SENIOR SCHOOL
The home of character education
Senior
Gordonstoun is a global pioneer of character education and the first school to build an international reputation for blending academic rigour with unrivalled outdoor experiences.
Today, we remain committed to our unique curriculum. We believe students grow and develop when they discover more about themselves.
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Enjoying a wide range of learning experiences builds character, friendships and instils a can-do attitude that lasts a lifetime. Through our curriculum, Gordonstoun students gain invaluable experience as leaders and team players, of knowledge and compassion for others and an understanding of themselves. Their outlook is broadened, their ability to consider the needs of others developed, and they gain resilience – life skills which complement Gordonstoun's commitment to academic excellence. |
- Good schools guide |
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Internationalism |
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Internationalism is one of the founding principles of our curriculum. It is a core component of the classroom via our unique International and Spiritual Citizenship classes. Students also enjoy experiences abroad. On International Exchange they can study as far afield as Australia and Japan. They might work on International Service projects in Thailand, Kenya or Romania. They can also attend conferences around the world through Round Square, a global organisation named after one of our buildings. Gordonstoun is home to over forty different nationalities. This wonderful mix of backgrounds, experiences and values promotes acceptance, understanding and tolerance. In a changing world, we want our pupils to be constructive and compassionate international citizens. |
| oUTDOOR EDUCATION |
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At Gordonstoun, we know outdoor experiences broaden students’ skills, strengths and minds. So the outdoors is integral to Gordonstoun life. Expeditions, sail training and adventure activities are designed to help our students develop new skills, react to challenges, and learn about themselves and their classmates. Taking advantage of the incredible landscape on our doorstep, students can try everything from kayaking, surfing and skiing to bushcraft and wilderness survival. Led by experienced staff, these activities help develop self-awareness, resilience, decision-making, responsibility and teamworking skills. And, crucially, consideration for the environment. |
| sport & pe |
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Sport is a fundamental part of our curriculum. Students are encouraged at all levels of ability, so everyone can build confidence and skills. Our comprehensive facilities accommodate all the sports you’d expect. In addition, students can play volleyball, basketball, rounders, table tennis and badminton, go horse riding, skiing, mountain biking and snowboarding, and enjoy karate and aerobics. We’re home to Scotland’s only five-hole golf course (we believe!) and there are eight full sized courses within half an hour, including two championship ones. We also have an indoor climbing wall, strength and conditioning room, floodlit Astroturf, running track, indoor swimming pool, squash courts and a .22 rifle range. Students compete with local schools and clubs and teams across Scotland and have recently toured the UK, Spain, the West Indies and South Africa. |
| the arts |
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All Students take part in music, dance and drama until Year 10. After which, senior students can commit to further study for exams or their own enjoyment. Students can learn a wide range of instruments, taking part in twice weekly concerts and performing at larger events to develop their confidence and creativity. Gordonstoun is the only school in Scotland where dance is part of the academic curriculum. A popular choice at GCSE, students show their skills at our annual dance show. Our Drama department’s recent productions include Beauty and the Beast and Green Day’s American Idiot. Drama students tour local schools, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and internationally, most recently to New York. The Ogstoun Studios and Theatre includes a dance studio, several rehearsal spaces and a 200 seat theatre. |
| sail training |
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Our founder, Dr Kurt Hahn, described the Moray Firth as his ‘best school master’. To this day, sailing is a key element of a Gordonstoun education. The Ocean Spirit of Moray is our own fully equipped ocean-going yacht (an Oyster 80 foot ketch for those familiar with sailing). Every student takes part in a programme of seamanship, sailing from Hopeman Harbour just three miles from school. In the summer, Ocean Spirit takes a student crew further afield, to the Arctic or the Azores. Crews also take part in Tall Ships Races. Sail training develops confidence, perseverance, leadership and teamwork - key skills which enhance students’ ability to perform in all areas, including academically. “It’s hard to put into words but sailing completely changed my outlook on life. I had just the most insane confidence change. When there’s nothing else left in you but you have to keep going, that’s when you find out what you really can do. It was definitely life changing.”fomer student |
| services |
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“The Gordonstoun community is on active service for things which are more important than Gordonstoun.”Kurt Hahn, founderService to the community is one of our founding principles. Every senior student must become a member of one of our community services:
Giving up their own time develops a sense of social responsibility and compassion for others. Junior School students play their part too by cleaning beaches, playing music for old people and raising money for charity. We also run international service projects in Kenya, Romania and Thailand. Find out more about our 9 rescue and community services here: |
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