October 2010 from the Quadrangle
from the
December 2010 Issue 30
Highest mark in
Scotland for
Higher Business
Opening night shows
Management
Studies continued success in
drama at Gordon’s
The 2010 exam celebrations are
continuing with an outstanding
award to Alex Taylor who achieved
the highest mark in Scotland for
Higher Business Management
Studies (97%). Teacher Mrs Christie
says “Alex has a keen interest in this
area and has worked very hard to
achieve this grade. Further to the
award, Alex was invited to the SBEA
Conference 2010 in Inveralmond
where he was presented with a
medal from the Scottish Business
Education Association”. Alex says
“Following a nervous wait for
results I am very pleased with this
achievement. I am now working
hard on my studies in sixth year for
the Cambridge Pre-U (equivalent
to Scottish Advanced Higher) in
Business Management and hope
to emulate the success of former
pupils such as Sir Ian Wood in the
future”.
P6 Girls win
Road Relay
Championships
The P6 girls’ team won the Scottish
Primary Schools Road Relay
Following the huge developments in Drama at RGC throughout
Championships on 30 October at the last 18 months and a sell-out performance of the 2009
Grangemouth Stadium. The event school show ‘Wind in the Willows’, pupils at Gordon’s hit the high
involved 3 girls per team running
in a Relay on a 1 mile long course.
notes again with a 2010 production of ‘Oklahoma’.
The winning team consisted of ‘Oklahoma’, starring pupils from across the senior school, who brought to life the innocence and fun of Ado
Rebecca Eggeling, Georgia Milne ran nightly from 23 – 25 November in the Aberdeen Annie and Will Parker. Niall Kennedy (S5) brought a
and Sarah Black. Arts Centre. The show was directed by Head of Drama dark and sinister edge to Judd Fry as he tried to get
Full results as follows: P6 girls: A Mr Milarvie with Head of Music Mr Haggart as musical Laurey all to himself. The cast were supported by
team – 1, B team – 11; P7 girls: director. Mr Andrew Milarvie said of the show: “This Rachael Howard (S6) as Aunt Eller, Daniel Laing (S5)
A team – 19, B team – 26. is yet another exciting time for Music and Drama at as Ali Hakim, Becky Walker (S6) as Gertie and Scott
Mrs W Smith Gordon’s. The show has a range of parts to suit all age Anderson (S5) as Andrew Carnes.
groups, and 75 pupils from across the year groups were Head of College, Mr Hugh Ouston said of the show:
all involved both in on-stage and off-stage roles. Pupils “At Gordon’s we realise the importance of drama and
are involved in the orchestra, costume and set design, music as core subjects in the curriculum and we are
backstage work, sound and lighting as well as acting.” delighted to have dedicated staff in the departments
Rory Stanyer and Robyn Wolsey (S5) played Curly working both in class and in extra-curricular activities
and Laurey, two frontiers people who fall deeply in with the pupils. What’s more, the fantastic facilities
love. They were supported wonderfully by the comic mean that pupils could not ask for a better environment
beauty of Kathryn Scott (S5) and Maxwell Harris (S4) in which to learn about the performing arts. “
from the Quadrangle December 2010
Eco News
Developing an Eco-Code
The 2010 session has seen new eco
duties on the S1-S4 Form Captains’
remit, largely due to the success
of our S5/S6 Eco-Reps. This new
improved way of communicating
Green news and collecting ideas
proved to be successful when all
pupils were encouraged to contribute
ideas in developing a whole school
Eco-Code. Fabulous responses were
received through the Representatives
which have been analysed by the
GreenPages Eco-Group. The next
steps will be working with the
Junior School and the Sustainability
Management Committee to develop
3 suggested Eco-Codes using the
responses, the pupils will then be
given an opportunity to vote for
their favourite one. Suggestions from
parents are always welcome, please
Iceland Trip
email GreenPages@rgc.aberdeen.
sch.uk Forty Standard Grade and Higher pupils spent five exciting days in the October break enhancing their understanding
Miss T Reid of many physical processes as well as immersing themselves in Icelandic culture.
The adventure began on Saturday 9 October and after a safe arrival at Keflavik Airport it felt like we had landed on the
Green Week: 28th Sept – 1st moon (literally). Pupils and staff alike were amazed by the lava fields which resembled the bare, rocky landscape of planets
Oct 2010 we have only read about. After a day travelling a visit to the thermal pools of the Blue Lagoon was very much enjoyed.
The E-Eco-Pledge proved to be On Sunday we experienced the hospitality of Icelanders as we visited a family run market garden farm greenhouse
popular in the Library. The 3 top in Laugaras to further investigate the benefits of geothermal activity. We learnt about the more physical aspects of
pledges made were to: “turn off Geography as we visited the world famous Geyser to witness the immense power of the planet. The keen photographers
the TV”, “turn off the lights” and in the group enjoyed the challenge of capturing the perfect shot of a geyser exploding whilst others enjoyed the smell!
to “recycle more”. Green Assembly Later we visited the spectacular waterfalls of Gulfoss and Faxifoss which brought to life the Rivers unit they had studied
themes for the week included ‘’What last year. A trip to Bingvellir National Park on Monday reminded pupils of the dynamic nature of the island as we walked
actually happens to RGC’s plastic through fissures created by plate movement.
bottle recycling?’’ A visit from Eco- Our final day was action packed as we investigated fluvial, glacial and coastal features. We began by climbing Stora
Schools Aberdeen also enthused Dimon where we had the most breath-taking view of a meandering river choked with ash, glaciers in the distance and the
the S3-S6 pupils with a Pink Floyd very active Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Arguably the most impressive sight to behold was our visit to Solheimajokull glacier. Pupils
film clip. clambered over depositional features and touched striations which brought alive a topic enjoyed by pupils in the classroom.
Emma Fisher, S5 Mr K Paul
NESMS Lunchbreak Concert,
Cowdray Hall
Northsound Advertising
In preparation for the college open morning on Saturday 6 November 2010 The popular series of Lunchbreak Concerts in the Cowdray Hall started again
Miss Foreman, Mr Skingley and 7 pupils visited Northsound Radio to participate in September under the artistic direction of Roger B. Williams, University of
in the production of a new radio advert. The Junior and Senior School pupils Aberdeen. On 7 October 2010 Iain Hall, Jamie Rees and Dmitri Olazola played
recorded some voiceover in the Northsound studio at Altens, Aberdeen. The as part of the Young Stars of North East Scotland Music School programme
production team at Northsound included both pupil and professional voiceover which included a string quartet and some items for voice and recorder. Dmitri
in the final advert being broadcast during 1-6 November 2010. Thank you opened the programme with a few songs, the quartet performed some
to Alice H and Niall M from Junior School and Emma C, Daniel C, Jack G, Fiona Haydn and Iain closed the concert with some short pieces on the recorder.
M and Sean P from Senior School, for their participation. Concerts run from 12.45-1.30pm, unless otherwise stated, and admission
Miss S Foreman is free (although donations are welcome).
2
December 2010 from the Quadrangle
Careers
SafeDrive StayAlive
Safe Drive Stay Alive is a road safety
initiative aimed at secondary school pupils
which aims to raise their awareness of the
Careers
At our recent Careers
dangers of driving. S5 pupils attended the Convention a number of
presentation held at the Beach Ballroom excellent presentations on
on Friday 5 November 2010. Most had university courses including
been forewarned of the hard-hitting Engineering, Entrepreneurship
nature of the presentation due to the and Forensic Science were
feedback from last year’s S5 pupils: very well received by S4-6
however, this did not prepare them for pupils and their parents.
CCF Competition
the stories to be told. The presentation Representatives of the
consisted of three individual accounts, companies and institutions
which highlighted the different dangers of who attended made special
driving, through the experiences of each mention of the finely
speaker. Perhaps the most harrowing of The CCF’s Army Section competed this October in the annual Military Skills considered, insightful
those was Dave Trigger, the father of a Competition held near Dreghorn, outside Edinburgh. CCFs from around questions the pupils asked
girl who had died as a result of trying Scotland compete each year in a series of challenging tasks designed to test a on the day.
to avoid a deer, which had jumped in range of skills from shooting and assault courses to navigation and endurance. Following the UCAS
front her car. Each speaker delivered a The team of 10 cadets was led by CSM Rory Bonner, with the assistance applications, for those
memorable and compelling message of CSgt Jamie Wilson and CSgt Harry Kinsey. It was noted that the RGC candidates who hope for
to the gripped audience; stressing the team performed remarkably well in both the section attack exercises and an interview, extra help
dangers of irresponsible driving. Overall, command task events. has recently been given by
Safe Drive Stay Alive left an imprint in The team performed admirably overall, winning third place in the Mr Montgomery, our new
everyone’s minds, and encouraged all competition. For being ranked in the top three teams, each RGC cadet was Principal Teacher of Guidance/
to become safe drivers. able to take home a decorative silver token to signify their success. The RGC Universities, who has co-opted
Tabitha Smith-Lawrence, S5 Army Section’s team spirit was high right the way through the competition. the expertise of a number of
Thanks go to the staff who helped organise the event, and to the cadets professionals from industry,
Open Morning themselves for working so hard during the event. academia and business, along
Mr J Leiper with Greta Weir of ISCO,
On Saturday 6 November many families
to conduct mock interviews.
visited Gordon’s to find out more about
This practice has already
Blood Brothers Workshop
the education we offer. Our thanks
challenged many S6 pupils
go to the many pupils who acted as
and has significantly helped
tour guides or helpers on the day.
Third, fourth and fifth year drama pupils at Gordon’s were lucky enough to to prepare them for the real
Applications are now being accepted
not only watch Blood Brothers at His Majesty’s Theatre, but experience a thing in the forthcoming
for places to join Gordon’s in summer
fantastic workshop with two members of the cast the following afternoon too. weeks.
2011 – if you know of anyone who is
Danny Taylor, who played Sammy, and Graham Martin, who played the Several pupils from S5
interested please direct them to the
policeman, warmed us up with a few movement exercises, ‘hot seated,’ have organised to attend a
Admissions section of our website or
and then concentrated on some of the key scenes in the play. Hot seating Medlink or Vet-Medlink course
contact Mr P Skingley (p.skingley@
allowed us to quiz Sammy about his life; this is a key character development at Nottingham University in
rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk).
technique which benefited us all, and was still tremendous fun! We proceeded December. These residential
to use extracts from the script. Paired up, some of us performed scenes and courses offer valuable
Scottish Youth the actors helped us with positioning and assisted in injecting emotion in to information and experience
Parliament Sitting our characters. to pupils seriously interested in
Overall, not only was the play following a medical career path.
Our first task was to present three
outstanding, but the workshop In preparation for the
petitions to the Public Petitions
really gave us thespians a boost Career Experience Week in
Committee which can bring about
and has proved beneficial in June, all S5 pupils are currently
changes in Scots Law. ‘Ban Mosquito
improving our acting skills, and considering arrangements for
Devices Now’ was a petition I paid
of course, our evaluations and placements with companies in
close attention to, knowing that it
characterisation techniques! Aberdeen (or further afield,
would be the first thing I heard on my
Kenneth Watt, S4 opportunity allowing) with
return to Aberdeen. Our second day at
help from parents, relatives
the sitting involved debating a broad
and other personal contacts.
range of topics – from Nuclear Power
Mr Beaton, Principal Teacher
to National Citizenship Service, it was
of Guidance/Careers, will also
a surreal experience to be sitting and
be available to assist pupils
speaking in the home of the Scottish
as required, and would be
Legislature discussing policies that will
delighted to hear soon from
affect the youth of today and the
any parent or friend of the
generations after ours – that is why
college who feels able to
the sitting of the Youth Parliament at
offer a career experience
Holyrood is such an important step
placement for an S5 pupil
for young people and their Scottish
week commencing 13 June
Youth Parliament – as it shows that
2011.
the “real” politicians are listening to us
Mr F Beaton
and legislating to create a better future.
Sean Press, S5
3
from the Quadrangle December 2010
Junior School News
Silver medals
for Junior Karate
Champions
RGC Pupils Elizabeth Ruszka and
Playground Friend
Scheme
Pupils meet rugby hero Nicholas Runcie (P5) each scooped
a silver medal in The World Karate
prior to big match
Confederation (WKC) 7th World
P1 pupils started a playground friend Championships for Juniors, Cadets and
scheme involving the children taking Children. Hosted in Italy during 22-24
turns to be a helper in the playground. Scottish rugby union player Kelly Brown visited the P7 pupils on Thursday October, the event was the biggest
Duties include being extra kind and 25 November. Answering questions, signing autographs and providing tips ever with over 1200 competitors from
helpful to peers, looking out for to the pupils, Kelly made a real impression and was pleased to see so many 22 different countries.
anyone who needs a friend to play that would be attending the forthcoming fixture at Pittodrie (Scotland won Ronnie Watt (8th Dan, Order of
with and overall trying to assist the the match with the final kick of the game by former pupil Ruaridh Jackson). the Rising Sun), Aberdeen based
playground assistants in making our Kelly, who plays for Scotland’s national side and for Saracens F.C., made his National Karate Institute (NKI) said
school playground a happy place for debut for the national side on June 5, 2005, in a match against Romania “The youngsters trained hard for
them to be. The Playground Friends where he scored a try. He was in the Scotland squad for the 2007 Rugby the event. We organised additional
wear high visibility jackets so they World Cup and played professionally for Border Reivers until the end of Master Classes with some of the
can be seen in the playground during the 2006-07 season, then Glasgow Warriors. world’s top karate experts to hone
the morning and after lunch breaks. skills prior to the event. The hard
The college want the children to feel work has paid off – this is a fantastic
happy and secure when outside and achievement, we are very proud”.
hopefully this will help them build on In recognition of the continued
their social skills and feel involved in support RGC provides by maintaining
planning happy playtimes. a karate club at the school, Ronnie
Watt recently presented a special
Samurai Award to Head of College
Mr H Ouston.
Declamations
Declamations has been running in Junior School for over 15 years with the
aim of encouraging children to enjoy wonderful poetry. All pupils in P5 –P7
performed a poem in class where two winners were chosen to represent Health Week
their class in the final. The final took place in MacRobert Hall on Friday 12 1-5 November
November with 22 pupils reciting a wide range of poetry, including Charles Each class in the Junior School had a different focus: Nursery looked at Healthy
Causey, Edward Lear, A.A. Milne, W.H.Auden and Sir Walter Scott. Eating, P1 found out about taking care of your teeth and P7 learned about
Mrs Cowie, Head of English in the Senior School and Mrs Mennie, Substance Misuse – drugs, alcohol and smoking. P7 also discussed making
Head of Junior School had a difficult task in choosing the winning recitals. the right choices and peer pressure. All the classes had a healthy eating
Congratulations go to: Shreyas Nirmal (P5) with his rendition of Robert Louis snack chart in the classroom with prizes awarded to those who brought in
Stevenson’s ‘The Shadow’; Nina Hounsome (P6) who read ‘Jabberwocky’ by healthy snacks. The entire school participated in a competition to design a
Lewis Carroll and Sarah Montgomery (P7) with her rendition of ‘In Flander’s Healthy Menu for the Dining Hall. Winner Jonathan Reeks (P4) designed
Fields’ by John McCrae. a menu with a Harry Potter theme. Classes also had a selection of Health
The overall winner was Dexter Fawcett whose rendition of Walter de la Week Homework which complemented the work produced in class.
Mare’s The Listeners secured him the Declamations Quaich. Sarah McIntosh and Roisin Morton (P7R)
4
Junior Eco Club
News
Remembrance
Assembly
in brief
On Monday 8th November P6/7 Eco Club were very lucky to be visited by
P7 led the Remembrance Assembly Mr Duncan Simpson O.B.E., an expert on birds and their habitats. As part of
on Thursday 11 November. There our RSPB school link the pupils have studied the birds in our local area and
were 4 parts in the Assembly: The how we can help them throughout the year.
colour red, the First World War, Mr Simpson has been blind since childhood but this has not prevented him
other wars over the world and what from becoming an ornithological expert. His love of birds came at an early Internet Safety and
Remembrance means to us today. age, recognising them through their birdsong, and he feels strongly about Responsible Use
After each part, a giant petal was supporting them in their natural habitat. A skilled wood craftsman, Mr Simpson An Information Evening for RGC
displayed to make a large poppy on makes bird nesting boxes. The Founder and Editor of Grampian Tape Service Parents on Internet Safety and
the stage. We had a one minute for the Blind, he was recognised for his hard work and dedication to helping Responsible Use took place on
silence where Mr Haggart kindly others with the same sensory disability with the award of an O.B.E in 1997. 9 November in the MacRobert
played the last post on the bugle. Rhian Cormack and Niall McPherson, Junior School Eco Club Hall. In PSE (Personal and Social
Lewis Maitland played the bagpipes Education), the Guidance
and led us out of the MacRobert Hall. Teachers discuss this very hot
Ryan Morrice and Rory Rose (P7) topic with their classes, including
cyber-bullying, misuse of social
network sites and gaming sites.
Gail Winchester (Schools Liaison
Officer for Grampian Police) and
Andy Watson (ICT Development
Officer for Aberdeen City Council)
delivered presentations including
some statistics on young people’s
internet use, the dangers faced
by young people on the internet,
Spots galore for divulging personal information,
bullying, online predators and
Pudsey Day! what parents can do.
Raising money for Children in Need
Mrs P Thomson
the Junior School were treated to a
day out of uniform on 19 November.
As ever our resourceful children (and Christmas Shopping
parents!) did not disappoint and Parking
the day was full of spots and fun. If you are going into town to
Happily, around £600 was raised. do your Christmas Shopping,
please consider parking in the
Gordon’s car-park. The car park
Movember on Blackfriars Street will be well
Movember (the month formerly signposted and is extremely
known as November) is a moustache competitively priced! What’s
Yoga
growing charity event held during more, the pupils will give you a
November each year that raises funds warm welcome, and your parking
and awareness for The Prostate Cancer money will go to support their
Charity. Mr Northcroft, Mr Anderson, Around 15 P5 pupils participate in the Yoga Relax class hosted by Mrs E fundraising for the music tour
Mr Rencontre and Mr Cowie (all Johnstone. The object is to teach the values of awareness, balance and next year. WHERE: Blackfriars
teachers from Robert Gordon’s Junior discipline - not only a physical level, but also on an emotional and mental Street, at the junction with
School) participated by growing facial level. The emphasis is on keeping the spine healthy. Good posture has an Crooked Lane, Charlotte Street &
hair, raising over £400. The growth of effect on internal organs and, believe it or not, self-esteem. The class starts St Andrew Street. HOW MUCH:
a moustache for the entire month of with some activation to warm and stretch the muscles, a posture or two, or £3 for a day. WHEN: generally
November generated lots of laughter maybe some techniques to release blocked energy and finishes the session 9am-5pm Saturday and holidays,
within the classrooms. with full body relaxation. 11am-5pm Sunday – see the
Mr M Northcroft news page on our website for full
details. Happy Shopping!
Global Harvest Nursery
The recent theme in the
Assembly Nursery has been “toys”.
This year the Junior School decided The children have been
to have a Global Harvest Assembly. enjoying making cuddly
In Scotland, we are lucky to have toys at the craft table Sanju Vijayan S5
plentiful harvests due to the good whilst looking after lots
Calendar 2011
climate and growing conditions. The of cuddly toys in the
staff and pupils felt it was important role-play area. They
to share this food with the homeless
Christmas Shopping?
have enjoyed dressing
Our new Art Calendar for 2011 is
people in Aberdeen. As a result, teddy in clothes suitable for different weather situations and then trying
available for sale from the School
pupils brought in all kinds of food to imagine where teddy would go to play. Our cuddly toy week culminated
Reception - the perfect Christmas
donations to the Cyrenians. in each child bringing in their own cuddly toy to play games and have fun.
gift at only £4!
Primary 7 Ms A Reid
5
6
from the Quadrangle December 2010
Parents Association
Art
Another very positive year is underway
– PA volunteers have helped out at
the S1 Guidance Evening and the
Open Day – both of which were well
Sandy Menzies at attended. This year the theme for the
Mccalls Jewellery Governors’ Reception was ‘Curriculum for
Design Competition Excellence’ and we had some excellent
This year’s winner Sophie Taylor presentations on how the curriculum is
spent a week of her summer being implemented within the College.
holidays carrying out a placement We also hosted the now annual S1
at Sandy’s workshop. Sophie Bowling Evening at Codonas, an early
evening finger buffet followed by ten-pin
CCF pupils remember
returned to the workshop during
November to polish the earrings bowling. It was a great opportunity for
parents and children to meet informally
war heroes
and ring she carved and caste
in silver during the summer. The at the start of Senior School friendships,
completed pieces will be on and was great fun. I am sure this would
The annual CCF Remembrance Service and Parade took place on Tuesday make a great social event for all parents,
display at McCalls later in the year.
9 November. This year the event had particular significance, being one of so please let me know if you think this
two occasions on which our cadets have marked “Cadet150”, national is a good idea and we can organise a
My Future Aspirations celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the cadet movements date if there is enough interest.
In the first weeks of term Senior in the UK. Guests at our event included representatives of the Lieutenancies At the time of writing we have a
1/5 took part in the Thorpe Molloy of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire, our Honorary Colonel, Lt sub-committee headed by Margaret
”My Future Aspirations” portrait Col AR Cram & Mrs Cram, Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, Fuery organising the Christmas Fair.
competition. The pupils produced Aberdeen University Officers’ Training Corps, the CCF(RAF) Training, Evaluation Great work and thanks to everyone
low relief plaster bandage heads & Support Team (Scotland), Erskine Hospital and also College Governors, staff who helped out. We already have
which they then painted in acrylic and distinguished former pupils. They were welcomed by senior cadets and a sub-committee headed by Wendy
paint. Certificates of achievement the Pipe Band, led by Captain Mike Maitland and Pipe Major Will Duncan. McGowan who are busy planning the
were awarded to Dorothea Bailey, Following the thought-provoking service, led by Rev Dominic Smart and with May Ball, which will be held on 14 May
Solomon Davidson, Anna Bennett readings by Colour Sgt Harry Kinsey, Cpl Gavin Tsang and Sgt Erin Hopps, 2011 at the Marcliffe - get the date into
and Thomas Cameron. Certificates the contingent paraded outside the MacRobert Hall. We were delighted to your diary now as I’m sure demand for
of commendation to Luke Simpson, welcome Gordonian Major General JT Coull, who acted as inspecting officer, tickets will be high.
Alastair Gravill, and Aysha Iqbal and thank him for taking the time to join us. So far this year, we have donated
received a certificate of excellence. At a reception in the Governors’ Room Lord Provost Peter Stephen, £12,500 towards the new mini-bus;
Aysha’s work can be seen on a bus attending in his capacity of Lord Lieutenant, presented a badge and certificate £10,000 towards MacRobert Hall sound
advertising campaign being run to Sgt Erin Hopps, 2010-11 Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the city of Aberdeen. and lighting improvements and £300
on Firstbus. Contingent Commander Sqn Ldr Daniel Montgomery was presented with towards the netball, hockey and rugby
a Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service by Mrs Joyce Mackie, teams. Please get in touch if you think
Photography Competition Vice Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, to mark 16 years service to the of other areas where we can help out
The house photography competition CCF. We were also pleased to welcome Mr & Mrs Gordon Campbell and financially.
had the usual large entry from pupils daughters Cheryl and Julia. Mr Campbell presented the Gordon Campbell Finally: an opportunity! We still
and the selected entries have been Sword, donated by the family in memory of their Gordonian son Cpl Gordon have a couple of positions on the PA
submitted to Photoarch and Focus Campbell, Royal Marine and Special Boat Service, who died in the service of committee so please get in touch if you
Environment national photographic his country in 2006, to CSM Rory Bonner, who had led the parade earlier. are interested. It’s a really great way of
competitions. Elliot Notman (3C) Mr D Montgomery getting to know more about the school
won highly commended in the and involved in the very positive things
Natures Moods category,11-14 age
group. Elliot will receive an award RGC participate in Millennium the PA does… oh and it’s fun as well!
Drop me an email if you want to find
at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh in
the near future.
Volunteer Awards out more chair@rgcpa@gmail.com
Nigel Jones
Pupils from Robert Gordon’s College are participating in the Millennium
Volunteer Awards where they can register the number of hours volunteer
Art Exhibition work they do per week, ensuring that they are recognised for their efforts both Children in Need
A combined pupil and former pupil
exhibition took place on Friday
within and outwith school. When the pupils (aged 16 years or above) have
built up 50 volunteer hours on their timesheet they will receive a certificate.
Concert
5 November to coincide with This can then be increased to 100 hours and then finally 200 hours where On Thursday 18 November the
open day. Work and career cv’s the certificate is issued by the First Minister. Charities Committee held three
on display included engineering Head of College Hugh Ouston says “Gordon’s is a school with a strong concerts in aid of Children in Need
design, computer modelling, tradition of service both within and beyond its own community. Our pupils put with a special performance from
illustration, wallpapers and textiles, in thousands of hours a year helping in the Aberdeen area. I am delighted Mr Dougall singing “When I’m 64”
graphics, architecture, architectural that this will be recognised as part of a national scheme”. alongside the string quartet and of
visualisation, film, special effects Participants have 2 years to complete their award with the opportunity course a guest appearances from a
and television. It was enjoyable for to continue logging hours throughout college or university. Any activity long lost relative of Pudsey! Thanks
staff to meet so many of our former undertaken by eligible pupils that does not involve working towards an exam go to all 10 performances helping to
pupils and see the diverse range can be counted as volunteer hours, for example: Rehearsals/shows for Music raise over £300… and still counting.
of their final career destinations. and Drama, lunch duty, S6 classroom helpers, practice and participation in Further thanks go to Mrs Mackison and
Mr A Hopps assemblies, involvement in clubs and societies. all those involved in organising with
Please contact Miss T Reid or Mr McEwan with any queries. contributions from each year group.
Miss T Reid Emily Turner, S6
6
October
December 2010 from the Quadrangle
Pupil Achievements
Debating
Evie Rae and Julia Symons (both S6) have reached the final of the North of Scotland
Schools (NOSS) Debating Competition taking place in early 2011. Debating staff
and some fellow pupils will travel up to Inverness to support the girls.
Two of our senior teams – Rebecca Elder (S6), Alasdair Grant (S5), Robert
Kemp and Hussain Raja (both S4) – reached the final of Dundee University’s
Debating Competition while Sean Press was third on individual speaker points
in the same competition.
Our three teams in the East of Scotland Debater Competition – Morag Forbes
and Maura Buchanan (both S3); Conor Keir (S3) and Alice Jaspars (S2); Tomas
S2–S4 Dance Performance and Workshop Sanders and Peter Craik (both S3) - won through to the second round, and
On the 9 November fifteen girls went to the theatre to watch an excellent Morag also won the prize for the Best Floor Speaker in one of the heats.
performance by the ‘Scottish Dance Theatre’. Following the theatre ECO-POEM Competition Winners
performance, the pupils then received a dance workshop which was delivered Prizes were awarded to the Eco-Poem Winners on Thursday 7 October 2010.
by a member of the Scottish Dance Theatre cast. The winning extracts from Eleanor Ross (S6), Anya Morrice (S2), Robert Fitch
Miss N Stephen (S3), Amy White (S5) and Niall Kennedy (S5) are available on the RGC Website.
Miss T Reid
Alaskan visitors House Poetry Competition
On 8-9 November we had some Alaskan visitors to the school as part of a Polar The annual House Poetry competition is split into three sections by year group.
Pairs Teacher Exchange Project with the North Slope of Alaska. The project looks Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s competition. The high standard
to connect teachers from two very diverse geographic regions impacted by oil was very impressive and an overview of the winning poems is available on
exploration, so they can share and learn from each other. The visitors included the RGC website.
Janey Hales, a teacher from Meade River School in Atqasuk, who specialises S1-S2 Winner Jessica Potts (S2); Highly Commended Hannah Tyldsley (S1)
in Learning Support. Janey was joined by co-ordinator, Laura Whitby from the S3-S4 Winner Frankie Christie (S4); Highly Commended Ewan Harry-Thomas (S4)
Living Earth Foundation and her Alaskan colleague Dorothy, who is Inupiaq. S5-S6 Winner Alasdair Grant (S5); Highly Commended Niall Kennedy (S5)
Dorothy was full of fascinating tales of traditional North Slope life and enjoyed A lot of House points for Sillerton!
learning about the heritage of the Gordon name and talking to our staff and
students. Thank you to everyone involved for making the visit such a big success. Mathematics
Miss D Pirie The Senior UK Maths Challenge took place on Thursday 4 November at Robert
Gordon’s College with 1 Gold, 5 Silver and 21 Bronze awards.
Gold: Peter Leith
Silver: Alex Wang, Kelvin Wang, Michal Nohawica, Andrew Morgan, Lucy
Zou, Iain Stanley, Perry Wang, Fraser Proud, Abbey Dalgleish, Laura Dedmon,
Chetna Sapru, Lauren Polson, Amy White, Andrew Molloy, Alistair Paterson,
David Monteith, Niall Kennedy, Marcus Rose, Jasmine Ng, James Wheadon,
Jennifer Sumner, Sean Greaves, Victor Gorban, Ben Thomas, Jessica Miles, Peter
Clark, Ollie Banks, Mariella Baxter, Christy Welsh, Hugo Mayeux.
Bronze: Flossie Hibbert, Mary McDonald, Daniel Laing, Elliot Noble, Ross Green,
Simon de Lecq Marguerie, Corrie Bruce, Sanju Vijayan, Sai Ram, Calum Ashcroft,
Alistair Cabral, Nils Kaufmann, Chris Mathews, Euan Inglis, David Gamblen,
Mark Diamond, Elspeth Hayes, Donald Clark, Robert Fairhurst
Pupils take on the role of The Monetary Policy Committee
A team of four pupils from Robert Gordon’s College were runners up in the first
round of the eleventh annual Target Two Point Zero – Bank of England and The
S4 impress with their Charity Presentations Times Interest Rate Challenge. Target Two Point Zero Scottish heats got underway
In the most recent edition of ‘From the Quadrangle’ it was mentioned in Edinburgh on 24 November, with some 300 teams across the United Kingdom
that S4 pupils had taken part in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), competing for the Challenge Trophy and £10,000 for their school or college.
working in small groups to analyse social needs and to choose a local charity Captain Robert Dunbar and fellow team players Peter Cowan, Mark Diamond
which they felt would be the most worthy recipient of a special cash award. and Scott Gammie (all S6), the only team competing from an Aberdeen school,
This activity culminated in presentations which were judged by Alison analysed UK and global economic data and their possible impact on inflation
Chandler (Funding Officer at Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations), and the economic outlook for the UK - just as the Bank of England Monetary
Tracey Jayne Stuart (Business Development Manager for Aberdeen Arts Policy Committee does each month. The team then decided if current monetary
Centre), Mrs Montgomery (Deputy Head of College), Mr Smit (Deputy policy is appropriate or required adjusting, to meet the 2.0 per cent inflation
Head S4-S5), School Captain Ruth Duncan and Lady Helen Wood of the target set by the Government. The boys made a concluding presentation to
Wood Family Trust, which manages and funds the YPI project in Scotland. a panel of Bank of England judges, explaining their decision and participating
The team which impressed them most comprised Harris Anderson, Scott in a question and answer session.
Anderson, Aidan Collinson, Elspeth Hayes, Joe Helmore and Samantha
Murray, who won £3000 on behalf of their chosen charity of Grampian Music
Women’s Aid. TRINITY COLLEGE EXAMS: Edward Harwood (S3) - Grade 3 Viola
The runners-up prize went to Abbie Bayliss, William Donovan, Liam Claire MacKenzie (French Horn) and Mirrhyn Stephen (Viola) have been
Johnston, Peter Johnston, Sabaa Malik and Adam Ouston who had successful in gaining places in the National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland.
championed the cause of Choices, the Pregnancy Counselling Centre. Trampolining
This session, the launch of YPI for current S4 pupils will take place in the Rebecca Houston (S5) won the Scottish National Trampoline Championships
spring and will culminate in a week-long drive towards the final presentations in September. This is the second year Rebecca holds the title of Under 19 Nat
during the week beginning 13 June 2011. C Female Scottish Champion.
7
8
from the Quadrangle December 2010
Sport at RGC Lathallan Cross Country
Rebecca Eggeling (P6) won the Under
11 event.
Under 13 Boys – 3rd; Under 13 Girls –
2nd; Under 11 Girls – 1st
Aberdeen Schools Senior Netball
Tournament
RGC A won the tournament on 2
November with only 4 goals being
scored against them, two of which
Boys Hockey Tour North District U18 Girls Hockey
were by our B team. RGC B made the
semi-final stages being knocked out
This year’s destination for the boys 1st team squad was Prague, the capital Congratulation to the following girls by RGC A: the first time a B team has
of the Czech Republic. 16 pupils set out to play 3 matches, 2 against Slavia who have been selected for the final made the Semi’s. Schools participating
Prague under 18 sides and the final one against Slavia Prague Mens 1st U18 squad: Caitlin Donald, Flossie were RGC, St Margaret’s, Albyn, Cults,
team. The first 2 matches were won 4-2 and 6-0 respectively and despite a Hibbert, Nicole Lefevre, Elaine Livera, Ellon, Bucksburn, Mackie and Grammar.
large reverse in the 3rd game it was certainly a learning experience of how Hannah MacPherson, Mary McDonald,
Kirsty McLeod, Rosalyn Marshall and S1 Netball Festival
the game should be played at a high level.
Tabith Smith-Lawrence. After several weeks of hard training the
While in Prague the boys visited Prague and Karlstejn castles, enjoyed a meal
S1 girls participated in their first netball
on the Vltava river and visited the famous Old Town and Wenceslas squares. Aberdeen Schools Hockey festival at the Beach Leisure Centre on
A major improvement was evident as a team and this was recognised at the Tournament the 16 November. Two teams entered
Tour Awards Ceremony on the last night when Grant Veitch was awarded The S3 girls won the Aberdeen Schools from Gordon’s, both of which played
the Player of the Tour, David Gamblen the Most Improved Player Award and Tournament. This was a particularly 5 matches against other schools in
Corrie Bruce the Young Player of the Tour Award. tough time with Oklahoma rehearsals Aberdeen. This was a friendly festival, but
going on behind the scenes. This proves great practice for when they will play the
the depth of talent we have in this year same 5 teams in a tournament next term.
group. S1 and S2 played Kilgraston
for the first time; unfortunately they Scottish Schools Swimming Trials
lost but put up a good show against On the 9 November many of Robert
strong teams. Senior 2nd X1 and 3rd Gordon’s swimmers arrived at Westhill
X1 also played Kilgraston for the first swimming pool to compete and try
time in their fixture calendar where and win their place in the Scottish
both teams drew 1-1. Schools Swimming Championships due
to take place in Glasgow in January.
National Netball squad All swimmers displayed a tremendous
Fiona Farquharson (S6) has been effort in their performances. Some
selected for Scotland U19 National pupils even achieved new personal
Squad 2010-11 Target International bests. They now wait for the all-
Competition: Netball Europe March important results, fingers crossed.
2011. Christy Welsh (S5) has been
selected for the Scotland U17 National Tennis Championships
Squad in the same competition. This is In the first round of the Scottish Schools
a huge achievement not only for Fiona Tennis Championships, RGC won all
and Christy but those involved in their of the rubbers (12-0) against Albyn
development and progression. School for Girls.
RGC TOPS Course to go nationwide
The College ensures that a doctor is available at Countesswells on Saturdays
during the playing of matches to give advice on any injuries sustained by pupils.
Many of our medically qualified parents have very kindly agreed to be included
on the rota. If you have not been contacted already and wish to be included
on the medical cover rota please contact Mrs Ann Gannon on 611203 or
a.gannon@rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk
To back up this initiative, the College has offered a series of short training
courses held over one evening for the parents and staff on our rota. These
courses “RGCTOPS - RGC Training and Organisation for Pitch-side Skills”
Rugby Tour provide training for medical incidents at Countesswells and take the form
of a “hands on” opportunity to refresh or develop skills relevant to dealing
1st XV trip to Canada was a thoroughly enjoyable, educational and appropriately with life threatening emergencies, common sports injuries, and
memorable tour of Toronto over the October break. 27 S5 and S6 boys the equipment and systems at Countesswells. This training course has been
travelled with teachers Mr R Anderson and Mr J Lamont, with additional conceived and delivered by a group of parents and colleagues who are local
help from RGC Parent Dr Peter Johnston. Ten days were spent in and around doctors and health practitioners and who have relevant knowledge, skills and
Toronto where the boys played and won all 3 games. Results: Streetsville qualifications. Thanks go to Dr Peter Johnston, Dr Kathleen Ferguson and Mr
Secondary winning 40 – 14, Uxbridge Secondary winning 31 – 5, and Pine James Ferguson for the time they have so generously given to the College in
Ridge Secondary winning 72 – 0. Uxbridge were fantastic hosts for 2 nights preparing the content and delivering the sessions. Robert Gordon’s College is
and everyone enjoyed a lovely weekend with a Canadian family in their leading the field among schools in Scotland with this initiative and the course
home. During the trip the boys played and watched Ice Hockey, visited is being considered by other independent schools in Scotland and the Scottish
Niagara Falls, Went Jet-Boating, Go-Karting, Crazy Golf and tackled the Rugby Union wish to make it available on their website for all schools and clubs.
height of the CN Tower.
Contact us:
Robert Gordon's College, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FE UK
Tel: 01224 646346 (Senior School) 01224 646758 (Junior School)
Fax: 01224 630301 Email: enquiries@rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk
www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk