Last week, Pawan, Vice School Captain, hosted the 2023 Robert Burns Scottish Scholar from St Andrew’s College, Christchurch in New Zealand.

Jack has been visiting Robert Gordon’s College during part of his four week tour of Scotland where he is experiencing all that Scotland has to offer as well as sharing more about his local culture.

Throughout his time at Robert Gordon’s, he has spent time across both the Junior and Senior School. During his first day, he participated in a Music Technology class before meeting Mr Macpherson, Head of College and Mrs Smith, Head of Senior School. Creative Industries and Sport were next on the agenda with a quick stop off for lunch in the Thomas Mackie Dining Hall.

A memorable sightseeing tour of Aberdeen was a fun day out with Mr Scorgie before Storm Agnes set in. With a keen interest in Creative Arts, Jack also managed to jive his way into a Grease show rehearsal. 

During the S1 assembly, Jack spoke of his experience touring Scotland and shared more about where he has come from. He also performed a New Zealand lullaby. The pupils were fascinated to hear more about Jack’s life in New Zealand.

Before he left the Schoolhill gates, Jack met with Mr Hardie, Head of S6 and Mr Fish, Deputy Head, to talk about the highlights of his experience at Robert Gordon’s College.

Jack said: “When I turned up I was instantly welcomed by all the students and felt at home. I thoroughly enjoyed spending my time around the music and drama departments, watching the Grease show rehearsal was amazing. A main highlight was going on a tour around the area with Scorge which was some of the most fun I’ve had. Overall the whole experience was amazing and I want to thank everyone who made me feel so welcomed.”

Pawan added: “It was a lovely experience hosting Jack at my house. We have both become good friends and hope to cross each other's paths in the future. It was really interesting learning what was different about New Zealand and Scotland, and it was a lot of fun going on a trip around Aberdeen with Scorge.”

Throughout his tour, Jack is visiting Merchiston Castle School and George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh, Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, Glenalmond College, Strathallan School and  Morrison's Academy in Perthshire.

Mrs Smith, Head of Senior School, commented: “It was an absolute pleasure to have Jack spend a few days with us at the College. He embraced his itinerary which included speaking (and singing a traditional New Zealand lullaby) at S1 Assembly, visiting Junior School classes and spending time with our Creative Arts Department. As a musical theatre enthusiast he especially enjoyed joining in with rehearsals for the Senior School production of Grease. We hope Jack will stay in touch with us and wish him very well during the rest of his time in Scotland.”

The Robert Burns Scottish Scholarship is an annual award presented by St Andrew’s College, Christchurch in New Zealand. The Scholar travels to Scotland and participates in cultural exchanges with various schools across the country.