The Record - Gordonstoun

Newsfrom the Junior SchoolHead’s Introduction Music ArtThe Junior Highland GamesHeadmaster’s IntroductionMr Robert McVeanSince the last edition of The Record we have enjoyedmany visiting speakers coming to school to inspire thechildren with their talks and activities. The Bear GryllsSurvival Academy came to talk about setting up theirventure in Scotland; The Arbroath Smokies visitedAberlour House to show the children the ancient art ofsmoking fish and did a great deal to encourage healthyeating - as all the fish were devoured with relish!More moving was the talk given by John Norgrovewho described how his charity - The Linda NorgroveFoundation – was founded out of a tragic situationand which now gives help and hope to so many inAfghanistan.As I write this introduction there are many children aboutto embark on their expeditions to wild and beautifulplaces in Scotland. This is a challenging time for allour year groups with some departing for adventurousactivities in the Cairngorms and others canoeing/camping on the shores of Loch Ness. Our Year 8leavers probably do the most challenging adventureof all by wild camping for a week in the remote CapeWrath area of the North west of Scotland.Before they go, however, they will be intellectuallychallenged in their end of year examinations and giventhe chance to shine in their many subject areas as wellas on the sports field, cliff face, stage and art display.Earlier this year we were very proud of all those whochallenged themselves in scholarship assessments totheir senior school and nine Aberlour House pupilsearned scholarships to Gordonstoun: two Academic, sixAll Round and one Music.Our parents deserve particular congratulations this termfor the huge success of the Junior Highland Games.Some twenty teams took part, many from the localschools and one from as far away as Edinburgh. Thesun shone and the atmosphere was warm and full offriendly competition. A bumper attendance has meantthis year’s chosen charities, Give Them a SportingChance and the Moray Beekeepers’ Association, willeach receive £3,000. These two charities make a realdifference to people’s lives and support a threatenedarea of our environment. In addition donations of £250each will be made to Elgin Street Pastors and DuffusBrownies. The net proceeds of the charity auction ofHeather Stanning’s Olympic rowing vest, £1,450, will beused to the long-term benefit of the Games’ charities.The following pages are a celebration of our events andsuccess of the children, parents and staff of AberlourHouse.22