Most schools find their social consciences pricked by needs within their communities ? but some go above and beyond this, says Katie Hughes
Gordonstoun, Moray, Scotland
When a gorse fire burnt for three days in Moray recently, several of Gordonstoun?s Senior pupils hurried to the scene to help fight the flames. Being part of the school?s fully-trained fire service, they were expected to support the local fire crews ? whatever the time, day or night.
The fire unit is just one of several ?services? that has long been embedded in Gordonstoun?s curriculum; some for nearly a century. The unit?s members are on call 24 hours a day, one week in three, and can expect to answer more than 40 call-outs in an average year.
Above, pupils at Gordonstoun are part of the school?s fully-trained fire service Other activities in the school?s service programme may demand less commitment, but they are no less ambitious. It?s not just the visits to residential care homes, the support for local primary schools or the riding for the disabled with which pupils become involved. They can also join the coastguard rescue team, become a canoe lifeguard, teach sports to the community, or support local conservation and technical projects.
Find out more about Gordonstoun, Moray, Scotland on our Schools Directory
?Even before David Cameron had dreamt about his ?Big Society?, Gordonstoun was nurturing compassionate, resilient and confident alumni who are willing to shoulder responsibility in all areas of soci...