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Robert College
Location
Arnavutköy, Istanbul, TR
Information
Type	Independent, Boarding
Established	1863
Headmaster	John R. Chandler & Güler Erdur
Campus	Urban (65 acres / 27 ha) Total enrollment: 992 163 boarding 222 on scholarship
Team name	Bobcats
Average SAT scores	Math: 755 Verbal: 581 Writing: 614  (2006)
Website	http://portal.robcol.k12.tr

Robert College of Istanbul (Turkish: T.C Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı İstanbul Özel Amerikan Robert Lisesi) is a prestigious ^[1] independent private^[2] high school in Turkey.^[3] Robert College is a co-educational, boarding school with a 65-acre (260,000 m²) wooded campus on the European side of Istanbul between the two bridges on the Bosphorus, with the Arnavutköy district to the east, and the upscale Ulus district to the west.

The 148-year-old institution is the oldest American school still in existence in its original location outside the United States.^[4] Robert College is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools.

Robert College has a long list of notable alumni, including entrepreneurs, politicians, journalists, artists, two Turkish Prime Ministers, three Turkish members of cabinet and one Nobel Prize recipient, Orhan Pamuk. The School is a member of the G20 Schools group.

History[link]

In 1863, Robert College was founded in Bebek by Christopher Robert, a wealthy American and a philanthropist, and Cyrus Hamlin, a missionary devoted to education. Six years after its foundation, with the permission (Ottoman Turkish: irade) of the Ottoman Sultan, the first campus (at present, it is the South Campus of Boğaziçi University) was built in Bebek at the ridge of Rumelia Fortress, very close to a Bektashi tekke, whose leaders maintained an excellent relationship with the Congregational and Presbyterian founders of Robert College.^{[citation needed]} The first building of the school was named "Hamlin Hall" in memory of Cyrus Hamlin. Few years after the foundation of Robert College, in 1878, Christopher Robert died. According to the article, A Millionaire's Will, published in New York Times (November 27, 1878), Robert left a great portion of his wealth to the College.^[5]

A College Catalog was compiled in 1878–1879, giving general information and an outline of the courses of study. Defining the aims of the College the catalog stated: "The object of the College is to give to its students, without distinction of race or religion, a thorough educational equal in all respects to that obtained at a first-class American college and based upon the same general principles."

After Hamlin, Robert College was administrated by George Washburn (1877–1903)^[6] and Caleb Gates (1903–1932). Though founded at the time of the Ottoman Empire as an institution of higher learning serving the Christian minorities of the Empire as well as foreigners living in Istanbul, the school adopted a strictly secular educational model in accordance with the republican principles of Turkey in 1923. Robert College, in the past had junior high school, high school, and university sections under the names Robert Academy, Robert Yüksek and American College for Girls. Since 1971, the school has functioned only as a "high school"^[7] (more comparable to the French lycée in academic rigor) on its Arnavutköy campus (formerly the campus of American College for Girls), yet it retains the title of College. The Bebek campus and academic staff were turned over to the Republic of Turkey for use as Boğaziçi University, the renamed continuation of Robert College's university section, as a public university.

"Through the education of succeeding generations of students, Robert College has assisted the economic and social progress in the Near East. It has also brought direct benefits to several generations of Americans—faculty members, trustees, students, contributors, and other friends of the College. Their close association with the heroic and hospitable people of Turkey has led to a greater appreciation of Turkish life and culture and the strong foundations on which the Republic of Turkey, our close friend and partner in peace, has been built. I send my cordial congratulations to the officers and friends of Robert College on the century of service you are so deservedly celebrating."

— John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, Message for the Centennial Celebrations of Robert College, 1963^[8]

Major events[link]

• 1863, September 16: Robert College opened with 31 students at Bebek Seminary School.
• 1922: President C. Gates and Hüseyin Pektaş (the first Muslim graduate and then Vice-President of the college) attended the Conference of Lausanne representing foreign educational institutions in Ottoman Empire^{[citation needed]}.
• 1932: With Dr. Paul Monroe, joint Presidency system was adapted by Robert College and American College for Girls.
• 1957: Robert College was granted permission to become an institution of higher learning by the Republic of Turkey; Robert College "Yuksek" (High) was established.
• 1971: The "Yüksek" was officially ended on May 18. The merger of American College for Girls and Robert Academy as a co-educational private institution with junior high and high schools, on the Arnavutköy campus was officially confirmed on September 1971. Robert College's Bebek campus was donated to the Republic of Turkey. Boğaziçi University was established as a public university in this campus.
• 1998: With the adoption of the law for eight years of uninterrupted primary education in Turkey (junior high school became part of the primary education), the school no longer accepted students to its junior high school section.
• 2004: The last junior high school students graduated and junior high school section was officially closed. Now, Robert College has Prep, 9, 10, 11, 12 grades, and accepts students who have finished compulsory primary education of eight years.^[9]

"Robert College stands as a token of the close cooperation between Turkey and the USA. It is an institution which has made important contributions to the cultural life of this country and will continue to play a valuable part in the promotion of culture and education."

— Cemal Gürsel, President of the Republic of Turkey, Message for the Centennial Celebrations of Robert College, 1963^[8]

List of presidents and heads[link]

"I have come to express America's solidarity with the Turkish people at a time of national tragedy, and to reaffirm our partnership for a common future. We have been friends for a very long time. In 1863, the first American college outside the United States, Robert College, opened its doors to the youth of Turkey. It was the only foreign institution allowed along the Bosphorus, precisely because America had never encroached upon Turkish sovereignty. I'm very proud that Prime Minister Ecevit is an alumnus of Robert College."

— Bill Clinton, President of the United States, From his speech delivered to Turkey's parliament during his visit in November 1999, after the devastating earthquake in western Turkey on August 17, 1999^[8]

Academics[link]

Robert College Gould Hall

Students[link]

Robert College accepts 180 to 220 students each year, who have scored within the top 1 percentile in a nationwide examination, which every Turkish student must take in order to study in a private high school (secondary education) after they complete their primary education. The school keeps close to 1000 students in each academic year.

Faculty[link]

The faculty have an average of 22 years of teaching experience and the majority has either Turkish or United States citizenship. The school currently has a faculty who are 45% Turkish, 55% English native speakers (there are faculty from English speaking countries other than the United States, as well). Sixty-six percent of the full-time faculty hold masters degrees or higher.^[10]

Curriculum[link]

Robert College is a five year high school, with the first year (Prep) being the English immersion year that prepares students for rigorous curriculum, which is mostly in English. English is the language of instruction used in science, mathematics, literature, psychology, physical education, art and music courses. Turkish is the required language of instruction in social sciences and Turkish language/literature. To graduate from the school, students have to complete a program averaging 6 courses per semester, which is designed to prepare them both for matriculation in an American college or university and for study at Turkey’s top universities.

A view of the Bosphorus from Robert College Plateau

General graduation requirements for students include (excluding the Prep year):

• Four years of English Language and Literature,
• At least two years of Mathematics,
• One year each of Introductory Biology, Introductory Physics, and Introductory Chemistry.
• Four years of Turkish Language and Literature,
• One year each of Geography, History, Turkish Republican History, Philosophy and Military Science,
• One year of Art elective.

If the above are successfully completed, then the student could graduate with the General Diploma. However, the other diploma types, namely:

• Science Diploma,
• Turkish-Math Diploma,
• Social Studies Diploma,

have their own requirements as well as the general requirements.

• For a Science Diploma, in addition to introductory sciences two of the three Advanced Sciences must be taken.
• For a Turkish-Math Diploma, a one-year math course and a one-year Turkish course must be taken.

Advanced Placement electives[link]

• AP English Language and Composition
• AP English Literature and Composition
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Statistics
• AP Computer Science
• AP Physics
• AP Chemistry
• AP Biology
• AP French
• AP German

Other electives[link]

Science[link]

Advanced Physics, Advanced Biology, Advanced Chemistry, Modern Physics, Electronics, Organic Chemistry, Advanced Topics and Independent Research in Biology, Global Science, Advanced Anatomy and Physiology.

English[link]

Art Society and Literature, Literature and Technology, Modern Novel, World Literature, Advanced Shakespeare Studies, Advanced Writing, Modern Drama, Journalism, Film and Literature, Oral English, English for Technology, English for the Business World, AP English.

• Art, Society, and Literature: Students interested in the relationship between literature and culture may particularly enjoy this course. The elective deals with fundamental human questions as they recur throughout history and with man's attempts to answer them as they appear in the changing forms of art, philosophy and literature. Through reading, writing, and discussion, students investigate and reflect upon the history of ideas. In particular, they discover how the scientific, philosophical, and aesthetic assumptions of one age interact with each other and how they evolve over time. Throughout the year, students will be expected to respond to the literature, art, music, science, and philosophy in a variety of oral and written forms.

• Literature and Technology: Through the study of various works of utopian fiction, science fiction, non-fiction and poetry, Literature and Technology investigates the impact that changing technology has always exerted upon human society. Discussions will center around such important questions as whether our increasing reliance upon technology has a positive or a negative effect on our lives, our social interactions, and our aspirations. Students will read early 20th-century "classics" such as Brave New World as well as later Nebula and Hugo Award winning novels such as Dune and The Left Hand of Darkness. Students will also see films of the same genre. All students will be expected to write both regular interpretive essays and some creative science fiction or utopian pieces.

• AP English Literature: This course is for highly motivated and capable students looking for an intellectually challenging literature course. Students must be willing to devote the energy and time necessary to complete a course more rigorous and demanding than other English electives. Texts are drawn from various genres and periods of English Literature. To be successful in this course, students must demonstrate the ability to read closely, sensitively and analytically, think independently and make substantive and insightful contributions to class discussions. They are also asked to write cogent, well-developed essays in class (under time pressure). For students interested in taking the AP English Literature exam, this course will provide good preparation. However, it is not limited to students planning to take the AP exam. For more information, see the English Department Head.

• World Literature: World Literature is an elective for students who wish to broaden their awareness of the wide variety of cultures around the world through the study of works by writers, both modern and classical, mostly from outside the US and Great Britain. A range of works in various genres by writers from Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East will give students the opportunity to read both short and longer works in a variety of forms from many cultures. This is a challenging course for students who want to stretch themselves in terms of reading, writing, and understanding literature. Students should be prepared for a variety of types of writing as well as reading, including but not limited to literary essays.

• Shakespeare Studies: This elective concentrates on a selection of the plays of William Shakespeare, with occasional reference to his poetry as well. A selection of prose, poetry and drama by other Elizabethan writers will also be studied. In this elective the performing of Shakespeare's plays is not emphasized, even though there will be some performance and students will present scenes from the various plays studied during the year. Students will be expected to write essays, both in and outside of class. They will also have the opportunity to write creative and personal response pieces inspired by the plays they study. Students who take this course should have a good command of English.

• Modern Novel: This is a course designed for the "real readers" who actually read novels for pleasure and who enjoy discussing them. While the majority of the works will be written in English, there may also be a couple of books translated from other languages. The reading load will be comparable to that of AP English Literature, although the writing demands of the course will not be as great as in that course. Also, Modern Novel will focus mostly on books written in the last few decades of the twentieth century rather than on "classics" of the modern period. Perhaps even more than the other 'A' electives, it offers a strong preparation for AP English Literature.

• English for Technology: This is a course designed for students who prefer a non-fiction course and who are interested in the effect of science and technology in the modern world. Students will read many articles from scientific and popular journals about new theories and applications for science and technology. This course can be ideal for serious science students who are studying for the Turkish University Entrance Exam and do not have much time for reading and writing outside of class as much of the work will be done in the classroom. It is also a good course for students who feel they lack the time or interest to take a literature course in their L12 year.

• Film and Literature: This elective is designed for students who have an interest in film history and would like to use the knowledge they obtain while studying it to plan and shoot their own short video films. Students learn about the history of the art of film making and are introduced to the basic principles of film aesthetics. They read short selections about film criticism and film theory and are expected to write their own intelligent, sensitive film reviews. They also learn how to do a shot-by-shot analysis of a scene from a film. Students learn how to use a video camera to shoot their own short films. In preparation for this, they practice making storyboards and filming short sequences based upon the knowledge they have gained during their study of film history.

• Journalism: This course is not being offered next year, but will be offered the following year as a completely redesigned one.

• Oral English: The development of oral expression is the primary purpose of this course. Public speaking skills will be developed through the delivery of both informal and formal speeches. Oral interpretation of fiction and poetry is also integral. Discussion of films and literature will grow out of written responses. Small group activities emphasize current social and political affairs, which students will read about in magazine articles.

• Modern Drama: In this elective students are introduced to different techniques and philosophies of drama and theater through the process of practical exercise and improvisation. At the same time, students develop an awareness of self, of human character, and of responsibility, as they examine character and motivation in self-disciplined improvisation groups. Students both read and interpret one act plays and are asked to demonstrate understanding of dramatic technique, characterization and plot development. They will be asked to research and present a playwright from the last 100 years. They then begin to develop their own improvisations based on assigned topics. Later, they create their own presentations from scratch. Students are expected to do some writing based upon their experiences, for example a short response piece to class performances or a journal in which they record their experiences, feelings and development as a performer during the course.

• Advanced Writing: In this course students will concentrate on improving all aspects of their writing and to develop their repertoire of styles and forms . Students may be expected to read and model some compositions on essays, stories, poems, scripts, etc. that are provided, but reading homework will be light. Class time will be devoted to a variety of writing activities involving individual, pair, and group composition. Each student will assemble a personal writing portfolio. During the year, students will read short texts and analyze texts in order to understand how different authors use rhetoric. This provides good practice for students who might wish to take the AP English Language exam. Students who plan to take the Turkish university entrance exams can also improve their analytical skills in this course.

• English for the Business World: Students who choose English for Economics tend to be those with a strong interest in business or economics. The reading material and topics chosen will be non-fiction articles taken from publications such as The Economist and Newsweek and from newspapers. The course will focus on the language skills necessary to read, write about, and discuss topics of interest in business or economics. Students will learn to read analytically, to distinguish fact from opinion, to think critically about the ideas presented, and to respond orally or in writing. As they become familiar with the language, vocabulary, style, and forms used in business documents and economic prose, they will develop their skill in writing essays, critiques, summaries, reviews, and reports on these topics. A textbook, Business Assignments, will offer the students a chance to enter into some simulated business negotiations and marketing techniques.

Turkish[link]

Turkish Language, Literary Texts, Creative/Refined Writing and Speech, History of Literature, Folk Literature, Contemporary Short Stories and Novels, Turkish Theater, Contemporary Turkish Poetry, Western Literature.

• Contemporary Turkish Poetry

This course is designed to study contemporary Turkish poetry starting from the early 1920s. The works of poets not covered within the required curriculum will be examined. The emphasis will be on language techniques and the effects of folk and classical Ottoman poetry on contemporary Turkish poetry. This course will also examine international poetry and literature. In addition, efforts will be made to improve students’ creativity.

• Contemporary Short Stories and Novels

This course is designed to study the work of contemporary writers. An analysis of the latest movements, techniques, and fiction will be undertaken. Students will study new ways of expression and story writing techniques. The course is geared for interested and creative students. New novels and traditional novels are compared on the basis of subject and language. Award winning contemporary novels and stories will be read, compared and contrasted.

• Turkish Theater (fulfills the RC Diploma Art Requirement)

The objective of this course is to develop the acting and writing skills of the students and help them learn to use the body language. Students interested in conventional theater find a chance to study this subject through presentation techniques, written reports, stage rehearsals, and performances. The works are chosen from contemporary plays that are not included in the program of the required courses.

• Western Literature

This course focuses on the analysis of selected works from the Western literature under different art currents. The influence of Western literature on Turkish literature is also explored, comparisons and contrasts are identified through reading, research, group work, discussions, writing reports.

• Folk Literature

The aim is to learn how feelings, thoughts, aesthetic sense and values are expressed in Turkish folk literature, to illustrate its place in universal culture. This course also explores the regional particularities and natural diversity of the Turkish language. The students work in groups, prepare reports, and hold discussions.

• Refined Speech and Writing (fulfills the RC Diploma Art Requirement)

The course aims to increase the students' speaking and writing skills. Topics also include controlling the voice, using body language, giving rehearsed and impromptu speeches.

• Literary Texts

Prose and poetry from Turkish and world literature are studied. The works are examined from the aspects of literary currents and historical development. This course is recommended to students who will enter the Turkish universities exam (ÖSS) because it helps prepare for the questions concerning vocabulary, syntax, literature.

• History of Literature

The history of literature is studied through excerpts from prose and poetry. The aim is to evaluate the literary events along the historical development, and to help the students acquire knowledge about the literary periods and currents, and the respective writers and works.

• Turkish Language

The topics (words, syntax, punctuation, orthography) are dealt with through practical work based on texts. The aim of the course is to use Turkish in the best possible way. In addition this course will help greatly the students who will take the Turkish universities exam .

Mathematics[link]

Advanced Geometry, Probability and Statistics, Calculus (Calculus AB), Advanced Calculus (Calculus BC).

Computer Science[link]

Web Applications, Social Issues in Computing, Introduction to Programming, AP Programming with Java.

Social Studies[link]

Sociology, Logic, General Geography, World Economic Geography, Introduction to Psychology, Child Psychology.

Foreign Languages[link]

German I-II-III-IV, French I-II-III-IV.

Arts[link]

Photography, Advanced Photography, Graphic Art, Ceramics, Studio Art, Advanced Studio Art, Contemporary Art, Painting on Canvas, Art History, Advanced Music, Practical Music, Orchestra, Visual and Performing Arts.

• ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY

In advanced photography the student will explore further what they have learned in Photo 1, while choosing a “theme” for their photos. They will use professional paper and learn to use filters. They will be expected to have 2 exhibitions during the school year of their work in Marble Hall. Students will also explore creative elements in the darkroom, Polaroid transfers, infrared film, and still life photography among other techniques. Photoshop skills will be perfected and more creative digital photography will be explored. Students must have either taken photography in 11th grade or if in a club they MUST get approval from Ms Hope-Brown and/or the photography teachers.

• GRAPHIC ART

Graphic design is the art of communicating with people through images and type with a commercial emphasis. The major aspect of this course will be the production of the yearbook but there will be other minor projects as well such as business cards, posters, letterheads, logos and printmaking as well as some references to designers and design movements. The materials/processes such as Photoshop, drawing/painting, lino-block printing, cameras, photocopier etc. will be used to develop design solutions. Some of the materials/processes in this subject are also used in Studio Art and Photography, but in this subject the work developed will be more functional and of a commercial basis. Students who are interested in the yearbook, Photoshop and design will be interested in this subject.

• ORCHESTRA

This course is available to students who already play a musical (orchestral) instrument and can read music. The focus of this course is upon performing a variety of instrumental music styles from different periods and cultures. Topics include Contemporary Turkish Music, The Classical Period in Music, the Romantic Period in Music, the Contemporary Period in Music. Students who take this course will develop their musicianship skills, performance skills and knowledge of different musical styles and periods. (This course runs in addition to orchestra club on Wednesdays. The two orchestras are independent of each other.)

• CERAMICS

The Ceramics elective focuses on both clay as a medium for expression and as a material for experimentation. The students will learn a variety of basic clay-building techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab. Students then progress onto utilising these techniques to create sculptural ceramic forms. Initially students learn aspects of anatomy to create human figures, and then about facial physiognomy to create portraits. Surface decoration in the form of mark-making, applied detail and glazing are the next skills set to be learnt. Each written grade is project-based around a specific theme to ensure that students have the opportunity to be imaginative in their interpretation and self-expression. The elements of sculpture are the focus of this course so students learn through example, context and history about sculptural expression. The theoretical components of the course will involve an understanding of clay composition, glazes and kiln firing as well as a study of artists who work(ed) in clay.

• STUDIO ART

Thıs course ıs taught in Units — Elements of Art and Design, Portraiture, Perspective and Space, Self Expression. Every unit is taught and assessed in the same way. A preliminary portfolio of exercises and works is submitted prior to the creation of a major art work in the topic.

• ADVANCED STUDIO ART

This is a course for students who want to specialise and study aspects of Art in depth. It is suitable for a student who has successfully completed the Studio Art course. Alternatively, an exceptional student, who has not taken the Studio Art course may submit a portfolio of work for admission to this advanced-level course. The first semester will be spent studying Art’s elements and principles at the highest level. The second semester will comprise individualised programs, according to students’ skills, interests and needs. It is possible but not compulsory to prepare a portfolio for AP Art in this course.

• CONTEMPORARY ART

This is an advanced level course. Today’s Art is not only drawing and painting. This course focuses on Contemporary Art issues. Today’s artists use photography, ready materials, installation, video art, and performance art, or work by combing these media. In this course our aim is to present such new art forms and give students opportunities to practice them. We hope this new course will open up new horizons for RC students’ intellectual and spiritual lives. It is advisable for students to have taken the Studio Art course before this elective, but exceptional students can discuss their situation with an Art teacher.

• PAINTING ON CANVAS

Painting (acrylic, watercolor and other media) is one of the essential forms of art. In this course students will have the opportunity to gain deep technical knowledge in both traditional and non traditional painting techniques, so that they will be able to express their feelings and ideas through these media. This course will help them to improve color, composition, and perspective knowledge by using landscape, portrait, still life and abstract composition. Students do not need to have taken the Studio Art course prior to this elective.

• ART HISTORY

The Art History course seeks to understand the past and the present through works of art: architecture, painting, sculpture, and other objects of art. The time period covered is the Ancient World, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Modern, and the Postmodern World. Works of art, slides, and images from the Internet are used to help students learn to identify the styles of vision and the works of artists. Understanding why the artists work in a particular way, why they aim at certain methods and trends, and how they influence the media and the world are the main focus. Icons of each period that belong to different cultures with references to social situations are covered. Lectures, classroom presentations, individual and group projects, field trips, creative applications, discussions about issues related to art, and discussions with contemporary artists are used to facilitate learning. Students who plan to take the AP Art History exam are guided through the AP curriculum.

• PHOTOGRAPHY

This course is an introduction to the photographic image. Students learn technical aspects of using a 35mm and a digital camera. Black-and-white photography will be developed and printed in the school’s darkroom. However, the emphasis in this course is on digital photography, and use of Adobe Photoshop is an essential part of this course. Instruction will be lectures, field trips, and discussions about the concept, execution and design of the images. Please note that photography may be considered expensive, as the student will have to buy film, paper for printing, disks for the computer, and must have a DIGITAL camera which may be controlled manually. All chemicals and lab equipment are provided.

• ADVANCED MUSIC*

In order to take and be successful in Advanced Music course you must be proficient on your instrument and able to read music notation fluently. As an Advanced music student you will either have taken practical music previously or attended the R.C. Musicianship club for a year. If you are interested in this course but have not attended either of these classes, then you can talk to M Hope-Brown about taking the R.C. music department’s Musicianship test, which will show if your skills and knowledge are suitable for this Advanced Level course. Ideally, a student who takes Advanced Music will also be regular solo performer and/or a member of the school orchestra. Advanced Music consists of three units which run concurrently: Performance [and improvisation], Musicianship [aural and theory, Grade 4+ level] and Analysis [of music and musical structures]. Most lesson time is given to performance and usually two lessons each week are spent in Musicianship and Analysis activities. Advanced Music is for the musician who wants to focus on their performance skills, either as a soloist or as a member of a group/band/orchestra. This course does not include composition, although students will learn improvisation.

• PRACTICAL MUSIC

This course is open to everyone who is interested in music but would be a complete beginner on an instrument [of their choice] or someone who currently plays an instrument at elementary level who wants to improve their skills and knowledge. [You must have access to your own instrument for regular practice.] There are 3 units in Practical music which run concurrently. They are: playing an instrument, musicianship [aural and theory up to grade 3 standard or higher] and history of music.

Please talk to M Hope-Brown if you have any questions about which course is the right one for you, or if you would like to take the entry test for Advanced Music.

• VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

This course is for students who wish to pursue a general Arts programme, developing skills in several areas, rather specialising in one specific area. The areas to be covered are Music, Visual Art and Drama. In the second semester, students will have the opportunity to pursue more specific strengths and interests. While developing skills, the students will also learn about different eras and styles, enabling them to make comparisons with their own work and thereby understanding more deeply the creative process. No particular previous experience or skill is necessary, although those students who undertake the course with already-acquired skills and knowledge will also benefit from the course content.

Substantiated claim.[1]

Higher education[link]

Robert College graduates traditionally continue their education in the United States or Turkey, though in recent years the number of students studying in Canada increased. Every year approximately 35-40% percent of the graduating class choose to study in the United States, whereas the ones wishing to study in Turkey get placed in a university based on their score on the National Entrance Examination (ÖSS). In 2006, Robert College ranked first in all three sections of ÖSS among the private high schools in Turkey, with 76 out of 132 students taking the exam scoring in the top 0.3% (top 5000). Out of 104 students who chose to study in Turkey, 29 were admitted to Boğaziçi University, which is an overall highest ranking school in Turkey. 56 students chose to continue their education abroad and 36% of these students are attending Ivy League colleges.^[11] In 2011, Robert placed 123 graduates in Turkish universities, 21 (40%) of them in Bosphorus University. Another 53 planned to study abroad, 8 (15%) in the Ivy League. Of the 79 students who had applied abroad, 75 were offered admission.^[12]

Extra-curricular activities[link]

Robert College has a rich history of extracurricular activities and sports, with more than 100 student activity clubs as of 2006. Robert College introduced basketball to the Ottoman Empire in 1907. The first Student Council in Ottoman Empire was also formed in 1908 in Robert College.^[9]

Student Council[link]

Student Council is formed of a group of annually elected student governors and a faculty advisor. The elected body is proportional with class size. As well as class representatives, the president, the vice president, the secretary and the treasurer are elected after a period of campaigning. Student Council is responsible for facilitating communications between students, faculty and administration, as well as organizing social activities and fundraising for clubs. Student Council also organizes the largest and oldest high school festival, Fine Arts Festival, in Turkey. The President of the Student Council, representing the student body, makes a speech during the opening, closing, and graduation ceremonies.

Publications[link]

English[link]

• Bosphorous Chronicle: The school's newspaper published monthly.
• Record: The Yearbook.
• Kingdom Robertea: The school's scientific journal.
• RC Reviews: The literary journal published quarterly.
• Kaleidoscope: The English literature magazine.
• Hamsi (Anchovy): The online fun and technology magazine.
• Northbridge: The technology magazine.

Turkish[link]

• Köprü (The Bridge): The school's Turkish newspaper published bimounthly. (First published in January 2009)
• Martı (Seagull): Turkish literature journal.
• Oda (Room): Turkish literature journal publishing poems, stories and photos submitted by students.
• Tarih (History): The History Club's annual publication.

Other[link]

• Polyglot: The literary magazine in French, Spanish, German, English and Turkish.

Athletics[link]

Music clubs[link]

Robert College Orchestra is the second largest club in the school, after the Model United Nations club (MUN). Orchestra concerts, modern and classical, take place throughout the year and during the Homecoming. Though it has several sections in itself, the music groups below also exist independently:

• A Cappella
• Choir
• Drums
• Flute
• Guitar
• Musical Activities Club
• Ney
• Strings
• Composition and Improvisation
• Bass Guitar
• Saxophone

Other clubs[link]

Conferences and festivals[link]

Fine Arts Festival (FAF)[link]

Fine Arts Festival is the largest secondary school festival in Turkey. It has been held annually since 1982 by the Robert College Student Council. Each year, more than 2,000 people attend the festival, which is traditionally held in May. Fine Arts Festival is a big event in which many student groups can perform on stage. There are various art exhibitions and dance shows that take place in the festival. Student Council members visit other high schools in Istanbul and advertise for this festive event. People from students come together in this festival to praise art. At the end of the festival, traditionally a very famous musical band or artist performs on stage. An example to this would be Athena who performed several years ago^[when?]. The invitation of such accomplished artists is completely realized by the efforts the Student Council. Most of the revenues used to fund this event are raised through food and ticket sales. Food sellers are usually picked by Student Council members and consist of people who have restaurants close to Robert College like "kumpir" sellers in Ortakoy, or Askana etc. This promotes the tight-knit Robert College community spirit.^[13]

International Istanbul Youth Forum (IYF)[link]

The International Istanbul Youth Forum is an annually held conference at Robert College. It is the first conference in Turkey that is recognized as a Regional EYP (European Youth Parliament) session^{[citation needed]}. It is being organized every year since 2006 with participants from numerous European countries. Each year, more than 150 participants from all over Europe gather at the RC campus. The conference is organized by the Robert College European Youth Club.

Ethics Forum[link]

The Ethics Forum is the first to be established at high school level in Turkey^{[citation needed]}. Robert College Ethical Values Club organizes an ethics case study contest at national level among high school students, following their forum. The results are announced at the Ethics Conference near the end of the year. Both events attract more than twenty public and private schools from around Turkey.^[14]

Robert College International Model United Nations (RCIMUN)[link]

Robert College International Model United Nations (RCIMUN) is a THIMUN affiliated Model United Nations conference. The sixth annual RCIMUN was held on April 3–7, 2012 on the Robert College campus while the school was not in session due to the spring break. The theme of RCIMUN 2012 was "Moving Towards a Multipolar World: The Distribution of Political Power and Influence Potential". The conference includes the Security Council of UN and ECOSOC as well as a simulation of the International Criminal Court and a Historical Committee which this year simulated the Council of the Allies in World War II. Approximately 750 students, of which about 42% was from international schools attended the 2012 conference.^[15]

Istanbul Gençlik Forumu (IGF)[link]

Istanbul Gençlik Forumu is a national conference where representatives from over 30 high schools from different regions come together to discuss issues regarding the future of Turkey. In 2008, the 5th IGF welcomed over 250 participants. Discussions about international affairs are held in Turkish and each committee is responsible for writing a resolution. Then, at the General Assembly, each resolution is discussed and voted on. It is also the National Selection Conference of EYP Turkey, which is also recognized by the international office of European Youth Parliament. The conference is held annually and is organized by the Robert College European Youth Club.

Turkish Theater Festival (TIFES)[link]

Organized by the Robert College Theater Club, TIFES is one of the major theatrical events at high school level in Turkey. The festival takes place in Robert College campus during the first week of June. Numerous plays are put on stage during the week in Suna Kıraç Hall and famous actors, actresses and playwrights give talks on topics related to theatrical arts.^[16]

Junior Achievement Robert College Conference (JARC)[link]

Robert College Junior Achievement Club is hosting this event. About 300 Junior Achievement students from all over Turkey meet each other and share their experiences with others and famous entrepreneurs and artists related to the topics like Risk (2010), Alternative Careers (2009), Creating a Brand (2008). The entertaining workshop about these topics is a didacting icebreaking activity to strengthen the relationship between Junior Achievement students. The nearest conference is in April 2011.

Eurasian Schools Debating Championships[link]

Campus[link]

The 65-acre (260,000 m²) wooded campus overlooking Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul is home to historic buildings as well as modern ones, centennial trees and a rich fauna, among which Bosphorus Beetle, an endemic species to this campus, could be counted.

Major buildings[link]

• Gould Hall: This building, the oldest educational building on the campus, is a gift from Helen Gould Shepard, daughter of the famous 19^th century Wall Street financier Jay Gould. She donated US$150,000 for the construction, which began in 1911 and was completed in 1914. Today it houses classrooms, the main administrative offices, the library, Heritage Museum and cafeteria as well as Turkish Literature and Social Sciences Departments.

Robert College Gould Hall

Robert College Bingham Hall

Faculty of Arts and Sciences (Anderson Hall) at Bogazici University, formerly part of Robert College

• Woods Hall: Completed in 1914, the building was a partial gift from Mrs. Henry Woods^{[disambiguation needed ]}, of Boston, who donated US$58,000, with Helen Gould supplying the remaining US$25,000 required. It was used as a Science Building until 1990, and today is home to the English Prep classrooms and offices, as well as a cafeteria.
• Mitchell Hall: Originally home to the school kitchens and dining room, it was a gift from Miss Olivia E. Phelps Stokes, who donated US$100,000. A modest woman, she asked for the building to be named in memory of her friend, Sarah Lindlay Mitchell. Today, the building houses classrooms, the Math Department, the Sait Halman Computer Center, the audio-visual center. The top floor is used for examinations and minor conferences.
• Sage Hall: A gift from Mrs. Margaret Olivia Sage, widow of Russell Sage, a famous 19^th century financier and associate of Jay Gould, Sage Hall is one of the few buildings used for its building purpose. A philanthropist, she donated US$100,000 for the building, built as a dormitory. Today, the building houses the girls' dormitories, infirmary and art studios and a photography studio.
• Bingham Hall: Originally built as a medical school building, financed by William Bingham in memory of his mother, Mary Payne Bingham, the building housed the junior high school section, from 1925 to 1992. Today, it is home to the boys' dormitories, as well as a small conference room, business and administrative offices.
• Feyyaz Berker Hall: Feyyaz Berker Hall, which today houses the science labs and classrooms, as well as the Science Department, was completed in 1990, and named after its largest donor,leading Turkish businessman and Robert College Trustee Feyyaz Berker (Robert College Eng '46 alumnus). The Biology Museum, which has one of the rarest collections in Turkey, has been reopened in the top floor of the building.
• Suna Kıraç Hall: A state-of-the-art theater building completed in 1990, which includes a large stage, make-up rooms, modern sound and lighting system and seatings for 512 people, was named after its largest donor Suna Kıraç (American College for Girls '60 alumnus), a leading Turkish businesswoman and Robert College Trustee.
• Nejat Eczacıbaşı Hall: The modern school gymnasium was opened in 1990 and named after its largest donor, prominent Turkish bio-chemist and businessman Dr. Nejat Eczacıbaşı (Robert College '32 alumnus).

Library[link]

When founded in 1863, Robert College had four students. A sum of $2,120 had been allocated to the library, and Harvard University had donated 200 volumes for the opening of the library. During the 50's and 60's, the college had one of the largest collections in Turkey. (In 1957: 111,598 books and 214 periodicals; the American College for Girls Library 27,163 books and 108 periodicals, according to the Turkiye Kutuphaneleri Rehberi (Guide to Libraries in Turkey) published by the Turkish National Library in that year.) After the foundation of Boğaziçi University, the college donated the majority of its collections to the newly founded university. Today, Robert College has the largest library collection among secondary schools in Turkey^{[citation needed]}. The library houses more than 47,300 books, 190 periodical publications, and two web-based databases. It occupies an area of 700 square meters with a seating capacity of 90, and serves a total of 927 students, as well as all the employees and alumni of the school on second and third floors of Gould Hall.^[17]

Child Study Center[link]

The Child Study Center on the Robert College campus has 40 students between 3–6 years of age, four bilingual teachers, and a director. The center is a natural observation environment for students who are taking Psychology and Child Psychology classes. According to the college's website, "the educational program at the center is designed to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, self-competence, independence, initiative , creativity, empathy, problem solving and thinking skills in children."^[18]

Other buildings and facilities[link]

• The Rodney B. Wagner Memorial Maze (The Legend of Maze)
• The White House (Bubble)
• Tennis courts
• Faculty housing (Yalı and numerous houses dispersed on campus)
• Rose Garden
• Biology Pond
• The Bridge and the Security
• Yuva (Child Study Center)
• Forum

Note: This section only includes the buildings in today's Robert College campus (formerly the campus of American College for Girls); the ones in the former boys campus of Robert College could be found in Boğaziçi University article.^[19]

Tuition and financial aid[link]

Robert College tuition fees for the 2009–2010 academic year ^[20] are:

The tuition fees are adjusted each year according to the inflation rates in a limited range set by the Ministry of Education. Robert College has been the most expensive private school in Turkey over the years. It is still the most expensive educational institution surpassing the private universities.^[21] According to school data, 22% of the students receive financial aid and the allocated funds for financial aid amount to US$3.8 million for the 2007–2008 academic year.^[22]

Notable alumni[link]

Since the time of the Ottoman Empire, Robert College alumni have played a leading role in numerous fields — from the arts to government administration.^[23]

In 1990, three alumni, Nejat Eczacıbaşı, Suna Kıraç and Feyyaz Berker have donated the necessary funds for the construction of the new buildings that are mentioned in the Buildings section. As the costs of the school cannot be met by the tuition fees alone, the Alumni Association organizes an annual giving campaign to cover the costs of the school. Bizimtepe, a cultural and recreational center next to the campus, is an affiliate of the Alumni Association and was founded to raise funds for the school. The Alumni Association publishes RC Quarterly, which reaches 8,000^[24] Robert College alumni around the world by mail. To become BURCIN (Bogazici University and Robert College International Alumni Association Member please visit www.burcinalumni.org It is free.

Notable faculty (former and current)[link]

• Cahit Arf, Mathematician
• Mihri Pektaş, Among the first female members of Turkish Parliament, alumna of American College of Girls
• John Freely, Professor of Physics, author
• Mebrure Gönenç, Among the first female members of Turkish Parliament, alumna of American College of Girls
• Necip Fazıl Kısakürek, Poet, author
• Paul Lange, Conductor of Ottoman Empire's Royal Orchestra, musician, father of US conductor Hans Lange
• Friedrich Schrader, German journalist, author
• Karl von Terzaghi, Austrian civil engineer, see Soil mechanics
• Behçet Kemal Çağlar, Poet
• Dave Phillips^{[disambiguation needed ]}, the first African American basketball player in Turkey

See also[link]

• List of Robert College alumni
• Istanbul International Community School
• Boğaziçi University
• List of high schools in Turkey
• Tarsus American College
• Üsküdar American Academy
• American Collegiate Institute

References and notes[link]

Books on Robert College[link]

• Ali Neyzi, Alma Mater and the Story of Robert College
• Asya Orhon, Kolejlerin Koleji, Robert Kolej
• Betty Tank, Pushing My Shadow
• Caleb Frank Gates, Not To Me Only, Princeton, 1940.
• Cyrus Hamlin, My Life and Times, Boston, 1893.
• Cyrus Hamlin, Among the Turks
• Eren Yanık, Akvaryum
• George Washburn, Fifty Years in Constantinople and Recollections of Robert College, Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1909.
• Hester Donaldson Jenkins, An Educational Ambassador to the Middle East
• John Freely, History of Robert College, Istanbul, YKY, 2000.
• Lynn Scipio, My Thirty Years in Turkey, New Hampshire, Ringde, 1955.
• Mary Mills Patrick, A Bosphorus Adventure, London, 1934.
• Mary Mills Patrick, Under Five Sultans
• May Fincancı, The Story of Robert College Old and New
• Moris Farhi, Young Turk
• Orhan Türker, Mega Revma'dan Arnavutköy'e, Istanbul, 2005
• Stevens Marcia & Malcolm, Against the Devil's Current: Life & Times of C.H.
• Talat S. Halman, Aklın Yolu Bindir, Istanbul, 2003.
• Ugur Ersoy, 1950-55 Erguvan Renkli Yıllar, Istanbul, 2004.

External links[link]

• Robert College
• Robert College Alumni Association
• Robert College Alumni Association of America
• The Student Council
• Fine Arts Festival
• RC Quarterly Robert College Alumni Magazine
• Robert College International Model United Nations Website
• Robert College EYC Website
• about Robert College
• "History of Boğaziçi University". Boğaziçi University. http://www.boun.edu.tr/en-US/Content/About_BU/History.aspx. Retrieved 2012-02-27. 

Coordinates: 41°04′02″N 29°02′06″E / 41.06722°N 29.035°E / 41.06722; 29.035

Michel Teló
Background information
Born	(1981-01-21) January 21, 1981 (age 31) Medianeira, Paraná, Brazil
Genres	Sertanejo, pop
Occupations	Singer, songwriter
Years active	2009–present
Labels	Universal Music Brazil

Michel Teló (born January 21, 1981) is a Brazilian sertanejo singer-songwriter.^[1][2] Before his solo act, he was a lead singer in various bands, most notably Grupo Tradição. His biggest national and international hit is "Ai Se Eu Te Pego!," a number one in most European countries, Latin America, and the province of Quebec, Canada.

Beginnings[link]

From his early years, Teló has dedicated his life to music. His artistic career began in 1987 when, as a six-year-old, he made ​​his first solo performance in his school choir, singing a piece by Roberto Carlos and Erasmo Carlos. At 10, his musical talent blossomed when his father gave him an accordion. At the age of 12, upon encouragement by neighbors, school friends, and his brothers, he formed a young band for playing traditional music, which was called "Guri" and served to strengthen Teló taste in music in a professional organized manner. He was the band's lead singer and composer. Besides his love for the harmonica, Teló also took piano lessons for five years. He was also dancer and played the accordion, harmonica, and guitar.

In Grupo Tradição (1998–2008)[link]

In 1997, Teló was just 16 when he was invited to join the band Grupo Tradição, making part of the band for 11 years as lead vocals until 2008. His career as a singer took off as he sang the band's biggest hits, such as "Barquinho," "O Caldeirão," "Pra Sempre Minha Vida," "A Brasileira," and "Eu Quero Você." During such period of time, he was the band's front figure, conducting most of the interviews and promotions. According to Teló's former producer Wagner, he left without creating any enmity or hard feelings, as Teló made clear that he wanted to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by Guilherme Bertoldo, but the band had lost most of its appeal due to his departure and soon members began to quit the band, not having enough trust in the viability of the band without Teló.

During this time, he met and married a fan, a dentist named Ana Carolina Lago. After three years dating and another three married, the two legally divorced due to the stress of Teló's incessant touring schedule. Despite his public protestations that all was fine, Lago went public and revealed their official divorce on February 10, 2012. ^[3] he also plays magic cards

Solo career (2008–present)[link]

Michel Teló live

The album Balada Sertaneja was released in 2009 by Brazilian record label Som Livre. It was produced by Ivan Myazato and resulted in two singles: "Ei, psiu! Beijo me liga," a great commercial success, and "Amanhã sei lá". The release of the live album Michel Teló – Ao Vivo was an even bigger success and awarded Teló a gold disc. This culminated in a huge concert on September 16, 2011, attended by reportedly 50,000 people in a double ticket, which included Teló and João Bosco & Vinícius at Terraço Daslu. Throughout 2011, Teló played over 240 shows. According to Forbes magazine,^[4] Teló's Fugidinha Tour was attended by more than 17 million people and Teló has reportedly made $18 million dollars alone in 2011. Teló has also released two DVDs, one containing songs from the 1980s and 1990s, in collaboration with Milionário & José Rico, Bruno e Marrone, and João Bosco & Vinícius, and the other, entitled Michel Na Balada, including new songs.

International fame[link]

Teló in a 2011 sertanejo festival

Many football players have used the signature dance to "Ai Se Eu Te Pego," during goal celebrations, spreading the song's popularity. Brazilian football star Neymar appears on a video dancing the song "Ai Se Eu Te Pego". In the Spanish professional league, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid danced to the song when Ronaldo scored the first goal against Málaga CF on October 22, 2011. Rafael Nadal has also danced to this song. On October 29, 2011, Brazilian left-back André Santos danced to this song after scoring the 2-2 equalizer in Arsenal's 5–3 defeat of London rivals Chelsea. Recently, in the Super League Greece, Simão, Cleyton, Sebastián Leto and other Panathinaikos' players danced to this song when Cleyton scored the first goal against PAOK on October 30, 2011.

Polish football player Adrian Mierzejewski danced to this song when Paweł Brożek scored goal during the friendly match between Poland and Hungary on 15 November 2011. In the German Bundesliga, Marco Reus performed it with his teammates after each of his three goals for Borussia Mönchengladbach against Werder Bremen on 19 November 2011 when Gladbach outclassed Bremen, winning 5–0. Lewis Holtby]] celebrated his goal in Schalke 04's 4–0 win against Nuremberg with the dance on the same day. Alexander Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng, and Robinho of Milan were also seen dancing to this song at a training session on 16 November 2011. Lucas, Maxi Rodríguez, and Sebastián Coates of Liverpool danced to this song when Rodríguez scored the first goal against Chelsea on November 28, 2011.

On 10 December 2011, Marquinhos and Ricardo Laborde of Anorthosis danced this song after Marquinhos scored the first goal against Apollon Limassol in Anorthosis's 2–0 victory. On 16 December 2011, in a Turkish Super League match between Orduspor and Galatasaray, Galatasaray players Felipe Melo and Emmanuel Eboué^[5] danced to the song. Falkirk striker Farid El Alagui also danced to this song after scoring against Queen of the South in the Scottish Premier League.

The song serves as the walk-up music for Miguel Montero of the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball when he comes up to bat.

Teló announced he was embarking on a tour in the United States to promote the song in an English version entitled "Oh, If I Catch You!". He is already well known amongst the American Hispanic communities.

Michel Teló is an avid supporter of Brazilian football team Grêmio.

Awards and nominations[link]

At the beginning of his solo career, he released his first album titled Balada Sertaneja which was not a big commercial success, but was still nominated in the category for "Musical Revelation of the Year".

His live album Michel Teló – Ao Vivo, however, was hugely successful and brought him nomination for a Latin Grammy "Best Sertanejo Album".

In 2011, Michel was nominated at the 2011 "Melhores do Movimento Country" for four categories: "Best Singer Solo" "Hit of the Year" for "Ai se eu te pego!", "Best CD" for album Michel Teló – Ao Vivo and "Best Show".

Michel was also nominated for four categories in Premio Multishow de Música Brasileira for "Best Singer", "Musical Revelation," "Best Sertanejo Artist" and "Best Music" for "Ai se eu te pego!"

At Prêmio Vagalume, Michel was nominated for "Site of the Year" and "Social Network" awards.

Charities[link]

In August 2011, Teló took part in the 26th edition of Criança Esperança charity programme alongside Braziliam musicians Leonardo, Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano, Chitãozinho & Xororó and Adair Cardoso. The event was held at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro.

In December 2011, he took part in the 13th edition of Futebol contra a Fome (Portuguese for "Football Against Hunger") charity event at Parque do Sabiá in Uberlândia together with Brazilian celebrities Daniel Alves, Neymar, Gusttavo Lima and Marrone. The event is promoted by brothers Fernando and Alexandre Pires and aims to collecting food donations for poor families. Teló was the top scorer of the match along with professional football player Vágner Love, having scored two goals each.^[6]

Discography[link]

• 2009: Balada Sertaneja (studio album)
• 2010: Michel Teló – Ao Vivo (live album)
• 2011: Michel na Balada (live album)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Michel Teló on Twitter

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2010)

Robert Gordon's College is a private co-educational day school in Aberdeen, Scotland. The school caters for pupils from Nursery-S6.

History[link]

It originally opened in 1750 as the result of a bequest by Robert Gordon, an Aberdeen merchant who made his fortune from trading with Baltic ports, and was known at foundation as Robert Gordon's Hospital. This was 19 years after Gordon had died and left his estate in a 'Deed of Mortification' to fund the foundation of the Hospital. The fine William Adam-designed building was in fact completed in 1732, but lay empty until 1745 until Gordon's foundation had sufficient funds to complete the interior. During the Jacobite Rising, in 1746 the buildings were commandeered by Hanoverian troops and named Fort Cumberland.

Gordon's aim was to give the poor boys of Aberdeen a firm education, or as he put it to "found a Hospital for the Maintenance, Aliment, Entertainment and Education of young boys from the city whose parents were poor and destitute". At this point all pupils at the school were boarders, but in 1881, the Hospital became a day school known as Robert Gordon's College. In 1903, the vocational education component of the college was designated a Central Institution (which was renamed as Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology in 1965 and became the Robert Gordon University in 1992). Boarding did not return until 1937 with the establishment of Sillerton House. In 1989 RGC became a co-educational school.^[3]

The modern school is divided into a Nursery, Junior School, and Senior School, and caters for boys and girls from 4 to 18 years. RGC has long had a reputation as one of the stronger academic schools in Scotland, and follows the Scottish curriculum. In 2006, there was a 90% pass rate at higher, and 35 pupils gained 5+ passes at A grade. 98% of leavers went on to higher education, the majority at Scottish Universities such as St. Andrews, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, but also 10 pupils gaining entry to Oxford and Cambridge.

Arms and motto[link]

The Latin motto of the college, 'omni nunc arte magistra' is understood by all at the school to mean 'now is the time for all your masterly skills'.

This has been the motto of the College since 1881 when Robert Gordon's College superseded Robert Gordon's Hospital. It is taken from Virgil's Aeneid, Book VIII, line 441, where the words are spoken by the god Vulcan to encourage his workers.

The crest of the Gordons of Pitlurg is on the left of the coat of arms and the crest of the Burgh of Aberdeen is on the right.^[4]

House system[link]

The school operates four houses, to one of which each student is allocated upon entering the school. The houses compete for different sporting and academic trophies throughout the year, and determine each student's form class.

The four houses are:

• Blackfriars - named for the Dominican monks (or black friars due to their garb), that once had a convent adjacent to the school grounds.
• Collyhill - named for Alexander Simpson of Collyhill who bequeathed a large sum of money to the school, which allowed for more boys to join the school.
• Sillerton - The origin of the Sillerton house name is not clear, but it is believed that, in Robert Gordon's lifetime, he was known as Gordon of Silverton (siller being Scots for silver), and on a 1746 map, the school is identified as Sillerton Hospital.
• Straloch - named for Robert Gordon of Straloch, one of the first graduates of Marischal College, studying humanities, mathematics and philosophy.

The "Auld Hoose" of Robert Gordon's College, by night

Notable former pupils[link]

Former pupils include:

• Ian Black was a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1958 at the age of only seventeen. He later returned to RGC as Headmaster of the Junior School.
• Martin Buchan, former footballer and captain with Manchester United, Aberdeen and Scotland
• David Carry, Commonwealth gold medal winner
• Chris Cusiter, Ruaridh Jackson and Stuart Grimes, Scottish rugby players
• George Donald, one-third of Scottish comedy act Scotland the What?^[5]
• The Rt. Hon. Michael Gove, journalist and politician, Secretary of State for Education 2010 - present^[6]
• Buff Hardie, one-third of Scottish comedy act Scotland the What?^[5]
• BBC Radio Scotland presenter Robbie Shepherd
• Nicol Stephen, politician ^[7]
• Stewart Sutherland, Baron Sutherland of Houndwood, academic and public servant
• Robert A. Thom, steam locomotive engineer^[8]
• Sandi Thom, singer^[9]
• Jack Webster, local writer
• John West, Depute Provost of Aberdeen (elected at the age of 18).^[10][11]
• Sir Ian Wood, Scottish businessman and Chancellor of the Robert Gordon University

Former pupils' sports clubs[link]

Gordonians RFC was originally founded by old pupils of the school. Former pupils also formed Gordonians Hockey Club and Gordonians Cricket Club. These clubs all play their home matches at the College's Countesswells Playing Field. There are a set of honours boards in the pavilion at Countesswells which record the names of Gordonians who have represented their country at rugby, hockey, cricket and other sports.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Homepage of Robert Gordon's College
• Robert Gordon's College's page on Scottish Schools Online
• Robert Gordon's College bookplate on Footnote

v t e Secondary schools in Aberdeen Aberdeen Grammar School Albyn School1 Bankhead Academy Bridge of Don Academy Cults Academy Dyce Academy Harlaw Academy Hazlehead Academy Kincorth Academy Northfield Academy Oldmachar Academy Oakbank School Robert Gordon’s College1 St Margaret's School for Girls1 Torry Academy 1 Privately funded school

Robert Redford
Robert Redford in 2006
Born	Charles Robert Redford, Jr. (1936-08-18) August 18, 1936 (age 75) Santa Monica, California, United States
Occupation	Actor, film director, producer, businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist
Years active	1959–present
Spouse	Lola van Wagenen (1958–1985; divorced) Sibylle Szaggars (2009–present)[1]
Children	Scott (deceased), Shauna, Jamie, Amy

Charles Robert Redford, Jr. (born August 18, 1936),^[2] better known as Robert Redford, is an American actor, film director, producer, businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival. He has received two Oscars: one in 1981 for directing Ordinary People, and one for Lifetime Achievement in 2002. In 2010 he was awarded French Knighthood in the Legion d'Honneur. At the height of his fame in the 1970s and 1980s, he was often described as one of the world's most attractive men and remains one of the most popular movie stars. His popular films include Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Downhill Racer (1969), Jeremiah Johnson (1972), The Candidate (1972), The Sting (1973), The Way We Were (1973), The Great Gatsby (1974), Three Days of the Condor (1975), The Great Waldo Pepper (1975), All the President's Men (1976), A Bridge Too Far (1977), The Natural (1984), Out of Africa (1985), Sneakers (1992), Indecent Proposal (1993),The Last Castle and Spy Game (2001). As a filmmaker, his notable films include Ordinary People (1980), The Milagro Beanfield War (1988), A River Runs Through It (1992), Quiz Show (1994), The Horse Whisperer (1998) and The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000).

Early life[link]

Redford's family moved to Van Nuys while his father worked in El Segundo.^[3] He attended Van Nuys High School, where he was classmates with baseball player Don Drysdale.^[3] He has described himself as having been a "bad" student, finding inspiration outside the classroom, and being interested in art and sports.^[3] He hit tennis balls with Pancho Gonzales at the Los Angeles Tennis Club to warm him up. After high school, he attended the University of Colorado for a year and a half,^[3] where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.^[4] While there, he worked at the restaurant/bar The Sink; a painting of his likeness is prominent in the bar's murals.^[5] After being asked to leave the University of Colorado, he traveled in Europe, living in France, Spain, and Italy.^[3] He later studied painting at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and took classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.^[3]

Career[link]

Television[link]

Redford's career — like that of almost all major stars who emerged in the 1950s — began in New York, where an actor could find work both in television and on stage. Starting in 1959, he appeared as a guest star on numerous programs, including The Untouchables, Whispering Smith, Perry Mason, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Route 66, Dr. Kildare, Playhouse 90, Tate, and The Twilight Zone, among others. He earned an Emmy nomination as Best Supporting Actor for his performance in The Voice of Charlie Pont (ABC, 1962). One of his last television appearances was on October 7, 1963, on Breaking Point, an ABC medical drama about psychiatry.

Theater[link]

Redford's Broadway debut was in a small role in Tall Story (1959), followed by parts in The Highest Tree (1959) and Sunday in New York (1961). His biggest Broadway success was as the stuffy newlywed husband of Elizabeth Ashley in Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park (1963).

Film[link]

Redford in Barefoot in the Park, 1967

While still largely an unknown, Redford made his screen debut in War Hunt (1962), co-starring with John Saxon in a film set during the last days of the Korean War. This film also marked the debuts of director Sydney Pollack, with whom Redford would often collaborate in the near future, and actor Tom Skerritt. After his Broadway success, he was cast in larger feature roles in movies. He was cast alongside screen legend Alec Guinness in the war comedy Situation Hopeless ... But Not Serious, in which he played a soldier who has to spend years of his life hiding behind enemy lines. In Inside Daisy Clover (1965), which won him a golden globe for best new star, he played a bisexual movie star who marries starlet Natalie Wood, and rejoined her along with Charles Bronson for Pollack's This Property Is Condemned (1966) — again as her lover, though this time in a film which achieved even greater success. The same year saw his first teaming with Jane Fonda, in Arthur Penn's The Chase. This film marked the only time Redford would star with Marlon Brando. Fonda and Redford were paired again in the popular big screen version of Barefoot in the Park (1967)^[3] and were again co-stars much later in Pollack's The Electric Horseman (1979).

After this initial success, Redford became concerned about his blond male stereotype image and turned down roles in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Graduate. Redford found the property he was looking for in George Roy Hill's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), scripted by William Goldman, in which he was paired for the first time with Paul Newman.^[3] The film was a huge success and made him a major bankable star,^[3] cementing his screen image as an intelligent, reliable, sometimes sardonic good guy.

Redford suffered through a few films that did not achieve box office success during this time, including Downhill Racer (1969); Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here (1969); Little Fauss and Big Halsy (1970), and The Hot Rock (1972). But his overall career was flourishing with the critical and box office hit Jeremiah Johnson (1972);^[3] the political satire The Candidate (1972); the hugely popular period drama The Way We Were (1973); and the biggest hit of his career; the blockbuster crime caper The Sting (1973), which became one of the top 20 highest grossing movies of all time when adjusted for inflation and for which he was also nominated for an Oscar.^[3]

Between 1974 and 1976, exhibitors voted Redford Hollywood's top box-office name.^[3] His hits included The Great Gatsby (1974), The Great Waldo Pepper (1975), and Three Days of the Condor (1975). The popular and acclaimed All the President's Men (1976), directed by Alan J. Pakula and scripted once again by Goldman, was a landmark film for Redford. Not only was he the executive producer and co-star, but the film's serious subject matter — the Watergate scandal — and its attempt to create a realistic portrayal of journalism also reflected the actor's offscreen concerns for political causes.^[3]

He also starred in a segment of the war film A Bridge Too Far (1977), the prison drama Brubaker (1980), playing a prison warden attempting to reform the system, and the fantasy baseball drama The Natural (1984).^[3] Redford continued his involvement in mainstream Hollywood movies, though with a newfound focus on directing. The first film he directed, Ordinary People, which followed the disintegration of an upper class American family after the death of a son, was one of the most critically and publicly acclaimed films of the decade, winning a number of Oscars, including the Academy Award for best director for Redford himself. His followup directorial project, The Milagro Beanfield War (1987), failed to generate the same level of attention. Sydney Pollack's Out of Africa (1985), with Redford in the male lead role opposite Meryl Streep, became an enormous critical and box office success and won seven Oscars including Best Picture, proving to be Redford's biggest success of the decade and Redford and Pollack's most successful of their six movies together.^[3] His next film, Legal Eagles (1986), was only a minor success at the box office.

Redford continued as a major star throughout the 1990s and 2000s. He released his third film as a director, A River Runs Through It, in 1992, which was a return to mainstream success for Redford as a director and brought a young Brad Pitt to greater prominence. 1993 brought Redford one of his most popular and recognised roles when he starred as a millionaire businessman who tests people's morals through bribery in Indecent Proposal, which became one of the year's biggest hits. He co-starred with Michelle Pfeiffer in the newsroom romance Up Close & Personal (1996), and with Kristin Scott Thomas in The Horse Whisperer (1998), which he also directed.^[3] Redford also continued work in films with political context, such as Havana (1990), playing Jack Weil, a professional gambler in 1959 Cuba during the Revolution, as well as Sneakers (1992), in which he co starred with the late River Phoenix among others.

He appeared as a disgraced Army general sent to prison in the political thriller The Last Castle (2001), directed by Rod Lurie, someone else with a strong interest in politics. In the same year, Redford reteamed with Brad Pitt for Spy Game, another success for the pair but with Redford switching this time from director to actor. Redford, a leading environmental activist, narrated the IMAX documentary Sacred Planet (2004), a sweeping journey across the globe to some of its most exotic and endangered places. In The Clearing (2004), a thriller co-starring Helen Mirren, Redford was a successful businessman whose kidnapping unearths the secrets and inadequacies that led to his achieving the American Dream.

Redford stepped back into producing with The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), a coming-of-age road film about a young medical student, Ernesto "Che" Guevera, and his friend Alberto Granado. It also explored political and social issues of South America that influenced Guevara and shaped his future. With five years spent in the film's making, Redford was credited by director Walter Salles for being instrumental in getting it made and released.

Back in front of the camera, Redford received good notices for his role in director Lasse Hallstrom's An Unfinished Life (2005) as a cantankerous rancher who is forced to take in his estranged daughter-in-law (Jennifer Lopez) — whom he blames for his son's death — and the granddaughter he never knew he had when they fled an abusive relationship. The film, which sat on the shelf for many months while its distributor Miramax was restructured, was generally dismissed as clichéd and overly sentimental. Meanwhile, Redford returned to familiar territory when he reteamed with Meryl Streep 22 years after they starred in Out of Africa, for his personal project Lions for Lambs (2007), which also starred fellow superstar Tom Cruise. After a great deal of hype, the film opened to mixed reviews and disappointing box office. Redford more recently signed on to direct and star in an update of The Candidate.^{[citation needed]}

Redford appears in the 2011 documentary Buck, where he discusses his experiences with title subject Buck Brannaman during the production of The Horse Whisperer in 1998.

Director[link]

Redford at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival

Redford had long harbored ambitions to work on both sides of the camera. As early as 1969, Redford had served as the executive producer for Downhill Racer.^[3] His first outing as director was in 1980's Ordinary People, a drama about the slow disintegration of an upper-middle class family, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Director.^[3] Redford was credited with obtaining a powerful dramatic performance from Mary Tyler Moore, as well as superb work from Donald Sutherland and Timothy Hutton, who also won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Redford did not direct again until The Milagro Beanfield War (1988), a well-crafted, though not commercially successful, screen version of John Nichols' acclaimed novel of the Southwest. The Milagro Beanfield War is the story of the people of Milagro, New Mexico (based on the real town of Truchas in northern New Mexico), overcoming big developers who set about to ruin their community and force them out because of tax increases. Other directorial projects have included the period drama A River Runs Through It (1992), based on Norman Maclean's novella, and the exposé Quiz Show (1994), about the quiz show scandal of the late 1950s.^[3] In the latter film, Redford worked from a screenplay by Paul Attanasio with noted cinematographer Michael Ballhaus and a strong cast that featured Paul Scofield, John Turturro, Rob Morrow, and Ralph Fiennes. Redford handpicked Morrow for his part in the film (Morrow's only high-profile feature film role to date), because he liked his work on Northern Exposure. Redford also directed Matt Damon and Will Smith in The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000). In 2010, Redford released The Conspirator, a period drama revolving around the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Despite a subject matter of personal interest to Redford, the film received mixed reviews and proved to be a flop at the box office.

Honors[link]

U.S. President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush pose with the Kennedy Center honorees, from left to right, actress Julie Harris, actor Robert Redford, singer Tina Turner, ballet dancer Suzanne Farrell and singer Tony Bennett on December 4, 2005, during the reception in the Blue Room at the White House.

Redford attended the University of Colorado in the 1950s and received an Honorary Degree in 1983.

In 1995, he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Bard College. He was a 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award/Honorary Oscar recipient at the 74th Academy Awards.^[6]

In 1996, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts.^[7]

In December 2005, he received the Kennedy Center Honors for his contributions to American culture. The Honors recipients are recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts: whether in dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television.^{[citation needed]}

In 2008 he was awarded The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, one of the richest prizes in the arts, given annually to "a man or woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the beauty of the world and to mankind's enjoyment and understanding of life."^[8]

The University of Southern California (USC) School of Theater announced the first annual Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists in 2009. According to the school's web site, the award was created "to honor those who have distinguished themselves not only in the exemplary quality, skill and innovation of their work, but also in their public commitment to social responsibility, to increasing awareness of global issues and events, and to inspiring and empowering young people."^[9]

Robert Redford received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Brown University at the 240th Commencement exercises on May 25, 2008.^[10] He also spoke during the ceremonies.

On 14 October 2010, he was appointed Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur.^[11]

Sundance[link]

With the financial proceeds of his acting success, starting with his salaries from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Downhill Racer, Redford bought an entire ski area on the east side of Mount Timpanogos northeast of Provo, Utah, called "Timp Haven", which was renamed "Sundance".^[3] Redford's wife Lola was from Utah and they had built a home in the area in 1963. Portions of the movie Jeremiah Johnson (1972), a film which is both one of Redford's favorites and one that has heavily influenced him, were shot near the ski area. He founded the Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Institute, Sundance Cinemas, Sundance Catalog, and the Sundance Channel, all in and around Park City, Utah, 30 miles (48 km) north of the Sundance ski area.^[3] The Sundance Film Festival caters to independent filmmakers in the United States and has received recognition from the industry as a place to open films. In 2008, Sundance exhibited 125 feature-length films from 34 countries, with more than 50,000 attendees.^[12] The name Sundance comes from his Sundance Kid character. In addition, Redford owns a celebrated restaurant called Zoom, located on Main Street in the former mining town of Park City.

Mount Timpanogos, panoramic view

Independent films[link]

Since founding the nonprofit Sundance Institute in Park City, in 1981, Redford has been deeply involved with independent film.^[3] Through its various workshop programs and popular film festival, Sundance has provided much-needed support for independent filmmakers. In 1995, Redford signed a deal with Showtime to start a 24-hour cable television channel devoted to airing independent films — the Sundance Channel premiered on February 29, 1996.

Personal life[link]

On August 9, 1958, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Redford married Lola Van Wagenen, who dropped out of college to marry him. They had four children: Scott Anthony, David James "Jamie", Shauna, and Amy Redford.

Son Jamie Redford is a writer/producer.^[13]

Scott — their first child — was born September 1, 1959, and died of sudden infant death syndrome on November 17, 1959, at age 2½ months. His remains have been buried at Provo City Cemetery in Provo, Utah. Lola and Redford divorced in 1985. He has five grandchildren: Dylan and Lena Redford (of son Jamie), Mica and Conor Schlosser (of daughter Shauna) and Eden August (of daughter Amy).^[14]

In July 2009, Redford married his longtime partner, Sibylle Szaggars, at the luxurious Louis C. Jacob Hotel in Hamburg, Germany. She had moved in with Redford in the 1990s and shares his Sundance, Utah, home.^[15] In May 2011 Alfred A Knopf published Robert Redford: The Biography by Michael Feeney Callan, written over fifteen years with Redford's input, and drawn from his personal papers and diaries.

Political activity[link]

Redford with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson in 2009

Redford is politically liberal, and has supported environmentalism, Native American rights, and the arts. He has been noted as "an admirer of Edward Abbey, the late great anarchist voice of the desert Southwest."^[16] Most of his federal political contributions have been to Democrats (61%) or advocacy groups (34.6%), such as the Political Action Committee of the Directors Guild of America.^[17] Redford has on occasion also supported Republicans, including Brent Cornell Morris in his unsuccessful 1990 race for Utah's 3rd congressional district seat.^[17][18] Redford also supported Gary R. Herbert, another Republican and a friend, in Herbert's successful campaign to be elected Utah's Lieutenant Governor (he is currently the Governor of Utah). Redford is an avid environmentalist and is a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Redford has been a vocal critic of Barack Obama for his lack of follow-through on environmental policies. He wrote, "One reason I supported President Obama is because he said we must protect clean air, water and lands. But what good is it to say the right thing unless you act on it?" ^[19]

Filmography[link]

Actor[link]

Director[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Robert Redford

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Robert Redford

• Movie, Museum Exhibits Shine New Light on US Civil War is an April 2011 radio and internet report on the Robert Redford movie "The Conspirator." The report aired on Voice of America and was written by VOA's Special English branch.
• Redford interviewed about his life, independent film making and political activism. January 2010, 45 minute video and audio interview with transcript.
• Cinema Retro covers Robert Redford at Trinity College in Dublin
• Robert Redford at the Internet Movie Database
• Sundance Resort
• The Sundance Institute
• Robert Redford slideshow at AMCtv.com
• Redford Teams up to Train Minority Filmmakers NY Daily News, May 15, 2009
• Robert Redford: Through the Years — slideshow by Life magazine

Robert Lee Griffin III (born February 12, 1990), nicknamed RG3, is an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Baylor University, and won the 2011 Heisman Trophy. He was selected by the Redskins with the second pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.^[1]

Early years[link]

Griffin was born in Japan, where his parents, Robert Jr. and Jacqueline, both U.S. Army Sergeants, were stationed. The family later lived at Fort Lewis in the U.S. State of Washington,^[2] and then moved to New Orleans, before finally settling in Copperas Cove, Texas in 1997.^[3][4]

Football[link]

Griffin attended Copperas Cove High School, where he was a three-sport star in basketball, football, and track. He started at quarterback for two seasons. During his junior season, he passed for 2,001 yards and 25 touchdowns with two interceptions, while compiling 876 rushing yards for 8 touchdowns. He received first-team All-District 16-4A honors after the season. As a senior, he recorded 1,285 rushing yards, posting 24 touchdowns, and passed 1,356 yards for 16 touchdowns with seven interceptions. In his senior season Copperas Cove finished with a record of 13–2, and lost in the championship game of the 2007 Class 4A Division I state playoffs. Over the two seasons, he rushed for a total of 2,161 yards and 32 touchdowns, while passing for 3,357 yards and 41 touchdowns with nine interceptions.^[5]

Track[link]

In track, he broke state records for the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles. He ran the 110-meter hurdles in 13.55 seconds, and the 300-meter hurdles in 35.33 seconds. The 300-hurdles time was one-hundredth of a second short of breaking the national high school record. He was also a gold medalist in the 110 and 400-meter hurdles on the AAU track and field circuit. In 2007, as a junior, he was rated the No. 1 high school 400-meter immediate hurdler in the country, and was tied at No. 1 for the 110-meter sprint hurdler in the nation. His personal best in the 110-meter hurdles, 13.46 sec, ranked fifth in the world among junior athletes,^[6] while his personal best in the 400-meter hurdles, 49.56 sec, was World Junior Leading in 2007.^[7] Also as a junior, he received the Gatorade Texas Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year award,^[5] and was named to USA Today′s 2007 All-USA Track and Field team.^[8]

College recruitment[link]

Robert Griffin III at 2009 Meet the Bears scrimmage

Rivals.com, a college football recruiting service, ranked Griffin the fourth-best dual-threat quarterback in the nation and the 42nd-best player in Texas in the high school prospect class of 2008.^[9] During the college recruiting period, Griffin was pursued by Stanford, Tennessee, Kansas, Nebraska, Houston, Tulsa, Illinois, Washington State, and Oregon. Griffin initially committed to play for the University of Houston under head coach Art Briles. When Briles left Houston to take the head coaching position at Baylor, Griffin switched his commitment and eventually signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Baylor,^[10] in part because the university also had a top track and field program.^[11]