Scotch College

Launched into an exciting world of opportunity

Andrew Bubb, School Captain

Among a lifetime of memories, there is often a strong reminiscence of one’s first day at a new school, and this is especially so with beginning at Scotch.

I revisited this feeling of exhilaration during the latter part of January, as I welcomed the 200-odd Year 7 boys entering through the gates for the first time as students of their new School. For some it was merely a stepping-stone following their graduation from the Junior School a few hundred metres away, but for the vast majority their transition to Scotch was becoming a reality.

I was lucky enough to speak to these young men collectively on their first morning, although I doubt much of what I said was retained among the angst and nerves which come with such great change. I asked the boys to take their opportunities, and to explore what the School could offer them.

During first term I was lucky enough to attend a day at each of the three Year 7 camps held at Cowes. Here I was able to meet with our newest students face to face, share in some of their initial experiences and gain some insight into their most recent challenge. Having not begun my own Scotch career until Year 9, I too was attending my first Year 7 Cowes camp, and immediately I was met with an exciting dynamic which could only be provided by bringing such youthful enthusiasm together.

The challenge faced by these boys, and effectively all new boys at Scotch, is to fit into the School’s routine as swiftly as possible. Once a student can manage his timetable, his sport and service involvements and his extra-curricular activities, he has found the position to generate personal bonds and to be influential. Obviously, this is most difficult for boys entering secondary school, having to deal with six-period days, bells running on a to-the-minute schedule, and having to contend with men six years older and twice their size in the corridors.

These Year 7 boys were obviously quite awestruck on their first day of school, and although the feeling has somewhat subsided, it is still apparent that they are captivated by the opportunity Scotch presents to them. The boys are now thrust into endless groups and clubs where they can try to find their personal niche. It’s a great way to bond, to meet new people and to find talents. Indeed, all people involved with Scotch, and not just the new boys, are presented with so many openings that are unavailable in other school environments.

Ultimately we choose what opportunities we take, although this is heavily reliant on those chances we are provided with. Here at Scotch we are guided very well, and presented with and led in activities by exceptional staff with our fullest participation encouraged. Taking our chances here at School and challenging ourselves to try something new is what schooling is all about, and it is how students here benefit most.

Year 7 is a great time to try something new because it’s expected that the boys need a helping hand. They are given additional direction because everything they contend with here is new to them.

But by no means is trying something new confined to newcomers. Each of us can find a new fondness by creating a chance for ourselves, leaving our comfort zone and trying something new. There are countless theories on change, each positive spin having its equivalent antithesis. But what’s wrong with change that can be undone without commotion? Change might find us a new passion, a new adventure and a new perspective.

TV advertisements don’t often have much influence on me, but one particular Emirates tag line does linger with me: ‘When was the last time you did something for the first time?’.

Andrew Bubb
School Captain