Scotch College

Challenge and excitement as indigenous program develops

The academic program for the indigenous boys in the senior years – in which Nathan Djerrkura, Cyril (Junior) and Stewart Rioli are currently participating – is becoming more challenging and quite exciting. Nathan is working hard towards completing his VCE this year. His undoubted skill in art has been well recognised within the School and beyond, and he is performing well in the subjects of Studio Arts and Design Technology. Mr Robert Papuga and Mr John Flynn have worked with Nathan to guide him through this year, as he joins the Year 12 cohort in preparing for the regular assessments in these subjects and for the final examinations.

Nathan has also eagerly taken on the English course under the guidance of Mrs Marnie O’Bryan, and Physical Education with Mr Andrew Argent. Mrs Pauline Westmore has been an active tutor, helping him with decisions great and small. Clearly, Nathan’s love of football has given him a focus outside the classroom, but as the season has now finished and the athletics season heralds the impending conclusion of the VCE year, academia has become the focus. As with all Year 12 students, Nathan has the support of his teachers, the boarding staff, his family and the many friends he has made at Scotch to help him through the challenges that confront him before the end of the year.

Cyril (Junior) Rioli is completing his second year at Scotch and has also settled into the School as a second home. He is at ease with his peers and working hard to complete Year 11 to a good standard. Their first impression was of a BIG school, but Junior says they quickly felt at home. ‘It’s a really good set-up. The other boys were helpful and supportive, and that was important because it’s so different to home. It was hard leaving home, but I have adjusted well.’ Mr Scott Armour, Mr Hunter McWhinney and Mr Mark Mason have been among a number of teachers to guide Junior through his academic year, and he has handled his subjects well as he continues to make across-the-board progress.

Mrs Heather Lacey is the pastoral care tutor for both Junior and Stewart Rioli, and also teaches the boys English. They are adjusting well to Scotch’s expectations, and we very much look forward to them completing their VCE next year. Stewart has added much to the indigenous program this year, as he has quickly built up a tremendous friendship base and related with ease to the boys in the classroom and the senior football group. Stewart is studying Design Technology, Geography, English, History and Physical Education. ‘My favourite subject is Design Technology,’ he says.

The boys have had to come to terms with different football training methods from those they were used to at home – and they have trained and played in much cooler conditions than in the Top End. ‘Everyone is taller and it’s much colder!’ Junior remarks. Stewart adds: ‘I don’t mind the cold, because you don’t sweat as much as in Darwin. Training is different here. There is more tackling and hard running.’

The program has so far been successful, largely due to the character and gregarious nature of the boys involved. While the culture, academic expectations and teaching styles are vastly different from the boys’ previous experience, they have all adapted rapidly to the ways of Scotch College and have added value to the community and the education of others along their exciting and impressive journey.

Chris Appel
Head of Year 8