Marking the end of their school educational journey, the Class of ‘23 have had an energetic, exciting and memorable close to the session, where we now look forward to welcoming them back as Gordonians in the years to come.

A fun day in the sun at Countesswells invited S6 pupils to a very energetic, ‘It’s a Knockout’ on Friday 23rd June. 

The excitement for the arrival of the S6 Yearbook was building ahead of the launch event in the Craig Centre for Performing Arts on Tuesday 27th June. Mr Fish, Deputy Head (S6), shared a few words on what a wonderful year it has been. He also highlighted how much the year group have changed since the start of the session and re-emphasised how ready they are to take that next step in their journey. Mrs Gillespie, Senior Development Manager, welcomed S6 to the former pupil community and highlighted the opportunities for the audience to engage with former pupils around the world and stay connected with the College in the years ahead. The pupils left for the day with their yearbook, personalised hooded top and Class of ‘23 mug.

Nearing the end of their final week in school, our S6 pupils, along with family members and staff, attended the Leavers’ Service at the Kirk of St Nicholas where Dr Tracey Menzies MBE, Partner of Brodies LLP, delivered the Leavers’ Address. The service was swiftly followed by the official Graduation Ceremony in MacRobert Hall. This was a memorable moment for families as they watched their children cross the stage and collect their graduation certificates. The rain didn’t dampen spirits as pupils, families and staff gathered in the Quad for some light refreshments, sharing memories of their time at Robert Gordon’s. Cameras were quickly out for some photo opportunities on the infamous MacRobert Hall steps and in front of the Auld Hoose.

As the Class of 2023 leave our school gates as pupils and take their next steps as Gordonians, Mrs Smith, Head of Senior School, shared: “At the end of another busy academic year, I would like to thank all pupils for their hard work and for the contribution they make to College life. Well done to our outgoing School Captains and good luck to the senior pupils taking on leadership roles next session. I wish everyone in the Gordon’s community a relaxing and enjoyable summer.” 

S1-S6 pupils participated in the annual Sports Review. Mr Harper, Head of Sport, hosted the event with pupil speakers throughout. He highlighted: “In three separate celebrations of Sport within the Senior School we heard reviews from pupils about their seasons and presented trophies or medals to lots of our successful individual performers and teams to acknowledge their achievements. Our S1, S2-3 and S4-6 pupils attended their own assemblies over the course of the last week of the session as we rounded up another successful year. We also heard some inspirational words from our most senior pupils, which resonated with our younger students, showing how important positive role models can be within our school community. Well done to everyone who was involved.”

On Friday 30th June, senior pupils and staff processed to St Mark’s Church for their annual prizegiving event. Mr Kevin Reynard, Chairman of the Board of Governors welcomed the audience, along with guest speaker Pamela Cookey and Mr Robin Macpherson, Head of College.

Pamela Cookey, Former England Netball Captain, Commonwealth Games medalist and Commentator, highlighted: “Whatever life throws in your way we all have the capability to ride that wave and come out stronger for it the other side.  If you work hard, put your all into what you do and most of all enjoy it, who knows what you could achieve.  Only you can take that step forward.Enjoy this life experience.  A lot of work goes in to give you opportunities.  From parents, teachers, coaches, etc.  Show them you appreciate it by your actions. And reap the physical and mental benefits by making sport and physical activity part of your daily life. It sure worked for me.”

Mr Reynard, Chairman commented: “The most rewarding aspect of being a governor is seeing how all the pupils benefit from the outstanding opportunities at the College. For some of you, this is the final RGC celebration of your school days. As you skip out the Schoolhill gates for the last time, remember that it is a tricky world - but it is loaded with opportunities.  Never forget your Gordon’s friends and our fantastic community.  Before you know it, we will be seeing you at reunions.  Today is an important day for the school - we are here to recognise so much that is worthy of celebration.  So sing, clap and cheer with gusto - you all deserve it.”

Mr Macpherson, Head of College, said: “As a teacher, I’m proud of you for rising to the challenge; for pushing beyond the frontier of what you need to know, into the far more interesting space of what you want to know. Keep feeding your intellectual curiosity, read widely, ask questions, and you will not only learn more but you’ll bring others along with you.”

At the S1-S3 service Summer M (S3) played Solfeggietto by Bach. Kory B (S6) performed Sakura, a traditional Japanese melody arranged by Maria Kaneko Millar during the S4-S6 service.

The Senior Choir sang ‘Let somebody go’ by Coldplay with Selena Gomez, accompanied by Mr Chris Pearson.

Mrs Smith, Head of Senior School announced the prize winners at each event, welcoming them to the stage where they were congratulated by Pamela Cookey.

School Captains delivered the Vote of Thanks at each service, Matthew to the S1-S3 audience and Francesca to S4-S6. The audience then watched the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 School Captains carry out the traditional Brooch and Shield Ceremony, marking the handover from one year to the next. We thank Matthew and Francesca for their support and leadership this year, and welcome our 2023-2024 School Captains, Lucy and Harry.

Closing the formal events of this school session, and from everyone at Robert Gordon’s College, we wish you all a fantastic summer break.