State school children’s ‘Colditz in kilts’ lesson
PRINCE Charles reportedly described its punishing regime as ‘Colditz in kilts’.
But now it appears Gordonstoun is leading the way in its approach to education.
The elite fee-paying school in Elgin, Moray – where Charles, his father Prince Philip and younger brothers Andrew and Edward were pupils – has revealed that a study of its out-of-class experiences said they had beneficial effects on students in later life.
The University of Edinburgh research tracked more than 1,000 former pupils and found the school’s educational approach had an ‘overwhelmingly positive influence on students’ personal growth and development’.
The study will be shared with MSPs at Holyrood tonight, in the hope other schools can learn from the £34,500-a-year institution.
Ninety-four per cent of former pupils said that their school experiences had helped them to grow personally; while 74 per cent felt they had helped their careers and 57 per cent believed they had enhanced their academic studies.
Gordonstoun’s curriculum includes expeditions into the Highlands and engagement in service to the community.
Study leader Dr Simon Beames said: ‘We found the long-term influences of Gordonstoun’s challenging experiences were overwhelmingly positive. All schools can take something from this study. This kind of learning and growth, though very difficult to measure, is invaluable to students and to society.’
Gordonstoun principal Lisa Kerr said: ‘Education is not just about exam results. Gordonstoun is the only school to have delivered character education for over 80 years and is the only place that can carry out research to show it works over time.’