Our Patron Gordon Bulloch
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Gordon's Story
Gordon Bullock is a former Scottish and international rugby star and pupil of Hutchesons’ Grammar School.
After leaving school, his rugby career began with Scotland U19s and U21s. During this time, he played four tours in South Africa and helped secure Scotland's fourth place in the 1996 Students' World Cup. Gordon's career continued to soar and he progressed to the level of Captain for Scotland and the British and Irish Lions, gaining a total of 75 caps. Since retiring from international rugby, Gordon has forged a successful career in business as Director of Highland Metals Ltd and continues to exercise by running in the hills.
Since 2006, Gordon has been actively involved with The Junior Duke Award.. He delivers motivational speeches at Hutchesons’ at the start of each year to get the children excited about their challenges, and to help them recognise that failing a few times is okay so long as you persevere and don’t give up!
Gordon also attends a special Garden Party lunch at the end of each academic year that celebrates the children who complete the Platinum level of the Junior Duke. He presents the children with their certificates and spends some time speaking to them about what they have learned and enjoyed most during the award.
Many of our other schools have their own Ambassadors to encourage children to get involved with the Junior Duke Award. These include people such as: footballers, musicians, authors, adventurers and charity patrons – we hope to add some information about them here very soon!
If you have your own school Ambassador, we would love to share their story. It could inspire other schools to choose their own!
"It has been a privilege to have been able to encourage and support Dawn and the children taking part in the Junior Duke over so many years. During this time, the many participants have not only learned practical skills such as cooking and doing the laundry but have also had the opportunity to challenge themselves in activities involving art, music, technology, travel and sport that they may not have had the chance to experience otherwise. Maybe one of these experiences will inspire the next Nicola Benedetti or Andy Murray, but if not, then at least they’ll be able to wash their clothes and make themselves something tasty for dinner!”
Getting started with the Junior Duke award
With nearly 140 progressive challenges across the 10 different levels, the Junior Duke Award helps children to develop confidence and competence in life skills that they otherwise may not learn.
Challenges are tailored to each age group, and can include learning First Aid, how to iron, preparing meals, building a fire, delivering a presentation, learning how to swim, and much more.
Children take pride in their handwritten self-reflections and enjoy discussing their new skills with their teachers and families. Completing the levels during the school year keeps children motivated to keep learning, building a new sense of community…and competitiveness to finish their level by the end of the school year!
Plus, the Junior Duke Award has been designed so that it may be completed at home, requiring minimal work from teachers to get it up and running. Rather than adding to teachers' workload, we provide all of the resources and training you need.
