Aberdeen Grammar School Explained

Aberdeen Grammar School
Coordinates:57.1469°N -2.115°W
Motto:Bon Record
Type:Secondary school
Rector:Alison Murison, Ma(Hons) (2015–present)
Address:Skene Street
City:Aberdeen
Country:Scotland
Postcode:AB10 1HT
Pushpin Map:Scotland Aberdeen#Scotland#United_Kingdom
Local Authority:Aberdeen City Council
Staff:77 (2018)
Enrolment:1,120 (2018)[1]
Gender:Coeducational (all boys previously)
Lower Age:11
Upper Age:18
Houses: Byron
Keith and Dun
Melvin
Colours:Blue, Red, White

Aberdeen Grammar School is a state secondary school in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is one of thirteen secondary schools run by the Aberdeen City Council educational department.[2]

It is the oldest school in the city and one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom, with a history spanning more than 750 years. Founded around 1256, the year used in official school records, it began operating as a boys' school. On Skene Street, near the centre of the city, it was originally situated on Schoolhill, near the current site of Robert Gordon's College. It moved to its current site in 1863, and became co-educational in 1973.

In 1970 the school's name was changed by the City of Aberdeen Education Committee to a more accurate, less ceremonial "Rubislaw Academy" but in 1977 the name was reverted to "Aberdeen Grammar School" by the Grampian Regional Council, who at that point were responsible for education in Aberdeen.[3]

Although the school is named Aberdeen Grammar School, the school is not a Grammar School, The state school does not choose its own students and instead has a catchment zone like other schools in Aberdeen, Scotland.

In an annual survey run by the British broadsheet newspaper The Times, Aberdeen Grammar was rated the 15th best Scottish state secondary school in 2019, and second in Aberdeen behind Cults Academy.[4]

The most notable former student is Lord Byron, the Romantic poet and writer who spent a short amount of time at the school before his move back to England as a 10 year old. A statue of him was erected in the front courtyard of the school. Alumni include Scottish international footballer Russell Anderson and mathematician Hector Munro Macdonald.

History

Early history

The exact date of the school's founding is unknown; however, research done to mark the school's 750th anniversary led to the belief it was formed in c. 1256, which is the date that is now used for official school purposes.[5] The earliest documented date of its existence is in the Burgh Records of 1418, when the Lord Provost and Council nominated John Homyll to replace the recently deceased Andrew of Chivas as "Master of the Schools".[6] Originally on Schoolhill, near the site of the current Robert Gordon's College, the curriculum consisted of Latin, Greek and ancient geography.

In 1580, new pupils were reprimanded, under the penalty of £10, if they did not show good behaviour or did not listen to their Magistrates or masters.[7] In 1612, the pupils, many of whom were related to the gentry in the country, rioted with pistols and hagbuts, and took over part of the school. The masters stopped the riot, and 21 pupils were expelled, while some were arrested.

Recent history

In 1986, the original building was devastated by a fire, destroying most of the rooms including the large library, a collection of Byron's notebooks, the trophy room and other classrooms, although the historic facade was mostly undamaged.[8]

The school and FPs club own the 18acres Rubislaw Playing Fields at a site about a mile away from the main school building.[9] Shared with the former pupils' club, the location has rugby union pitches with a stand, football pitches, grass hockey pitches and an artificial hockey pitch built in 2005.[10] [11]

In recent years the school has been the site of a number of newsworthy events, including a protest against PETA, the painting pink of an entire temporary classroom block, and a bomb threat.[12] [13]

The school marked its 750th anniversary year in 2007 with a series of fund-raising events, the proceeds of which went towards buying a new school minibus.[14] Also in 2007, work was completed on a new gymnasium, begun two years previously.[15]

In February 2019, the school was shut for a suspected gas leak.[16] [17]

Present day

Today the school is run by Aberdeen City Council in accordance with the Scottish Executive's educational guidelines for state schools. In the 2013/14 academic year, the education of each pupil at the Grammar School specifically cost £4,252.[18]

In the session 2018–2019, 61% of leavers received a qualification equivalent of five Highers or more. Furthermore, 83% gained 5 or more National 5s and 27% gained 2 or more Advanced Highers.[19]

Pupils and catchment area

About 1100 pupils attend the school each year, between the ages of about 11 to 18. The school's catchment area centres on the west end of the city, including Rosemount and Mannofield. There are four main primary schools that feed into the school, located throughout the centre and west-end of Aberdeen: Ashley Road Primary School, Gilcomstoun Primary School, Mile-End School and Skene Square Primary School.[20] Under the Parent's Charter, children from other areas can attend the school after successful application by parents. Places using this method are limited for each year.

, of the schools in Scotland with the ten highest academic achievements, the school has the most inexpensive houses within its catchment zone.[21]

Colour System & Achievements

Three colour awards are made. The first, 'Bronze Colours', issued in the third year of the school, are represented by a red ribbon on the breast pocket of the school blazer. This level requires two years of participation in an extra-curricular activity.[22]

The second, 'Silver Colours' are awarded in fifth or sixth year and represented by a light blue tie (replacing the navy, red and white tie). Pupils must be participating in the activity throughout fourth and fifth year for this award.

The third, 'Gold Colours' is the final level of the colours system. Pupils must demonstrate a very high level of attainment, performance and achievement to be eligible for this award. It is represented by red braiding outlining the rims of the school blazer.

'International Colours' are awarded to pupils who have represented their country at international level. It is marked by silver braiding around the blazer.

'Citizenship Colours' are awarded for an outstanding contribution to the school community and are represented by a silver tie.

Rectors

The rector is the head of the school. Records show there were 26 rectors between 1418 and 1881.[23]

NameIncumbency
James Cromar[24] 1803–1825
[25] 1860–1868
1893–1920[26]
[27] 1924–1942

Notable alumni and teachers

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Aberdeen Grammar School. Parentzone Scotland. 23 March 2018. 18 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181018161907/https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/find-a-school/aberdeen-city/5244439. dead.
  2. Web site: List of Aberdeen City schools . Aberdeen City Council . 18 October 2018 . 8 October 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008155008/https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/education-and-childcare/find-school . live .
  3. Web site: Aberdeen Grammar School : History Aberdeen Grammar School . 2023-05-06 . www.take2theweb.com . 24 June 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160624200854/http://www.take2theweb.com/pub/sso/aberdeengs/c.html?1324302504#:~:text=As%20a%20result%20of%20a,start%20of%20session%201970/71. . live .
  4. Web site: Top 100 Scottish Secondary Schools. 24 November 2019. 13 December 2019. 13 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191213105509/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/top-100-scottish-secondary-schools-20950576.amp. live.
  5. Web site: Aberdeen Grammar School Provenance Provenance The University of Aberdeen. University of Aberdeen. 16 January 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170118050708/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/library/provenance/owners/1550/. 18 January 2017. dead.
  6. Web site: School History. 30 January 2007. 2006. Aberdeen Grammar School. https://web.archive.org/web/20070222012345/http://www.take2theweb.com/pub/sso/aberdeengs/c.html?1156755753. 22 February 2007 . live.
  7. Book: Turreff, Gavin. Antiquarian Gleanings from Aberdeenshire Records. King. 1859. 1-4326-3337-6. 65. 8 November 2020. 1 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231001212742/https://books.google.com/books?id=dXNSkrPn_dQC&q=%22Aberdeen+Grammar+School%22&pg=PA140#v=snippet&q=%22Aberdeen%20Grammar%20School%22&f=false. live.
  8. Web site: Aberdeen Grammar School Aberdeen . Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education . 6 December 2007 . 2000 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110604214856/http://www.hmie.gov.uk/documents/inspection/aberdeen_grammar06.html . 4 June 2011.
  9. Web site: Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils. 7 December 2007. Former Pupils' Club. 29 September 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070929022152/http://www.agsfp.com/. live.
  10. Google Maps . Aberdeen. Placemark key on left. . 2007 . 29 September 2016 . 22 August 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140822155326/https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=116252837442601174092.000440a46f4b66e198e18 . live .
  11. Web site: Aberdeen Grammar Rugby . 7 December 2007 . Aberdeen Grammar Rugby . https://web.archive.org/web/20071212094711/http://www.aberdeenrugby.co.uk/ . 12 December 2007 . dead.
  12. News: Milk protest turns sour. The Scotsman. 30 January 2007. Edinburgh. 12 October 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20070211191746/http://news.scotsman.com/education.cfm?id=1129532002. 11 February 2007 . live.
  13. News: Charges over "threatening call". BBC News. 18 November 2007. 13 November 2007. 27 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230327121015/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7092189.stm. live.
  14. Web site: s1 event overview. 6 December 2007. 2007.
  15. Web site: Aberdeen Grammar School News. Aberdeen Grammar School. 6 December 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071219155301/http://www.take2theweb.com/pub/sso/aberdeengs/d.html?1129189242. 19 December 2007 . live.
  16. Web site: Pupils sent home after suspected gas leak in Aberdeen. Beattie. Kieran. Press and Journal. en-US. 1 March 2019. 28 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190228125023/https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen/1686616/pupils-sent-home-after-suspected-gas-leak-in-aberdeen/. live.
  17. Web site: Aberdeen academy to reopen after suspected gas leak. Morrice. Emma. Evening Express. en-US. 1 March 2019. 2 March 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024936/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/aberdeen-academy-to-reopen-after-suspected-gas-leak/. live.
  18. Web site: North East Secondary School Spending. 4 December 2016. 2015. Evening Express. 20 December 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161220050218/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/local/revealed-how-much-is-spent-on-your-child-in-secondary-school/. live.
  19. Web site: Top 100 Scottish Secondary Schools. 24 November 2019. 13 December 2019. 13 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191213105509/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/top-100-scottish-secondary-schools-20950576.amp. live.
  20. Web site: School Prospectus 2018 . 18 October 2018 . 2018 . Aberdeen Grammar School . 18 October 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181018201551/https://grammar.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/AGS-Prospectus-2018.pdf . live .
  21. Web site: Davies. Matilda. Houses near top Scottish secondary schools carry £100,000 premium. The Times. 2023-09-08. 2023-10-22.
  22. Web site: Aberdeen Grammar School Colours Criteria. Aberdeen Grammar School. 24 December 2019. 14 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191214034722/https://grammar.org.uk/pupil-achievements/colours/. live.
  23. Web site: Schoolhill. The Doric Columns. 28 May 2007. 1 March 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130301070829/http://mcjazz.f2s.com/Schoolhill.htm. dead.
  24. Book: Henderson, John Alexander . History of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. Aberdeen University Studies. No. 60 . Printed for the University [by Milne and Hutchison] . 1912 . United Kingdom . 138 . 18 March 2023 . 27 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230327121108/https://books.google.com/books?id=NJkxAQAAIAAJ . live .
  25. Book: Seekers of Truth: The Scottish Founders of Modern Public Accountancy. Thomas Alexander Lee. Elsevier. Kidlington, Oxford. 2006. 9780762312986. 8 November 2020. 1 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231001212742/https://books.google.com/books?id=WV-TM0HNgeoC&q=aberdeen+grammar+rector&pg=PA253#v=snippet&q=aberdeen%20grammar%20rector&f=false. live.
  26. Web site: Formation of the Club. Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils Club. 24 November 2013. 3 December 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001719/http://www.agsfp.com/club-history-chapter-1-agsfp.html. live.
  27. News: Aberdeen Teaching Appointment. The Glasgow Herald. 25 October 1941. 2. 24 November 2013. 27 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230327124214/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19411025&id=CD9AAAAAIBAJ&pg=5765,1495579. live.
  28. Web site: Russell Anderson Player Profile . . afc.co.uk . 11 July 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130523201325/http://www.afc.co.uk/articles/russell-anderson-aberdeen_2212045_6786 . 23 May 2013 .
  29. Web site: Life of great Aberdonian celebrated . . 1 February 2012 . 11 July 2013 . 19 September 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120919143138/http://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/details-11491.php . live .
  30. Web site: Professor George Boyne. 25 August 2023. 28 June 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230628000214/https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/boyne. live.
  31. Web site: The Life of George Noel Gordon, Lord Byron. 21 December 2007. English History. 21 March 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130321132432/http://englishhistory.net/byron/life.html. dead.
  32. Web site: Zoey Clark. The Press and Journal. 23 June 2020. 24 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200624231815/https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen/1274101/aberdeen-university-student-to-take-part-in-british-athletics-championships-a-week-after-graduating/. live.
  33. News: Obituary: Robin Cook. BBC News. 6 August 2005. 26 December 2007. 26 July 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080726223514/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4127676.stm. live.
  34. Web site: Martin Dalby. Chester Music. 3 April 2010. 4 December 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20101204163018/http://www.chesternovello.com/Default.aspx?TabId=2431&State_2905=2&composerId_2905=317. live.
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  40. Web site: Hector Munro Macdonald. School of Mathematics, St Andrews. 7 December 2007. 6 August 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110806103450/http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Macdonald.html. live.
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  44. Web site: Aberdeen Bach Choir. 15 November 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110903034222/http://www.aberdeenbachchoir.org.uk/JohnMcLeod.shtml. 3 September 2011.
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  50. Web site: Actress and Former Pupil Annie Wallace to Visit School . Aberdeen Grammar School . 30 December 2021 . 30 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211230102842/https://grammar.org.uk/2018/05/14/actress-and-former-pupil-annie-wallace-to-visit-school/ . live .
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