Welcome to Gordonstoun International Summer School…
where everyone smiles in the same language
WELCOME
Gordonstoun International Summer School has been operating for over 40 years and each year we welcome boys and girls from over 35 nationalities and between the age 8-16 to enjoy a fabulous Scottish summer of learning, fun and friendship. My favourite quote from the 2018 courses was “I really want to come back, but I’m 16 and turning 17 in September, so I can’t. But Gordonstoun will be in my heart forever”
I hope our website provides the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information, we enjoy hearing from you!
We look forward to welcoming you to Gordonstoun.
COURSE DATES
Course 1:
5th July –
29th July 2019
Course 2:
12th July –
5th August 2019
COURSE OVERVIEW
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.
A chance for you to see for yourself…
Course Overview
Students Video
Claire enjoys travelling to different countries and meeting with families interested in GISS and of course saying hello to those who have been to GISS in past years. As the trips get scheduled, the dates will published below. It is likely that she will be visiting these countries as follows:
Singapore – 26th – 29th October 2018 and Kuala Lumpur – 29th October – 1st November 2018 – Claire attended the BESSA fair in both countries and met some former and new families.
Japan – 11th – 13th January 2019
Shanghai – 14th – 16th January 2019
Beijing – 17th – 20th January 2019
Hong Kong – 21st – 23rd January 2019
Europe – Mid February 2019
UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait – Mid March 2019
Turkey – Mid April 2019
USA – October 2019
If you would like her to visit your school or you would like arrange a meeting to talk about the Summer School during any of these trips please contact giss@gordonstoun.org.uk
2018 Updates
- Summer School places are now available for both 2019 courses, so if you require more information before deciding, just call us – we are more than happy to talk about all aspects of the courses.
- We have already booked a new range of fun and exciting activities for all students to enjoy, including, Archery, Bubble Football and more!
- Please visit our updated Facebook page and Like Us!
GordonstounSummerSchool
1. What age and nationality are the children?
From age 8 to 16 (inclusive) and students come from around 40 different countries each year. The course is suitable for both fluent English speakers as well as those learning English as a foreign language. We mix up nationalities, ages, boys & girls in activity groups to have a good international mix and to encourage English as the common language.
2. What is the timetable / what does a typical day look like?
At registration students choose a study subject, all other activities will be made into a group programme. A typical day includes study, sport, drama, music making, creative arts and confidence building skills. Students may choose ‘options’, perhaps 3 times during the course – ride a go-kart, quad bike or horse, go ice-skating, etc., All students take part in the sail/adventure part for 6 days.
3. Can we come for part of the course?
Students should attend for the full course, otherwise they will miss out on key parts of the programme and several of the classes & activities culminate in either performance or competition in the final weekend.
4. Who are the staff?
The staff is hand-picked by the director. The majority of our staff return for multiple summers (similar to the students!). Some are from Gordonstoun or have strong links with the main School over the years. All our staff are well qualified and have good experience of dealing with multi-cultural environments.
5. What does the course fee include?
No extra costs as the fee includes everything, apart from the flight cost to arrive at Aberdeen or Inverness airports and pocket money, at parents’ discretion. House parents will look after pocket money during the course.
6. What is the accommodation?
All our houses are different. Most rooms are single, but there are a few which can be shared by 2 and some by up to 4. If you have a special request, we will do our best. Washing facilities are not en-suite.
7. What clothing should we bring?
Most of the time casual sporty type clothing is perfect. For the course photograph and final presentation dinner, we ask students to be well dressed – trousers, shirt & tie for boys; dress, skirt & top or smart trousers for girls. A suggested list of clothing to pack is enclosed with the administrative forms after registration. We provide all specialist sports equipment.
8. What food/meal service is provided?
Our dining room serves a wide range of nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all self-service. We can cater for most special dietary requirements – please advise in advance.
9. Do you have on-site medical facilities?
Yes, our Healthcare Centre on campus is staffed 24/7. A doctor is on call. Any medical treatment is done under the UK National Health service – school insurance will cover all except repatriation. We have an excellent local hospital 15 minutes from school. We advise normal travel insurance in case of any flight problems or lost luggage.
10. What is the technology policy?
Students may bring mobile phones with them but we will not issue WiFi codes for personal devices. Our recreation room has laptops with WiFi where students may Skype, etc., with parents. Mobile phone signal is not good in parts of the campus. Please do not bring tablets or laptops. We will issue contact telephone numbers for accommodation houses and house staff before arrival
11. What will the weather be like?
I wish we knew! There is no pattern to the weather in Scotland and we can experience several different conditions in one day. We hope for temperatures between 18ºC and 25ºC, without much rain.
To receive a full information pack please complete the form at the link below:
For more information on local accommodation see the link below:
For full Terms & Conditions see the link below:
A chance to learn new lifetime skills, have fun & make new friends…
Read what past students think about the courses…
It was fun and going to the adventure centre and jumping from the rocks was so exciting and it was the best experience. The drama lessons were so fun. Sports lessons were fun too. Everyone here was so nice.
Lila, from Turkey
GISS is such a good place to go in the summer and it is such a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
Rachel, from China
It is extreme fun, we even live in a yacht!
Wilfred, from Hong Kong
Great experience, you should come here. I made a huge improvement in English.
Henri, from France
It was an amazing time and I enjoyed every minute and met amazing people. I would recommend it.
Alisa, from the UK
I have done activities I never would have thought I could do, learnt a great deal not only about myself, but about other people and their cultures, and overall had a ball.
Ava, from Australia