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GOLDEN

LEARNING

When you ask a former pupil to recount one piece of learning that stands develop tolerance, to listen and to respect the views of others – seeing
out from their time at George Heriot's, don’t expect a uniform answer. these values reflected in many statements from former pupils is testimony
Reading through the 1,370 responses received by the Development that Heriot’s teaching resonates.
Office from the recent Former Pupil Survey has been a fascinating,
Comments loosely fall into six categories - a very small selection only are
humbling and educational experience, not least because of the wealth
copied here, with the writer’s Class (year of departure) in brackets
of insights, experiences and characters that have emerged.
alongside. As we go through the Survey responses we will publish others.
Without doubt there are common themes emerging from learning at Names have been withheld as former pupils are possibly not expecting
Heriot’s over the years, many of which reflect the prevailing ethos within to be quoted in print!
school today: the importance of showing kindness to others, recognition
Thank you to everyone for being so candid and kind about George Heriot’s
of the role of good mental health, and having respect for all. As a Gold
learning legacy and we hope you enjoy reading these comments from
accredited Unicef Rights Respecting School, Heriot’s works with pupils to
Herioters through the years.

Life Can do is easily carried (1994) nurtured at Heriot's and it shows not only in the
manner in which we conduct ourselves in life other as individuals, rather than stereotypes. It’s Mr Thackeray had the misfortune to try languages was nurtured at Heriot’s, and has
Don’t be scared of applying yourself to
Don’t send my kids to a one-sex school (1978) but also in the choices we make in our lives. I'm a place of excellence, but also happiness (1997) teaching me the German language. One thing been used ever since (1986).
anything: you will always learn something
Work hard to achieve your goals and seize (2020) so grateful for my Heriot's education (1992) The benefits of Heriot’s come not from the he said (in English) stuck with me: "there is And finally,
opportunities as they approach (1981) That my privilege of education comes with the fancy buildings or strict uniforms but from the nothing more important than showing
Good, better, best. I will never rest until my consideration for others". Apart from being true,
Be on time! (2017) good is better and better best (from Mr Robert responsibility to pay it forward and help others, ethos and sense of community. We were held to it was notable because few other teachers I three nice comments:
either with my time, my expertise or my money high standards so by and large we rose to the
Give things your all (2015) Dickson) (2016) encountered seemed to possess this Heriot’s gave me the best possible start in life. It
(1999) occasion; we were accountable and this gave us was a huge privilege and life changing in ways
Boats are worth rocking (1958) Progress doesn’t always look like a straight a sense of security (2009) perspective. I have tried to apply it, probably unknown to me at the time (1997)
upward trajectory (courtesy Kenneth Simpson, How important is it to distribute kindness to incompletely (1973)
When in doubt, multiply out, use the others (1970)
English) (2011). Respect The importance of being an all-round individual, It’s a bit like a big extended family: caring and
subjunctive or kick for touch! (1956)
I was the third consecutive generation to attend tolerant, open-minded, enthusiastic and striving hard-working teachers, people from all
Don’t put your hands in your pockets when the Growing up/supporting the school and recommend it unreservedly. One A place that will remain in your memories for excellence (1968) backgrounds, lots of variety and opportunities,
forever which you can look back on as giving
weather is icy (1954) of the best stepping stones available for life's room to grow and learn, fun times, has its own
mental health you the values to make you the person that you
Deputy Headmaster Roy, in his retirement early journey - stable, supportive, encouraging The idiosyncratic flaws and quirks and definitely not perfect, but
I learned so much about fostering and nurturing are today and the grounding to do whatever
speech. ‘...if you can't live within your income, and well capable of nurturing anybody through something you don’t always appreciate until
friendships and can’t think of a better place to recognition of individual strengths, academic you want to for the rest of your life (2000) Scottish geologists influenced Darwin’s thinking
increase your income’. (1988) you’re no longer there. (2000)
have been coming-of-age (2018) and sporting, to take their place in a wider Value people for who they are to you rather (1958)
Trust your own instincts and talent, don't follow Character forming. Life enhancing.
Heriot’s gave me the freedom to be myself and global society (1977) than because of their position of background On rugby: catch the ball before it bounces
the herd, even when this is not what is wanted (1983) Unforgettable (1958)
try new things in a safe space without worrying A very caring private school that is not snooty in (1966)
by the school. It's better to follow your own
about looking ‘cool’. It was cool to try hard and its attitudes. The school offers free education Do unto others as you would have them do Heriot’s enabled me to move from an
path than the one expected of you. (1982) Sodium chlorine is what goes on your fish and
discover talents. It let me be a teenager while for children without parents which gives it a real unto you (1964) economically restricted status to an important
That hard work is rewarded, and it's ok not to keeping my heart open and sincere. (2009) sense of humbleness as an organisation. It has chips (Mr Wilson, Higher Chemistry) (2011) professional status.
be great at everything as long as you give it Be inclusive and support those around you The importance of being able to write English
I was an average pupil with little confidence. I a very kind and caring ethos and offers a very (1986) A place with a great sense of belonging, where
your best shot and enjoy it. (2002) well (1971)
left school believing I wouldn’t amount to much. good education (2012) despite the excellent academic performance,
Forget failure and work harder (1955) My school experience taught me to believe in It’s a school like no other I know of, where Teachers were fair and honest at all times which Not staying on the left hand side of turret stairs the opportunities, activities and service outside
helped me become reflective and resilient in
That effort is often more important than yourself and that all things are possible (1994) children come and learn together as equals is fatal (2007) the curriculum are equally if not more
adulthood (2011)
attainment (2008) Mental health is most important (2005) whether they are from the most affluent The experiment to show that water can boil and important to pupils' education (1999).
background or have suffered hardship and The need to understand and appreciate others’
I was an average pupil with little confidence. viewpoints (1944) freeze at the right pressure and the inspiration In the next issue of Quadrangle we will be
I left school believing I wouldn’t amount to I distribute chearfullie disadvantage. The number of pupils on assisted for thoughts on space travel (1955) paying homage to some of the outstanding
places is testament to the charitable ethos of To value people for who they are to you, rather
much. My school experience taught me to ‘I distribute chearfullie’ – always think of others Apart from hydrocarbons under Major McClure, teachers who have influenced former pupils,
believe in yourself and that all things are and give back to the community (2001) the school, and it’s woven into every child’s than because of their position or background and nuclear reactor design in Physics, both of based on comments received from the
possible (1994) blazer. This mixing of different backgrounds (1983) Former Pupil Survey.
True generosity of spirit is developed and teaches compassion and the ability to see each which I have actually used at work, my love of