Summer schools are a fantastic way for children and teenagers to have fun, learn new skills not covered at school, meet interesting new people and broaden their minds. The number of courses available is constantly multiplying, and the choice is now so vast that it is difficult for parents to make a choice. We spoke to Claire MacGillivray, Director of the Gordonstoun International Summer School, and asked her to share a bit more about their programme and the benefits of attending a summer school this year.
Tell us a bit about the Gordonstoun Summer Programme?
The Gordonstoun International Summer School (GISS) has been running at Gordonstoun for over forty years, and shares the same unique educational ethos as Gordonstoun. Students are encouraged to have as many experiences both inside and outside the classroom as possible. Consequently dance, drama, creative arts, music, sailing, sport and outdoor education all sit alongside academics in the all-encompassing curriculum. The blend of academic and outward bound activities, with a week spent on the West Coast of Scotland sailing and abseiling, makes this course unique amongst summer schools.
Our aim is to provide a safe, happy, exciting and invigorating environment for students to come together to learn, have fun and make friends. We welcome students from all over the world and are always happy when they return – which they often do – and happier still when we are able to welcome students whose parents themselves attended our summer school.
The summer camp is a wonderful introduction to boarding life, whilst having fun over a lovely summer. We are completely confident that we can meet any expectations either parents or children might have of a wonderful summer school experience, whilst also offering an excellent programme of academic study amidst all the other excitements.
What are the benefits of your summer programme?
The benefits of attending any summer programme are plentiful for young people, at Gordonstoun we would summarise them as:
Academic improvement
Which might be English as a second language (we teach three different levels of EAL classes – beginners, intermediate and advanced) or it could be Spanish, Literature and Creative writing or Computing and Information Technology. All of which will compliment any academic work undertaken by the student at their school.
Confidence building
We help each student develop a greater sense of not only who they are, but also of what they are capable of. We have a very high ratio of 1 member of staff to 2 students, allowing each student to challenge themselves in any area, knowing they are fully supported; whether it is by taking the stage, playing a sport or jumping into the sea for the first time!
Team working & leadership skills
The very broad curriculum ensures students will have the chance to experience things they have never experienced before, enabling them to discover and develop skills they never dreamt they had. They also consequently develop leadership skills, understanding of what it is to work in a team, to be part of a team, and to help your team mates!
International friendships & increased cultural awareness
Because it is an International Summer School, they have the opportunity to meet and make friends with children from all over the world, from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths. This encourages understanding, respect, compassion and responsible cultural awareness. We are careful to ensure that the students come from as many different countries as we can, and that there is not a majority of any one nationality, in order to keep GISS as diverse as possible.
Lots of fun & create lifelong memories
It’s also, fundamentally, designed to be fun! With so many new activities to be tried – creative /sporting / adventure / sailing – there is something for everyone. Our Gordonstoun International Summer School motto is – “where everyone smiles in the same language”.
Gordonstoun International Summer School is for students aged 8-16 years and each course last 3 ½ weeks during the summer. For more information and to book your child’s place, please visit their website.
When it comes to choosing a summer school, Gabbitas consultants will do the hard work for you. We discover exactly what it is you are looking for and offer you a choice of courses that best suit your needs from amongst the thousands on the market. From English language lessons to adventure holidays – and everything in between – we can find the perfect course for your child. Get in touch today to find out more!
