Robert College

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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

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

• 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

"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

Robert College Gould Hall

Students

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

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

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.

Robert College Plateau

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

• 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

Science

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

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

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

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

Computer Science

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

Social Studies

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

Foreign Languages

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

Arts

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

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

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

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

RC Reviews March 2005 Issue

English

• 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

• 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

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

Athletics

Aerobics Archery Athletics Badminton Basketball Fitness Floor hockey Flag Football Golf Handball Hiking Mini football Pilates Rugby union

Skiing Soccer Softball Snowboard Swimming Table tennis Tennis Ultimate Volleyball Yoga

Robert College Basketball Team on the way to championship in Traditional FMV Isik Schools Tournament.

Music clubs

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

Advanced Painting Art and Drawing Astronomy Braille Bowling Camping Computer Assistants Computer Game Development Club Computer Programming Ceramics and Sculpture Chess Contemporary Events Debate Society Destination Imagination Documentary Drama Ethical Values European Youth Club (EYC) Explorers Film Production

First Lego League Folkloric Dances French Theater Future Physicians Bacteriology and Genetics German Movie History Hope Interact International Cooking Italian Language and Culture Junior Achievement Latin Dance Model United Nations (MUN) Outdoor Challenge Peer Counselling

Peer Tutoring Poetry Philosophy Photography Playscript Writing Psychology Radio RC Theater Company Red Crescent Russian Theater Sports Turkish Literature and Culture Turkish Musical Turkish Theater UNICEF Volunteers in Education Winpeace Young Business People Young Reporters for the Environment

Robert College Students in the Forum

Conferences and festivals

Fine Arts Festival (FAF)

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]

Robert College Gould Hall-Aerial View

International Istanbul Youth Forum (IYF)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

Campus

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

• 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

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

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

Map of Robert College

• 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

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

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)

• 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

• 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

Books on Robert College

• 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

• 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