces that shape the world around us.

GCSE PE allows you to further develop practical skills, whilst becoming more knowledgeable about the human body, the socio-cultural influences on and the longer-term benefits of regular participation in safe physical activity. It also improves your ability to analyse and appreciate human movement. The course places great emphasis on the value of healthy, active lifestyles, personal health and well-being. Throughout the course you will be required to plan, monitor and evaluate a Personal Exercise Programme. Practical performance is worth 40% (including 10% for analysis and evaluation of performance) assessed under controlled conditions. Theory study is worth 60% (examined through two written papers). The course best suits those with a serious interest in the wider aspects of the subject, who want to develop a greater appreciation of the role of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Core PE at Brighton College promotes physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship amongst our pupils. In Key Stage 3, through various activities and sports, pupils develop fundamental movement skills as well as technical performances in a broad range of physical activities. They develop the ability to remain physically active for sustained periods of time which allows them to fully engage in competitive sports and are taught the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Pupils are also given opportunities through swiming and water polo to develop their confidence in the water. In Key Stage 4, pupils are taught a range of advanced tactics and strategies for outwitting their opponents, both in team and individual sports. Pupils also perform a range of dance styles to explore their creative side. Brighton College values participation as equally important as performance. Engaging in sports nurtures teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline and resilience. It's not solely about winning or personal achievements but also about relishing the sport, contributing to the team, and acquiring valuable life skills that extend beyond the game.

At Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Design and Technology is a dynamic and increasingly popular choice among students. It is a creative subject that empowers students to become innovative thinkers and problem-solvers. Through hands-on projects and real-world challenges, students explore the design process, develop technical skills, and gain an understanding of materials, tools, and emerging technologies. Whether designing sustainable products, engineering solutions, or exploring digital design, students learn to combine creativity with critical thinking to make a positive impact in the world around them. This subject prepares learners for a future in design, engineering, manufacturing, and beyond.

At Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Textiles is a dynamic and increasingly popular choice among students. Textiles is a creative and practical subject that encourages students to explore the world of fabric, fashion, and design. Through a blend of traditional techniques and modern technologies, students develop skills in sewing, pattern making, and surface decoration. They learn to design and create original textile products, considering function, sustainability, and aesthetics. With a focus on innovation and personal expression, Textiles nurtures creativity while building technical knowledge, preparing students for further study and careers in fashion, interior design, costume, and the wider creative industries.