The Mission and the Motto

The Mission

The ethos and purpose of Gordonstoun is encapsulated in our Mission Statement:

"Gordonstoun prepares students for a full and active role as international citizens in a changing world".

Success in, and for, something - local, national and global - in the twenty-first century will depend on the development of qualities as well as skills.  The movers and shakers will need to be socially aware and socially responsible.  They will be energetic, flexible and compassionate, displaying integrity and initiative in equal measure.  The development of emotional intelligence has its place alongside educational achievement.  Everyone is - and must be - an individual but everyone must also be a member of the community.

The Motto

With the Mission established and the goal agreed as the creation of a vibrant, caring society, each of us must stretch ourselves to take responsibility for the personal and corporate goals.  This is where the concept of self-belief and self-development is so important, transmitted in compelling form through our Motto:

 "Plus est en Vous" - There is more in you (than you think)

This means each of us, in order to make a real contribution to life in our community and to gain a true sense of fulfilment, must move outside our comfort zone and develop that awesome potential that lies - sometimes deeply buried - in each of us.  We need to be passionate about the things that matter and pursue them in a practical way.  In this way the Mission is given life and is achieved by embracing the Motto.

These are not simply fine words for Gordonstoun believes it has an environment and a curriculum which gives real and effective meaning to them.  The key elements of this way of life are summarised as the Four Pillars; Internationalism, Challenge, Responsibility, and Service.