South African vs UK Boarding School
Boarding School Life, Education Systems, School Admissions
Comparing South Africa with the UK: Why is the British Boarding School system better for my child? One of the most important decisions a parent
Academic Families works with more than 450 schools throughout the UK, and we have become experts at matching children to the right boarding school for them in order to ensure each student thrives.
We're delighted to present one of our partner schools:
Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.
“Gordonstoun prepares each student through learning by diverse experience for a full and active role as an international citizen in a changing world.”
Gordonstoun’s Junior School students follow the English National Curriculum. Class sizes are small and the school’s dedicated Learning Support deparment can deliver 1 to 1 help whenever needed. Students in the Senior School study for GCSE and A Level exams. Students in Years 10 and 11 usually study 9 GCSE subjects, before moving onto Years 12 and 13 (Sixth Form) and typically choosing 3 or 4 A Level subjects. Gordonstoun also offers a variety of BTEC qualifications, making it one of the best BTEC schools in Scotland. BTEC qualifications available at Gordonstoun include a course for enterprise and entrepreneurship, psychology, sport, and uniformed protective services.
After studying at Gordonstoun School, pupils go on to study at universities and colleges across the world, including prestigious institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Gordonstoun prides itself on providing learning experiences outside the classroom, in inspiring and stimulating environments. Outdoor activities are a key part of life at Gordonstoun. This comprises of three main elements – expeditions, adventure activities and sail training – which aim to help students develop new skills and self-awareness. Some of the activities include mountain biking, wilderness survival skills, skiing, orienteering and kayaking.
The school recently added a state-of-the-art sports centre and a performing arts department, featuring a studio theatre, dance studios and drama rehearsal spaces. The school is home to excellent sporting facilities, including an indoor climbing wall, a gym, a floodlit Astroturf hockey pitch, an indoor swimming pool, four squash courts and a 400m running track.
Rugby, hockey, football, cricket, netball, tennis, squash, athletics, swimming, basketball and volleyball are just some of the sports available to students at Gordonstoun.
Gordonstoun has a diverse community of students, with over forty different nationalities represented. The student body is one third Scottish, one third from the rest of the UK and one third from the rest of the world. Internationalism lies at the core of the school, which states that one of its fundamental aims is providing students with a global perspective.
Gordonstoun has a comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) department and provides support for any international student who needs help developing their English language skills.
Gordonstoun is primarily a boarding school, with only around 15% of the Senior School attending as day pupils. Each student joins one of the school’s eight boarding houses. The boarding staff look after the safety, happiness, personal development and wellbeing of students. Weekend activities include film nights, BBQs, trips to local beaches, castles and adventure parks.
You'll probably have many questions about the exciting times that lie ahead. We are here to reassure you and support your decision to educate your child in the UK.
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