Head of College

Robert Gordon’s College is an independent, co-educational nursery and day school for children aged 3-18 years. It is a school community with a very strong sense of identity, built on our history and tradition of excellence in the city of Aberdeen, with beautiful countryside on its doorstep.

Community

Beyond the history and tradition, at Robert Gordon’s you will find an energy and youthful motivation that offers enthusiasm and effervescence for learning and culture. Our modern, professional learning environment is excellent, with a focus on sharing good practice in learning and teaching, on Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and on achieving the highest possible academic standards. We offer the opportunity to work with well motivated pupils where teaching and learning is at the heart of all our activities and ethos at the school. The extra-curricular life of the school is a crucial part of the pupils' experience and one in which all staff join enthusiastically. Above all, the ethos of the school is welcoming and positive, among staff, parents and pupils.

We are a friendly, purposeful and well-focused school, confident in our core business of advancing learning and teaching, while at the same time providing an enjoyable community life for its staff.

Robin Macpherson, Head of Robert Gordon’s College shares: “As Head of College, I’m very proud of our school. Our motto translates as “Be all you can be” - and it’s something that we use time and time again in conversations with pupils as they progress through school. We aim to equip and inspire young people for their futures. The whole community is passionate about sharing knowledge, sparking curiosity and inspiring pupils about their future. This is achieved through the extensive range of opportunities available. We’re a family school, and we want you to be happy and successful - in that order.”

Opportunity and Choice

Pupils follow the Scottish curriculum and from the earliest age children are used to active interdisciplinary learning in the class, building confidence through participation. Our new purpose-built Nursery for children aged 3–5 years old opened in August 2019 with specialist teaching in Art, Drama, French, Mandarin, Music and Physical Education. From Primary 1 the curriculum is enriched by specialist teaching in Art, Drama, French, Music, Physical Education and Science. In S1–S2, pupils study a wide range of subjects including all three sciences taught separately and three languages over the course of the two years. In S3–S4, pupils study eight National 5 courses; in S5, pupils choose from 24 Highers and S6 pupils choose from any combination of 32 Highers and 26 Advanced Highers, in addition to curriculum enhancement courses.

Innovation and forward thinking sit comfortably alongside over 250 years of tradition. Since 2009, over £31 million has been invested in facilities across the school to make sure that the classrooms want for nothing in terms of teaching and learning. Robert Gordon’s College represents the best of a traditional Scottish education, but is also a school looking towards the future.

Local school, global outreach

Robin Macpherson highlights: “We’re a local school that thinks globally. We have pupils from the city and the shire, and with Aberdeen’s position in the global energy sector, we’re proud to welcome families from international destinations each year. Diversity is a real strength of our community; 37 nationalities are represented within our school gates. Last year we spent £1.8 million on bursaries enabling pupils from across the north east region to join our senior school. This is a genuinely inclusive school and families from all walks of life contribute to our vibrant community.

“We’re keen that pupils develop their own sense of identity. We want them to discover who they are, and in turn what their place in the world is. We always look to challenge them, and help them to achieve things that they might not think possible. We want them to be brave and adventurous, with a particular focus on learning how to learn, so they can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.”

Critical thinking, mentoring and networking

Teamwork, communication and leadership are encouraged to prepare pupils for entering the world of work. Developing an entrepreneurial mindset enables pupils to leave school with confidence and the belief that they can make a positive impact in the world.

Robert Gordon’s College staff and pupils benefit from the experience of former pupils and our global network of partners across the world.

Explore

If you would like to learn more about joining the Robert Gordon’s College family please visit our website where you can explore our city centre campus in Aberdeen and 39 acre sports fields at Countesswells.

Keep up to date with the latest RGC news via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. RGC Sport is also on Twitter and Instagram, and RGC Art and Design is on Instagram.