Year 9 Curriculum here

gordonstoun
curriculum
Year 9
2015-16
ACADEMIC COURSES
SEAMANSHIP
PERFORMING ARTS
SPORT
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
other opportunities
gordonstoun
ELGIN, MORAY
SCOTLAND IV30 5RF
+44 (0)1343 837837
admissions@gordonstoun.org.uk
www.gordonstoun.org.uk
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Contents
Year 9 CURRICULUM 2014-15
Welcome
2
introduction
3
subjects
4
Learning support and eal
13
progress into year 10
14
the library
14
Sports & Activities
15
performing arts
16
outdoor education
17
sail training & seamanship
18
the student development scheme
19
the round square organisation
19
life in year 9
20
P
Welcome
Year 9 AT GORDONSTOUN
Year 9 is an important time in a student’s education, in which
key skills and knowledge are acquired in order to form a solid
foundation for GCSE. It is also a link year between Prep School,
Maintained School or Overseas School and Senior School. It is
a time for sound study habits to be inculcated; a time for some
adventurous learning. It is a time for teachers to enthuse and for
students to be enthused.
deputy head (curriculum):
Mr titus edge
 edget@gordonstoun.org.uk
The information is current for student entry into Year 9 in September
for the 2015-16 academic year.
I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the
other members of staff who are here to help you:
• Mrs Barton - Lower School Academic Co-ordinator
• Mr Cavaye - Year 9 Leader
STUDENTS NEW TO the school
If a student is new to the school then the following basic information
would help enormously and should be sent as early as possible in the
admissions process, to the Director of Curriculum.
academic Co-ordinator:
mrs kim barton
 bartonk@gordonstoun.org.uk
• Which core language would the student like to study
(French/Spanish)?
• Which other language option will be chosen?
One from French, Spanish, Latin, German,
English as an additional language.
• Is Learning Support likely to be required?
• What is the student’s native language?
Year 9 leader:
Mr richard cavaye
 cavayer@gordonstoun.org.uk
Page 2
introduction
the year 9 academic programme
The basic curriculum
There are traditionally four or five sets in year 9 and students carry
out a broad and balanced curriculum in both the core and noncore GCSE subjects. Maths, English, Physical Education, and Core
Languages (French/Spanish) are set independently of each other
and students are streamed according to ability. For the remainder
of the curriculum time a student is assigned to a form set which is
loosely based according to Science ability. The form set will also
be the class in which students are grouped together to carry out
humanities and creative arts. A second language, chosen from
French, Latin, German and Spanish is available as an option across
the year.
Music is taught in form sets in Year 9 - separate arrangements
appertain to individual instrumental lessons, details of which are
available from the Director of Music (burburys@gordonstoun.org.uk).
Subjects taken in Year 9
Art
Design
Music
English
Drama/ Dance
History
Geography
International and Spiritual Citizenship
ICT
Language (Option) or EAL Language (Core)
Physical Education
Mathematics
Science
The information on particular subjects that follows has been written
by the Heads of Departments concerned. If you require any further
information please contact the Director of Curriculum at the School
who will, in any event, write in July to the parents of all Year 9
students joining in the following September.
Page 3
subjects
the year 9 academic programme
art and design
All Year 9 students follow a course in Art aimed at stimulating
curiosity, interest and enjoyment in the creative process. They are
introduced to Art and Design from contemporary, global and
historical sources in order to develop an appreciation for the visual
and tactile world. The students are provided with opportunities to
use a wide range of materials and techniques including painting,
digital media, printing, graphics, textiles, painting and sculpture.
They are also guided to develop personal ideas independently by
utilising sketchbooks. Students complete two projects within the
year and are assessed at the end of each, gathering their work in a
portfolio and sketchbook to represent their progress.
The current project schedule is as follows:
Autumn Term
Title: Scale It Up
Focus: Pop Art Sculptural Forms
Content: Popular culture; Design and making in 3-D
Spring - summer Term
Title: Illustrating Song Lyrics
Focus: Graphic Design and personal ideas
Content: Mixed Media Collage and illustration techniques
In addition to art studios for general Art and Design, the Art school
has a well equipped sculpture, textile and printmaking facilities,
and two IT suites. Enrichment booklets are offered alongside the
scheduled projects to allow students to push their abilities and
artistic thinking beyond their lessons.
Page 4
Subjects
thE year 9 academic programme
design & technology
All Year 9 students follow a foundation course in Design & Technology
to develop their creative, analytical and problem solving abilities
as well as their graphic presentation skills and practical workshop
capabilities. The course is designed to give students a full flavour
of the many aspects of Design & Technology and to provide an
insight into the complex world of product design and manufacture.
It also serves as a springboard to further study at GCSE, A-level and
University.
The Year 9 course is broken down into four distinct units focusing on
key materials, processes and environmental issues. Each unit also
embraces new graphic presentation techniques, an original design
element and appropriate practical skills in a range of hand tools
and powered machinery. At the end of each unit students are able to
reflect upon what they have learned through a Unit Test comprising
both theoretical knowledge and graphic skills.
An i-Pod/MP3 amplifier product is designed and built by each student
as a vehicle for learning these new skills, to provide an opportunity
for original creativity and to allow workshop experience in a wide
range of materials and electronic components.
english
The current course outline allows students to experience many
different areas of the curriculum in English and is a solid grounding
on which to build further studies at GCSE. Regular assessment
points ensure that students progress throughout this programme of
study.
Over the course of the year, students explore non-fiction texts,
travel writing and a range of poetry drawn from diverse cultures
and distinct eras. In addition, students examine fiction more closely
through a novel study and work to develop the skills necessary
to tackle literature at GCSE level. Along the way, they will tackle
drama texts and be introduced to some of the basics of media in
preparation for GCSE courses.
Page 5
Subjects
the year 9 academic programme
geography
Geography in Year 9 is a course of two themes taken from the new
iGCSE course undertaken in Years 10 and 11, and a new theme
studied in the Summer term. The course consolidates and advances
knowledge, skills and understanding gained prior to senior school
entry and furthers the students’ geographical understanding of
the world around them. The course is designed both to provide a
foundation for studying Geography beyond Year 9 and also to be
an interesting and topical course in its own right.
Students will study elements of human and physical geography at
both local and global scales. The course is subdivided into three
integral themes, one for each term of study in Year 9:
Term 1 - Globalisation in the Contemporary World
Term 2 - The Geography of Crime
Term 3 - Plate Tectonics and Associated Hazards
Students will be engaged in a variety of learning situations in which
they will develop literacy, numeracy, spatial and enquiry skills. There
will be opportunities for investigative studies using information
technology and fieldwork. Local fieldwork is carried out in the
Spring term, with visits to local industry as part of the Globalisation
unit, and sometimes in the Summer term, the focus of which is
decided each year to make best use of the resources on hand.
The department is very well resourced. We have our own computer
room consisting of ten PCs, a printer and a scanner. There is also a
moveable bank of laptop computers for in-class student activities.
All rooms have computer and interactive white board technology
which allows dynamic lesson delivery and offers the opportunity
for students to lead their own learning. The department is also fully
equipped for fieldwork investigations.
Page 6
Subjects
the year 9 academic programme
history
Year 9 Students study Modern British, European and World History
focussing on the Great War and World War II. In this year they are
laying the groundwork for the skills they will be developing on the
GCSE course and studying two of the key topics which have shaped
the Modern World. In particular, they will study the Great Powers in
1914, the Causes of WW1, Trench Warfare, and the War in the Air
and assess the role of Field Marshall Haig. In the second term they
move on to look at WW2, studying the Powers in 1939, Blitzkrieg,
Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Pearl Harbour, Victory
in Europe, the War in Europe and finally the war in Asia and the
use of the Atomic bomb. In the summer term, the focus is on the
Home Front looking at the effects of the war on Britain studying:
evacuation, conscription, the Blitz rationing and the role of women.
Throughout the emphasis is on developing the students’ skills to
analyse, use sources critically and to write, think well and make
their own judgements. We hope to fire the students’ interest and
enthusiasm through varied and rigorous teaching using group work,
ICT, research, study of primary sources, documentaries and film.
ict and computing
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is integrated
throughout the curriculum, with students developing wordprocessing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, database, graphical
and information handling skills in the context of their day-to-day
work in various subjects.
Students enter Gordonstoun with differing levels of ICT ability. All
students cover a common core of ICT skills with ICT specialists to
ensure that they learn the skills necessary to be able to use ICT
effectively within other curriculum areas. In general, ICT is seen
as a tool, rather than just as a subject in its own right, and pupils
will have the opportunity to develop their ICT skills as they progress
through the school.
In addition to learning and improving basic skills a range of
ICT citizenship issues are looked at. Focus is placed upon the
responsible usage of ICT resources such as the Internet and the
development of an awareness of personal security.
Students will also gain experience of Computing as a discrete
subject. This involves learning how to program using a variety of
programming languages including Scratch and Python.
Page 7
Subjects
the year 9 academic programme
international &
spiritual citizenship
International & Spiritual Citizenship is a core and unique
component of a Gordonstoun Education. It explores a wide range
of social, spiritual and personal thought, promoting students to
think for themselves and form their own opinions of the world
around them and their personal beliefs and core values. Essentially
it asks the question ‘Why?’ and demands students to reach
considered answers.
ISC is taught throughout the School from Year 4 to Year 13.
In this course we study a wide range of social, spiritual and
personal issues. In Year 9 students study units on Cultural and
Spiritual Awareness, Communication, Civics, Personal Health and
the Environment as well as a range of practical life skills such as
design and domestic survival. The course has an international
flavour and has at its heart a desire to explore what it is to live as
an international citizen in these changing times, looking at matters
from a global perspective. The course takes our students out on
group community and service projects and invites speakers from
outside agencies to share their view of the world with our school
community.
mathematics
All students study Mathematics from Year 9 to 11. All Year 9
students will be taught in classes set on ability, minor adjustments
being made to these sets after each school exam. The aim is for
the students to be able to apply Mathematics in everyday situations,
to develop a feel for number and number patterns, to reason
logically, carry out calculations (with or without a calculator) and to
understand the significance of the results obtained.
In Year 9, students begin working towards GCSE Mathematics.
Topics covered will include: decimals, fractions and percentages,
algebra, graphical work, properties of geometric figures, accurate
drawing to scale, indices and standard form, collecting and
displaying data and probability.
Scientific calculators are required for the start of the Year 9 course.
The school stationery store currently stocks the solar powered
CASIO FX-85MS.
Page 8
Subjects
the year 9 academic programme
languages
Students entering Year 9 normally study either French or Spanish
as their core foreign language, unless they require support for
learning or additional help with English. Most students arrive with a
basic knowledge of French, although some have never studied this
before, and little or no knowledge of Spanish. All levels are catered
for. In the core languages, setting is by ability, which is constantly
reviewed by staff.
The French course is based around the textbook Studio 3 and
the Spanish around Listos. In addition, extensive use is made of
interactive online resources and authentic materials to improve
oral, listening and reading skills. The German course is now based
around Echo.
Students in Year 9 also study a second language from French, Latin,
German or Spanish, unless support for learning or additional help
with English is required. Guidance may be offered by the Director of
Curriculum or the Head of Languages.
All courses put great emphasis on the four skills of Speaking,
Listening, Reading and Writing. New concepts are usually
introduced orally before written work is attempted. Information
Technology is being used increasingly in the production of written
work, and as a means of presenting new grammar and vocabulary
in a different way.
Classical Greek
This is available without extra charge out of class time, both
to beginners and the experienced, using Wilding’s Greek for
Beginners. Progress is very carefully tailored to suit the needs of
individual students.
Latin
Students can decide to continue with or begin Latin in Year 9.
The course used is the Cambridge Latin Course. Students who
take Common Entrance or Scholarship Latin begin at Book III;
others start at the most appropriate Book. Beginners are welcome
in Year 9 and have achieved subsequent success at both GCSE
and Advanced Level. Emphasis is placed on reading and
comprehension throughout, and linguistic skills are mainly practised
through the exercise of translation. A varied background course in
Literature in translation and Roman Civilisation is provided.
Page 9
Subjects
the year 9 academic programme
music
All Year 9 students receive a weekly timetabled class music lesson.
Lessons are creative and practical. Listening, knowledge and
understanding of music are developed through the interrelated skills
of performing, composing and appraising. By the end of their Year
9 curriculum students will be able to:
• Perform, compose and improvise music in a variety of
musical styles. They will be able to recognise musical signs,
symbols and instructions.
• Perform as soloists and take part in ensembles.
• Develop and revise their ideas both in performance and in
composition.
• Use a variety of musical instruments and resources
including electronic instruments, percussive instruments
and ICT.
• Listen with understanding to a variety of music, identifying and discriminating within musical elements.
• Relate music to its social, historical and cultural context.
• Show an understanding of individual musical work.
• Critically appraise both live and recorded performances.
Supporting and extending students’ work and achievement in the
classroom is an extensive range of extra-curricular and instrumental
lesson provision. All students at Gordonstoun are challenged and
encouraged to take an active, enjoyable and fulfilling role in the
musical life of the school.
performing arts
The Performing Arts course is an exciting and practical course
that explores Drama and Dance both as individual subjects and
together. Each form has a weekly lesson, which is led by a specialist
teacher and sometimes team-taught. The course aims to develop
creativity, stimulate the imagination and encourage performance
and interest in the performing arts.
The course centres on group work and the overall philosophy is that
the performing arts are fun and that they develop enthusiasm, give
opportunity for inspiration and lead to heightened creativity. The
course covers basic skills in all three areas and goes on to explore
themes and issues as well as the notion of story telling.
The four strands of the syllabus are:
• Fostering an understanding of the processes which
produce performing arts
• Creating and shaping materials into relevant form
• Selecting the appropriate language, music, sound and
movement for effective communication
• Interacting sensitively and constructively with peers
Page 10
Subjects
the year 9 academic programme
physical education
All Year 9 students receive one period of Physical Education each
week. They are taught in mixed ability, mixed gender groups of
approximately 15 to 18 students. There is one member of the PE
staff in each lesson. During the year the aims of the course are:
• To develop a range of skills and increase the confidence of
the students in a number of activities.
• To introduce the principles of adopting and maintaining a
healthy lifestyle. To teach the skills required to achieve this,
and to understand the effect of exercise on the body.
• To develop an understanding of the need to prepare
their bodies for exercise, how to achieve this, and then to
recover from exercise.
• To provide the opportunities to plan and evaluate their
own performances and that of others. Additionally, to
begin to think about the tactics and strategies required
to outwit opponents in different situations. There is
particular reference to team play and the individual’s role
within teams leading to co-operative activities as well as
competitive ones.
• To provide a challenging and enjoyable experience which
allows all students to achieve their potential and to learn
the social benefits of active participation in sporting
activities.
• These aims will be achieved via units of work including
swimming, major games including ball games, racket
games, gymnastics, dance and athletics. The courses are
designed to encourage and allow achievement at all levels.
We ensure that all students learn to enjoy participating in a
range of activities.
Page 11
subjects
the year 9 academic programme
science
Throughout the Lower School all students study a balance of
the sciences. This is taught in the three subject areas of Biology,
Chemistry and Physics, but with a strong emphasis on the interrelationships between these areas, and close collaboration of the
departments involved.
In Year 9 students will do KS3 and KS4 work in preparation for
embarking upon the Edexcel GCSE Science and GCSE Additional
Science. The main emphasis will be on stimulating an interest in,
and enjoyment of, science and its everyday applications. The aim
is to develop practical skills and concepts in science in order to
provide a firm foundation for the later years of the courses.
Biology Content
Our Year 9 Biology course is a practically based introduction to
several GCSE topics. Practical skills, experimental techniques and
data handling form an important part of the course and are used
to enhance the study of cell structure, osmosis, diffusion, breathing,
circulation and digestion.
Chemistry Content
The Units have been designed in-house to take into account
that students have come from many different schools. The Units
include Separating Mixtures and Materials and their Properties.
The practical nature of the course allows students to develop the
physical and thinking skills required before they embark on the
GCSE Science and Additional Science courses.
Physics Content
Electric charge, basic electric circuits, magnets and electromagnets,
waves, sound and light.
Page 12
LEARNING SUPPORT
learning support
head of learning support:
Ms hannah powell
 powellh@gordonstoun.org.uk
english as an additional
language
head of EAl:
Ms helen turner
 turnerh@gordonstoun.org.uk
Parents should inform the school during the admissions process
if a student has additional support needs and should forward any
relevant assessments or information to the school, so that we are
able to develop a Learner Profile and identify how best to support
learning. Students who have an Educational Psychologist report
(or similar) that recognises an additional need such as Dyslexia,
are able to take Learning Support lessons in place of their Core
or Second Language in Year 9. Support for students in Year 9 is
provided in small groups divided between two full time Learning
Support teachers. Lessons closely follow curricula content, in the
form of a Maths or English Functional Skills programme, individual
spelling programmes or through a wealth of computer and practical
resources which support Dyslexia.
The School is committed to providing exam access arrangements
appropriate to students’ needs within the guidelines and
regulations of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQCIC). These
arrangements will be reviewed each year and adapted accordingly
to the students’ normal way of working. A recent Educational
Psychologist’s report (from the start of Year 9) would be helpful for
any application for Access Arrangements but the Head of Learning
Support can also carry out a number of assessments which meet the
JCQCIC requirements. Parents should discuss the need for such a
report and any eventual recommendations, directly with the Head of
Learning Support.
Gordonstoun welcomes International Students, believing that
they bring a richness and variety of experience to our school
community. Students should have sufficient English to make friends
and understand reasonably well in class. As part of the application
process to the school, students are screened for ability in English. If
there is a need for support with English, students are offered support
in English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons. EAL lessons aim
to:
• help students develop their English language skills for
academic study
• prepare students for an English language examination such
as Cambridge First Certificate where appropriate.
Where there is a need, students in Year 9 can be timetabled for EAL
in place of a Modern Foreign Language. Students who make good
progress in Year 9 may then transfer onwards into the mainstream
GCSE English programme in Year 10.
New students to the school should complete our English language
pre-test to enable us to advise on the level of support needed. To
receive a pre-entry test in English, please contact the Admissions
Secretary (hawksleya@ gordonstoun.org.uk).
Page 13
progress into year 10
towards gcse
The Year 9 courses are designed to provide a platform for the work
undertaken at GCSE.
During the Spring term of Year 9, all students will be provided with
information regarding the core and option GCSE subjects available.
On return in the Summer term, confirmation of these choices will be
needed in order to help staff the school the following September.
In the Summer term students will have internal examinations to
provide further data towards ‘setting’ in the core subjects, as well as
appropriate careers advice to help them make the right choices for
GCSE and post-16 education.
the library
The school library is located in Round Square. Year 9 are
encouraged to use the library to practise their information
retrieval skills and to develop a love of reading for pleasure.
They have the opportunity to be involved with the Grampian
Children’s Book Award scheme.
librarian
Mrs louise barron
 library@gordonstoun.org.uk
The library offers a number of services including:
• Heritage Online: access to library catalogue from any
networked computer on campus
• Fiction and non-fiction books (print and e-books)
• 6 networked computers giving access to the School Intranet
and the Internet
• 2 printers (one colour) and an A4 scanner
• Daily newspapers, weekly and monthly journals
• CDs and DVDs supporting the curriculum
• Online databases. CREDO reference for general research
as well as subject specific databases such as History Study
Centre, Literary Reference Center, Issues Online, Complete
Issues. Journals are covered by Infotrac Student Edition
•Weekly bookshop where students can purchase revision
guides, critical studies, dictionaries, fiction and DVDs
Opening Times: The Library is open during class contact times.
Page 14
sport & Activities
opportunities for everyone
The Activity Programme
 bairdr@gordonstoun.org.uk
The Gordonstoun programme is carefully designed to enhance
and enrich the experience and opportunities of the student body.
Students are encouraged to maximise these opportunities by
experiencing a wide range of activities whilst also pursuing their
passions and strengths. There are many different activities available
at Gordonstoun using both the School’s facilities and facilities
further afield. These activities range from the physical to the
cerebral, from team to individual.
Facilities
Gordonstoun’s facilities for activities include a state-of-the-art
Sports Centre which encompasses a large sports hall, swimming
pool, fitness suite, four squash courts, climbing wall, dance studio,
performance gym and analysis classrooms. The school also benefits
from an indoor shooting range, a five-hole golf course, an allweather pitch, extensive playing fields, floodlit all-weather tennis
and netball courts, the Art School, the Design and Technology
department, cookery kitchens, Media department, extensive music
practice facilities and the Ogstoun Drama and Dance Centre.
Competitive Sports
The School has competitive teams in:
Boys
Rugby
Football
Hockey
Basketball
Cricket Tennis
Athletics
Squash
Girls
Hockey
Netball
Tennis
Athletics
Squash
There are also opportunities to compete in swimming galas, cross
country running, skiing, sailing and adventure races.
Recreational Sports
There are a wide range of recreational sports available including:
Riding
Target shooting
Badminton
Golf
Mountain biking
Cycling
Climbing
Kayaking
Orienteering
Table Tennis
Page 15
performing arts
DANCE
Students have the opportunity to take part in a number of
recreational dance classes including Modern Dance and Ballet
classes. Occasional work shops are held in other dance styles such
as Break Dance and Salsa and these are open to all students.
Students also have opportunities to perform in the annual Dance
Shows in Ogstoun Theatre as well as go on theatre visits to see a
range of professional dance companies. There are occasional visits
to school by visiting companies and professional dance artists.
DRAMA
Drama has always been a strong part of Gordonstoun. Throughout
the School there are many opportunities to experience and take part
in drama. All students are encourage to experience the wide range
of external theatre groups which perform in the School’s theatre as
well as the regular performance by students themselves.
MUSIC
Gordonstoun Music Department offers many exciting opportunities
for students to develop their musical ability. Such opportunities
exist within the academic curriculum, within individual instrumental
lessons and in the Music Department’s diverse extra-curricular
provision. The Department is housed in a purpose-built Music
School which features practise rooms, performance spaces and a
recording studio.
Music plays a central part in the holistic education of a
Gordonstoun student. A Music Department team of seventeen
specialist teachers delivers all curricular, vocal and instrumental
lessons. Students have the opportunity to study orchestral, jazz,
rock and traditional Scottish instruments. These weekly lessons are
complimented by a comprehensive and diverse ensemble
activity programme which is available to all students.
The Music Department tours abroad every two years. Recent tours
have included Cairo Singapore and Malaysia and, most recently, a
combined Music and Dance Tour to South Africa
Page 16
outdoor education
developing your full potential
Outdoor Education for All

parki@gordonstoun.org.uk
Gordonstoun’s education and learning programme of expeditions
and adventure activities is specifically designed to challenge
students to build on their strengths, recognise their limitations and
develop their full potential.
Placing students in a different context to one they normally find
themselves in, is a powerful learning tool. The learning that comes
from outdoor education is not just acquisition of new knowledge,
skills and information but a deeper level of personal understanding
that becomes embodied within individuals.
Gordonstoun’s outdoor education and learning opportunities
provide a range of experiences that enable students to develop
the qualities and attributes they will need to survive and thrive in
a changing world. We are distinctive in ensuring that all students
undergo outdoor education throughout their time in the School.
Expeditions
The School’s fantastic location means that Gordonstoun can
provide students with a structured and inspiring programme of
mountain, river and sea-based wilderness expeditions. Gordonstoun
uses a variety of beautiful and remote settings for these expeditions
and journeys. These experiences allow students to learn more about
and develop a respect for the natural environment.
In the Autumn and Summer terms all Year 9 students take part
in hill walking and backpacking expeditions which offer fantastic
opportunities for them to learn new skills, develop knowledge and
work effectively with others.
Weekly Outdoor Education and Learning
Programme
Throughout the year students have a structured programme of
outdoor and adventurous activities. This programme is designed to
be fun whilst introducing students to the many possibilities of what is
on offer here at Gordonstoun. Sessions include climbing, kayaking,
mountain biking, bushcraft, small boat sailing, roller skiing,
orienteering, environmental awareness and first aid training.
Additional Outdoor Education and Learning
Opportunities
If the desire is there then there are a whole host of additional
activities that students can participate in. These could include
surfing, skiing, snowboarding, coasteering or they could be winter
skills and climbing trips. Gordonstoun also offers trips outside
of term time which are designed to be truly adventurous and
challenging. Gordonstoun students can easily find themselves
climbing technical alpine peaks, ice climbing on huge ice falls or
kayaking on remote rivers.
Page 17
sail training & seamanship
teamwork & leadership skills
Introduction
 lerneri@gordonstoun.org.uk
Our Founder, Kurt Hahn, described the Moray Firth as “my best
schoolmaster” and sail training is an essential component of
Gordonstoun’s broad curriculum.
Sail training helps to develop teamwork and leadership skills, which
complement personal challenge. All students in Year 9 undertake
seamanship training in cutters from nearby Hopeman harbour,
where they learn basic skills in preparation for a voyage in Year
10 off the Scottish coast in the School’s own 80-foot sail training
vessel, Ocean Spirit of Moray.
the fleet
The School has an 80 foot sail training vessel, Ocean Spirit of
Moray. Ocean Spirit is a fully equipped, ocean-going yacht built
to the exacting safety standards laid down by the UK Maritime
and Coastguard Agency. She is capable of fast, safe passages in
a range of weather conditions. As a Sail Training vessel, Ocean
Spirit was designed to introduce and train people for the sea. The
permanent staff on board are used to working with, and instructing,
inexperienced sailors. Ocean Spirit complies with - and in many
cases exceeds - the requirements of the Code of Practice for Sail
Training Vessels. She is equipped with the very latest navigation and
communication equipment.
The School uses two purpose-built cutters based at Hopeman
harbour for seamanship training with new Year 9 students. It
also possesses a range of small vessels used for sailing activities
and services including toppers, Laser SB3s and Devon yawls.
Gordonstoun’s small boat activities are run under the aegis of the
RYA and the site at Hopeman is recognised as an RYA Training
Centre.
Page 18
Student development scheme
recording & encouraging your achievements
Introduction
The Gordonstoun Student Development Scheme was designed as a
framework to help guide students through the extensive and broad
curriculum offered here at Gordonstoun. The framework is designed
to ensure that students do not miss out on any major area of the
curriculum, nor indeed lose out elsewhere if devoting too much time
to a strength or preference. The scheme is monitored by the tutor
of the student concerned and creates a positive guide for weekly
tutorial meetings.
Its concept is to promote participation, regardless of ability, fostering
goals for students to achieve across a broad range of activities.
In line with our holistic approach to education, this should ensure
that at the end of their education with us, students have had a full
experience of all that is offered by the School. There are six areas
to the SDS: academic, creative, outdoor education, responsibility,
service and sports.
The student’s involvement in the extensive and broad curriculum is
recorded through the Student Development Scheme blog, and this
becomes a record of the student’s achievement over their time at
Gordonstoun. The blog is web-based and is accessible through the
child’s user name and password. Access to the blog is given to the
student, the staff and the student’s parents. This enables us all to
monitor, encourage and comment on activities in which the student
has been involved. The tutor reads the blog on a weekly basis to
ensure that it is up to date and to enable them to have an overview
of the student’s involvement and commitments.
Round Square organisation In 1966 Round Square was founded in, and named after, the
fascinating circular building at Gordonstoun. Round Square is a
worldwide association of over 100 schools, sharing a commitment
to personal development and responsibility through:
an international understanding and tolerance of others
democratic governance and justice
environmental stewardship
self-discovery through adventure
leadership
service to others
It provides opportunities for students to participate in global and
regional conferences and helps students to undertake exchanges
and projects. Students from Year 9 can take part in regional
conferences and apply to take part the Round Square Adventure
Race, competing against teams from other UK Round Square
schools.
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life in YEAR 9
by year 9 students
“Starting at Gordonstoun has been a big change for all of us but
living in such a diverse and international place has been a new and
very exciting experience”
“My House Captain has helped me with the organisation of morning
tasks and my daily schedules.”
“We went to Ben Nevis on our Year 9 and 10 Exped. Our first night
was spent in a cabin with no running hot water - unless you adjusted
it from the shower - and an awful lot of bugs! But on the whole it
was a lot nicer than being outside in a tent. The climb up Ben Nevis
was hard, but definitely worth it in the end and we were very proud
of ourselves, as the climb was a very big achievement for all of us!”
“Sometimes we get invited by the Principal to an evening of reels
as our Saturday social. Everyone dresses up smartly and enjoys an
evening of happy ceilidh dancing. Other fun socials that we are able
to go to are discos, cinema trips, bowling, sports and bouncy castle
events, and the very important Charity Ball which the whole school
attends.”
“I really look forward to socials because we can all relax and
enjoy mixing with our friends and its a chance to get all dressed up
together and have a good laugh.”
“Every Sunday night we have a House Meeting which is really
helpful. We find out things about the week ahead and can discuss
things with our HM as a whole House.”
“The Year 9 Induction week was amazing. At the end of it we all went
on our first camping trip. After arriving at our campsite the night
before, we got ready for our big walk up the Cairngorms. Our legs
were aching and our throats were killing us but none of it mattered
compared to the satisfaction we had at the end of the walk and the
beautiful scenery we saw during it. We got to know everyone in our
year and learnt important exped skills. We will always remember this
week as the best first week of the rest of our school life.”
“I wake up every morning with my second family. Everyone - from
Year 9 to Year 13 - is out to help each other; whether it’s sports
or academic, there’s always someone there to help you no matter
what.”
“There are so many sports on offer and the coaches are really good.
I had never played hockey before but I am now in the team and feel
very proud of myself.”
Page 20
gordonstoun
year 9 CURRICULUM 2015-16