GORDONSTOUN, ETON AND Marlborough College schools famous for educating members of the British royal family.
One might assume that the likes of Prince Charles, who attended Gordonstoun, and Princes William and Harry, educated at Eton, had an easy ride.
However, they got stuck in, muddy, and led school houses along the way.
Gordonstoun is a co-ed boarding school for pupils aged eight to 18.
Located in the northeast of Scotland, the school makes the most of the charming surroundings to deliver a unique curriculum that is based around four principles: challenge, responsibility, service in the local community and internationalism.
In addition to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, five of his and the Queen’s children and grandchildren attended Gordonstoun, including Prince Charles. As a head boy, Charles learned how to lead and take responsibility for himself and others, while also honing tremendous self-discipline. Like everybody else, he had to go on sailing trips and expeditions and also tackle assault courses.
Gordonstoun’s unique curriculum emphasizes, among other areas, 12 character-building services. Year 11 students are expected to take up one – such as the fire or coastguard service.
It goes without saying that Eton College is steeped in history. The Eton of 2016 is committed to providing quality schooling to boys with little heed given to one’s social class.
Eton College welcomed William and Harry in 1995 and 1998 respectively. While Harry was indifferent toward his Eton education, William flourished.
He was one of the fastest ever junior swimmers at Eton and was also co- captain of the swimming team. William was also elected to join the Eton Society, or “Pop,” where he kept an eye on younger students.
The Combined Cadet Force thrives at Eton (Harry was an outstanding member), as do traditional games such as “Eton Fives,” which involves boys hitting a ball with their hands.
Marlborough College has never been afraid of change over the years. It admitted girls into the Sixth Form in 1968, and became co-educational in 1989.
Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, excelled at Marlborough, both academically and in sport. She studied chemistry, biology and art at A level – hardly soft options – and achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Marlborough’s pupils know what it means to be active outdoors. First-year pupils can try sub aqua diving. Later on, students take part in clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing and also beagling (the hunting of mainly hares).
Samuel Chan is a director at Britannia StudyLink
Original Article: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news.php?id=167704&story_id=46371616&d_str=20160329&fc=14&sid=16
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