Third year can be a vital year for a pupil’s future. So make sure they go to a school which offers them the subjects they really want to pursue.
Robert Gordon’s College offers an incredible range of subjects in the crucial stages of secondary school studies. The opportunity to continue a breadth of eight subjects in S3 and S4 lays a solid foundation for the important Higher (S5) and Advanced Higher (S6) years – ultimately leading to a choice of university destinations.
Pupils are given personal choice – keen scientists can pursue biology, chemistry and physics; linguists can select three languages, including latest addition Mandarin; and the full range of 24 subjects provides an unrivalled opportunity to select from courses including accounting, economics and business studies.
Pupils are supported and encouraged to find subjects that interest them and the structured options available ensures that each pupil maintains a breadth of experience – creating a foundation no matter how fixed they are on their future jobs.
But subject choice isn’t the only feature of Robert Gordon’s College – with 63 clubs and societies to choose from, the school fosters well-rounded pupils and the opportunity for children to find like-minded peers both in and out of the classroom.
Morna Holmes, a recent former pupil, explained why she moved to the college at such a pivotal point in her education.
She said: “I joined Robert Gordon’s College at the start of my third year. Like all of my peers, it was a crucial time for me beginning to narrow down subjects and pursue my individual interests. I had always been interested in business, however my previous school did not offer business subjects.
“That’s why my parents and I started to investigate other options which would give me the full range of opportunity I was looking for. Besides completing eight subjects in fourth year exams, I was thrilled to learn that Gordon’s offered me 24 subjects.
It became clear that if I were to move to Robert Gordon’s College, it would be a tough task prioritising what I wanted to study and which subjects I would not have time for. My timetable was very accommodating and the school made it possible for me to study every subject I wanted to.”
She added: “I was nervous about transitioning and joining such a large community, but I was given lots of chances to familiarise myself with the school before I moved and I attended autumn term a day early with the other new pupils, where we were given tours and met the guidance staff.
“With this preparation, I felt I belonged from day one. My fellow pupils were friendly and welcoming; the staff were sensitive to my position as a new student, checking on my progress, which made me feel very well-supported; and all sorts of other opportunities were available, such as sports clubs, music groups, afterschool and weekend activities.
“I hadn’t realised the fantastic careers advice that would be offered at the school. It helped me focus my thinking on what I’d like to study, university and how to get there.
“Moving to Gordon’s was the right decision for me and got me to where I want to be – I am now in my second year at the University of Glasgow, where I study accounting with French.”
For more information, visit the Robert Gordon’s College website or email admissions@rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk.
