Course Details
Study Choices
| English as an Additional Language (E.A.L.) (ages 8-16) |
| Students are assigned the appropriate class using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Tailored lessons provide the opportunity to practise the four core skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking and there are opportunities to read literature and examine current issues for more advanced students. |
| Literature and Creative Writing (ages 8-16) |
| Suitable for students where English is their first language, or for those with a strong command of English, this course improves skills through studying Literature and Creative Writing. Students develop their literary criticism by analysing texts such as poetry, short stories and plays. There are workshops on creating engaging story openings, using effective imagery, and creating suspense in a variety of genres. |
| Computing (ages 8-16) |
| This course combines topics including computer programming, PC building, cyber security and ICT skills. An interest in computers, gaming or programming will help but is not critical. The course is mostly practical, with opportunities for more advanced students to complete high level tasks such as designing and building a video game. |
| International Citizenship (ages 13-16) |
| This course is suitable for students who have a strong command of English or are native speakers. It aims to improve spoken English through debates and presentations, with particular emphasis on promoting understanding and empathy. Students discuss global issues, learning to challenge information and express their own opinions in ways which celebrate diversity and promote global peace and cooperation. |
| Our Natural World (ages 8-12) |
| This course is suitable for our younger students with a good level of English, who learn about biodiversity and the value of our natural environment to global health, our society and economy. Many lessons take place outside - our 200 acre campus and nearby beaches, cliffs and rockpools boast an impressive array of bird and sea life. Classroom sessions include research and project work, presentations and debates. |
| Social Enterprise and Social Entrepreneurship (ages 13-16) |
| This course is suitable for students for whom English is their first language, or those with a strong command of it. Students learn about enterprise and entrepreneurship, including how to spot a business idea, create a business plan and source finance. The culmination of the course is an event, planned and presented by students, which benefits their chosen social cause. |
Sport
Gordonstoun has an excellent sports centre, a climbing wall, an all-weather astroturf pitch, an indoor heated swimming pool, four squash courts, 12 tennis courts and a 400m track. A wide range of sports and team games are available including badminton, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, tennis, squash, swimming and athletics.
Students will have the opportunity to play a number of different sports as part of our evening Interclan competition, where clan teams compete to gain points for their clan in the hope of winning the final clan trophy.
Creative Arts
| Art |
| Gordonstoun’s art centre is the venue for art tuition. Past students have designed t-shirts and silk paintings, made tiles and jewellery, and tried clay modelling. |
| Design |
| In the school’s workshops, students develop their abilities with wood, leather, glass, metal and enamel. Items such as candlesticks, ornamental clocks and mobiles have been taken home with pride by previous students of all ages. |
| Music |
| In music all students learn about different music styles, get to try new instruments, or develop their skills on instruments they already play, and work together towards a final music performance for students, staff and parents to enjoy. |
Recreation and Social Time
| Visits and trips |
| Each student will enjoy a day trip with their clan to a local attraction, such as Cawdor or Brodie Castles, or the Landmark Adventure Park. |
| optional Activities |
| All students will have three opportunities to spend a morning or afternoon enjoying an optional activity such as horse-riding, golf, cookery, karting, paintballing, fencing, ice-skating or shopping. |
| Social Time |
| In the evenings there are different social opportunities, including discos, ceildh nights, quiz nights and house socials. |
| Clubs |
| For three evenings, students will take part in their chosen club activity. In the past, clubs have included football, racket sports, arts and crafts, and watersports. |
Sailing & Outdoor Adventure
Gordonstoun's founding ethos is education through experience in adventurous activities and ocean sailing. And this is often the highlight for many students.
A special feature of the three-week courses is the six-day Adventure Programme, instructed by a team of experienced staff. For even our youngest students, this is a special time and they gain great confidence from it.
| Outdoor Adventure |
| Students undertake a programme of adventurous activity; canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, coasteering, gorge walking, canyoning and mountain biking may be amongst the options offered. |
| Sailing |
| Students will spend three days sailing off the beautiful Scottish coast. Students take full part in activities, depending on age and experience. |
Cost
The all-inclusive cost of £6,700 for the three week course covers everything from the moment of arrival at school to the day of departure.
| What's Included in the Cost? |
- Accommodation and all pastoral care
- All meals with plenty of choice
- All academic tuition
- All sports and tuition
- All expeditions & sailing and adventurous activities
- All recreational activities and excursions
- All laundry
- Healthcare from our onsite Gordonstoun medical team
- Airport transfers from/to Aberdeen (Dyce) or Inverness (Dalcross) airports.
There are no extras, other than any personal pocket money (at parents’ discretion) and travel & medical insurance, which is highly recommended.
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“Lucky attendees get to sail around the Western Isles in a fleet of tall ships and try their hand at kayaking, gorge-walking and canoeing. It’s a course like no other – and it's little wonder so many children return year-after-year.”
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