Dunalastair

Identity

rs. Ada Crew founded Dunalastair (Alexander’s Fort) in 1937, as a bilingual school that offered a British type of education. The School’s name is taken from the once residence, and still burial ground of the chiefs of Clan Donnachaidh, in Perthshire, Scotland. The clan is one of Scotland’s oldest, and dates back to the time of Scottish unification. Its name (Sons of Duncan) can be traced back to the king that, in Shakespearean lore at least, was murdered by Macbeth. The clan’s motto, Virtutis Gloria Merces, has been the School’s since its foundation, and means glory is the reward for valour.

Given its educational roots, Dunalastair has always sought to fulfil the ancient ideal of a balanced moral, intellectual and physical education, and its non-denominational and pluralistic nature seeks to nurture broad-minded students who will adapt easily to a world of increasing diversity and complexity.

Dunalastair strives to educate its students into an all round awareness of the world around them, a commitment to being active and fair-minded members of their community, and a strong sense of values. This will help them overcome the many obstacles and challenges they will face, rather than be overwhelmed by them.

The School has emphasised the teaching of English since its foundation, a language that has since become an indispensable tool in a globalised world. The learning of this second language is part of our students’ daily routine.

Sports is also an important part of a Dunalastair student’s education, as it allows them to learn key values, such as fairness, team work, and an appropriate attitude to winning and losing. The sporting code of fair play not only guides conduct in these activities themselves, but is also a metaphor for what is essential in human relations, both because of the values it instils and in forming character and habits in youngsters. Participation in sports is therefore obligatory at Dunalastair, and as a member school of the Association of British Schools in Chile we have an extensive calendar of bilateral and multilateral competitions with other schools, in volleyball, soccer, hockey, rugby and athletics.

Finally, Dunalastair believes that cheerful dispositions are an asset in learning, and strives to create an atmosphere that encourages positive relations amongst all its members. Its relatively small numbers, and the personal attention that can be afforded to each student, are distinguishing features of our schools.