Edward, Australian Exchange Student, Yr 12
The 24 hour long flight across the Pacific Ocean, from Australian soil, led to the unique sunshine of the Scottish Highlands, just slightly covered by low clouds. As an exchange student I was to experience life changing opportunities and adventure never heard of before.
Upon my arrival at Gordonstoun I was overwhelmed by the picturesque fields that surrounded the school. The long drive is surrounded by swooping tall trees that lead to the main school site. I felt excited and anxious as I peered into the school life, having read a little bit about the history, I was able to seek all its origins in all of the students as they walked passed. The students were adventurous and really friendly.
I was then met by the Headmaster, Mr Pyper, who promptly greeted me with greater understanding of myself than I had really known. This made me feel accepted, I felt like a Gordonstoun student.
Coming from the King's School, Sydney, I had appreciated the great privilege of this new opportunity handed to me. I engaged in all of the schools’ activities and I attempted everything possible. This became apparent when I was giving the great opportunity to sail the Scottish coastline in the school’s 80ft yacht. I was a little anxious about the new environment, the change in climate, especially, and indeed sea sickness. By the first 20 miles of sailing I felt so free and loved every minute. The flora and fauna was beautifully unique to Scotland, compressed with that of the precious islands. I found myself in completely new waters and out of my comfort zone but I loved every minute of Ocean Spirit.
Along with the academic side of art, English and PDHPE, I found myself enjoying class as well. This was all new but soon found its way into my daily routine. I was involved in Rugby training, Coast guard training and late night art classes which gave me valuable experience and skills.
Boarding houses in Gordonstoun are like a small community. They play a huge role in the social and independent development of both boys and girls. Duffus house lies just off the campus of the school, hidden amongst wilderness. Walking to Duffus house feels like returning home after an exhausting day. The boys are also very well known for their sporting abilities. Duffus is a friendly house that is full of young, vibrant men. Mr Lyall, the Housemaster is very eager and willing in his efforts towards all aspects of the school environment and especially willing for those, like me, who at first don’t always feel at home.
Gordonstoun is a place for all cultures, religions, and nationalities. Gordonstoun not only gave me an academic education but also an all round education that will prepare me for future life outside school. Remember, there is more in you than you think. "Plus est en Vous".
Millie, Year 9
"Driving up the drive on the first day brought a few butterflies to my stomach and a wave of anxiety but as soon as I stepped through the door of Windmill Lodge (my home for the next 5 years) my butterflies were quickly extinguished as I was greeted by my new Housemistress and many friendly faces – I already feel as though I have made 61 new sisters!
During my first few days we had an induction with all the new students in my Year. This was a great chance to meet the rest of the Year and to get to know one another. It was also a good opportunity to find our way around our new surroundings as the campus is huge. As well as doing a lot of fun things like drama workshops, pool canoeing and learning how to use the climbing wall properly, we also had a few tests to decide what groups we were going in to for lessons.
Having already been a boarder at a Prep School before I came to Gordonstoun, I didn't find it difficult settling in at all and I wasn't homesick but getting into the routine of attending lessons at first was hard as we were still getting used to the school, finding the right classroom and working out which lessons we were meant to be in! It only took a couple of days to get used to it though before we got into the swing of things.
Within the first two weeks we had our first expedition which was fantastic! It was a great weekend and we learnt lots of things like how to cook and how to put up a tent. The group I was in included seven people and we all hiked up an 850 feet mountain which showed us beautiful scenery and some of my friends and I went swimming in a freezing cold, muddy lake which was a bit challenging."
Conall, Year 10
"Since I've been at Gordonstoun my life has changed. Every moment has been action packed, meeting people, making new friends and doing things that I've never done before. Last Sunday
I went to Aberfeldy for a day of white water rafting which was an experience I will never forget!
Everyday after lessons, apart from Sunday, there are activities which are great fun, especially when it comes to competitions. On a Saturday you even have the choice of doing shooting with the School's own .22 rifles.
The educational day here passes without you even noticing. Classes end at 2.35pm and are only 35 minutes long which is great compared to my last state school. Generally the class numbers are good in most subjects and all of the teachers are really nice.
Everyone seems to get on really well because it is a boarding community and people are living closely together so strong friendships build up. Every Saturday night each Year has a social which could be a trip to the Cinema, a BBQ or even a themed evening. There's so many different things happening. So far all of my time here at Gordonstoun has been great fun and I look forward to my four years ahead."
Theodore, Year 13
"Before entering Gordonstoun I was somewhat curious yet keen to find out about the ways in which my social and academic lives were to develop in what I already knew was a unique School. Nevertheless, I had decided not to disillusion myself with preconceived ideas.
Upon my arrival I was taken aback by the particularly warm welcome that I received from staff and, more significantly, from students. As the days went by I realised that the affability that I had encountered in my early days at the School was a continual feature of Gordonstoun life, and one of its greatest assets.
The process of integration at Gordonstoun, having been raised in Greece until the age of 16, came utterly naturally, which confirmed the international spirit of the School. The Gordonstoun community consists of a wide variety of nationalities all coexisting admirably. The fact that the entire School must be present in the Chapel service prior to classes in the morning also generates a sense of unity throughout the School.
The School year consists of different challenges that one has to tackle. A week long sail training voyage and expeditions around the Scottish mountains are invaluable experiences. Due to the fact that groups are obliged to work as a unit in their efforts, a strong team spirit is cultivated. The ability to cooperate effectively with one's peers in a joint effort is a priceless asset to have, that will undoubtedly be valuable in many circumstances throughout one's life.
Students are encouraged to take active roles of responsibility across all aspects of life within Gordonstoun. There are many opportunities for the development of one's leadership skills to be enhanced. Speaking as a Colour Bearer, I can say that one of the most excellent characteristics of Gordonstoun is the democratic element involved in resolving issues and influencing fundamental guidelines within the School.
"The passion of rescue reveals the highest dynamic of the human soul" - these are the words of Kurt Hahn, founder of Gordonstoun. As a member of the Mountain Rescue Service, I can say that the essence of this quote is practised on a weekly basis. One of the most distinguishing factors of Gordonstoun is the energetic role that students acquire as a member of their Service, gaining significant knowledge and an all round invigorating experience from the Service to which they belong.
One may assume that as a result of the vigorous lifestyle that one encounters at Gordonstoun, sufficient time for rest and leisure is lacking. This is certainly not the case. The timetable provides ample time for socialising both inside the House as well as beyond its boundaries. In fact, the Saturday night Social acts as the highpoint in the week, where students are free to dance as well as socialise to a greater extent.
The kind and considerate pastoral care that exists throughout all the Houses, combined with the indisputably unique existence that one becomes subject to, make Gordonstoun a truly great place to live."