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Gordonston_GISS_artwork_29 Sept.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2015 17:59 Page 1 GORDONSTOUN International S ummer School “Not 3 weeks in a lifetime, but a lifetime in 3 weeks” where everyone smiles in the same language www.giss.org.uk where everyone smiles in the same language Gordonston_GISS_artwork_29 Sept.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2015 17:59 Page 2 “Experience something you’ve never done before. It’s a fantastic, terrific school!” “It’s like heaven, AMAZInG... GIss is the best summer school ever!” 2 Gordonstoun International summer school Gordonston_GISS_artwork_29 Sept.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2015 17:59 Page 3 ForEWord by His royal Highness e duke of Edinburgh Modern methods of transport and communication have made it possible for the first time for more and more people in all parts of the world to travel great distances quickly and safely and to meet each other. Indeed it has become quite usual for people employed in business and the professions to spend much of their time in foreign countries. The Gordonstoun Summer Language and Adventure Course provides a splendid opportunity for boys and girls from other parts of the world to experience life in a foreign country, and to make a start to learn, or to improve their knowledge of, English. They will be able to do this against a background of Scotland’s magnificent scenery with all it has to offer in sports and recreations. I don’t suppose any future business or diplomatic appointment in a foreign country will be quite the same as this Summer School Course, but at least everything will be done to make this first introduction to the strangeness of a foreign country as happy and rewarding as possible. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh www.giss.org.uk where everyone smiles in the same language 3 Gordonston_GISS_artwork_29 Sept.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2015 17:59 Page 4 from the dIrEctor “e best three weeks of my life”. These are the words we frequently read on the student’s questionnaire responses at the end of the summer school courses. As a child, just one experience can be very formative and it is a combination of factors that make the Gordonstoun International Summer School so special. The personalised and caring environment we create ensures that they make great friendships as they experience the broad diversity of activities that are offered. As part of Gordonstoun, the children access both the excellent campus facilities which are set in a beautiful, secluded and safe part of Scotland, as well as spending a week on the stunning West Coast of Scotland, sailing and experiencing all the challenge of the mountains. Our high staffing ratio of one staff to two students ensures they are supported and challenged in the classroom, in the creative arts, on the sports field, in the mountains and at sea. This is all whilst speaking English and developing great international friendships. Parents typically reflect that the children leave us having improved in confidence, maturity, language and IT skills as well as in building international and personal relationships. Gordonstoun International Summer School Staff. Our excellent staffing ratio ensures careful attention across the wide range of activities. Gordonstoun International Summer School has been successfully operating for over 40 years, providing a safe and happy environment where students from all over the world come together to learn, have fun and make friends. Both parents and children can be completely confident that their expectations of an amazing summer school experience will be met and that students will indeed have the best weeks of their lives.... We look forward to welcoming you to the Gordonstoun International Summer School. Claire MacGillivray Director 4 Gordonstoun International summer school Gordonston_GISS_artwork_29 Sept.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2015 18:00 Page 5 “If you go there, you will never forget it” “You will face fears and make many friends” www.giss.org.uk where everyone smiles in the same language 5 Gordonston_GISS_artwork_29 Sept.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2015 18:00 Page 6 Gordonstoun Gordonstoun stands in 180 acres of woodland, within walking distance of sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches on the beautiful coast of the Moray Firth in Scotland. Six miles away is the historic city of Elgin. Lossiemouth nearby is well known for its picturesque harbour, fine golf courses and beautiful beaches. An hour’s drive takes one to the ski resort of Aviemore at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is forty miles away and is only an hour away from London by air. tHE BAckGround Gordonstoun, founded in 1934 by Dr Kurt Hahn, the originator of the ‘Outward Bound’ philosophy of education, is one of the most famous boarding schools in Britain. The school has among its past pupils members of the British Royal family together with boys and girls from other royal and prominent families from around the world. The Gordonstoun mission statement is: “Gordonstoun prepares each student through learning by diverse experience for a full and active role as an international citizen in a changing world”. Hence great importance is attached to international understanding and a quarter of the School’s pupils come from overseas. The Gordonstoun International Summer School has also adopted the same mission statement. The surrounding countryside with its beaches, forests and hills is ideal for teaching young people to enjoy their environment. The sea and the mountains offer those challenges of adventure and team work which are so important in this modern world 6 Gordonstoun International summer school Gordonston_GISS_artwork_29 Sept.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2015 18:00 Page 7 “Gordonstoun is the best thing ever. I wish I could go again.” www.giss.org.uk where everyone smiles in the same language 7 Gordonston_GISS_artwork_29 Sept.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2015 18:00 Page 8 tHE suMMEr scHool coursE ovErvIEW Gordonstoun International Summer School is held in July and August. “unique activity Courses last three and a half weeks and are for boys and girls aged programme, friendly eight to sixteen inclusive. There is a lively, friendly and family atmosphere during this busy programme; staff, instructors and atmosphere” students all work together to prove the truth of the Gordonstoun School motto - ‘Plus est en vous’ - ‘There is more in you than you think’ - to all who come here. Teachers and instructors at the Summer School all are professionally qualified and have experience in teaching and training boys and girls from all parts of the world. Assistant staff and student leaders make an overall staffing ratio of approximately one member of staff to two students, thereby allowing the aims of the course to be achieved by all students, often under individual supervision. Students will receive instruction in English as an Additional Language or, for those boys and girls who are fluent in English, they can choose one of the following: Information Technology or Literature and Creative Writing or Spanish Language. Arts and Crafts, Technology, Confidence Building, Music Making, Drama, Sailing and Sport will be integrated into the programme and students will be helped further to develop self-reliance through Adventurous Activities and Ocean Cruising. Recreational and optional activities are also offered. 8 Gordonstoun International summer school Gordonston_GISS_artwork_29 Sept.qxp_Layout 1 29/09/2015 18:00 Page 9 AcAdEMIc studY EnGlIsH lAnGuAGE (E.A.l.) Boys and girls will be assigned to the appropriate class for beginners or for intermediate or advanced students on the basis of placement tests given upon arrival at the school. Some previous knowledge is desirable but not essential. In language-training both audio-visual and the more traditional methods will be used to cover written, grammar and spoken English. The teaching aims to improve children’s ability to express their ideas and thoughts in English and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes. For more advanced students there is the opportunity to read great literature in the original language and examine current issues whilst beginning to develop and justify points of view in speech and writing. Those not taking English as their academic subject are asked to choose ONE of the following alternative courses:- lItErAturE And crEAtIvE WrItInG This course is suitable for students who have a strong command of the English language. It is aimed at improving English skills through a study of Literature and Creative Writing. Students are encouraged to explore and develop their skills in literacy criticism through close analysis of a range of texts. Students will have the opportunity to study poetry, prose extracts, short stories and selected scenes from plays. For Creative Writing, there will be workshops on how students can create engaging openings to their stories, using effective imagery in their writing, create tension and suspense, different genres etc. All of this would be supported by the short stories, poems, novel extracts and drama extracts already taught. spAnIsH This course is offered at advanced, intermediate and elementary levels where emphasis will be on Spanish conversation. Students will be able to learn the art of conversation required in the daily round of social life, such as greetings, requests, thanks, regrets, apologies and enquiries. There will be opportunities for the more advanced students to improve their conversation and written skills. InForMAtIon tEcHnoloGY The course operates on Microsoft software and covers a wide range of computer applications, including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, “Great place for desktop publishing, powerpoint, multimedia, graphics, programming, control learning English and technology and the Internet; no previous computer experience is required. to make friends from Control technology is included for more advanced students. This looks in more detail at the use of computers in controlling mechanical devices such around the world” as robots.