Scotch College

From the Principal

The importance of communication

A great deal is written about the importance of communication and all of us have, at one time or another, experienced the perils created by inadequate skills in this area. Within the classroom Scotch identifies communication as a 'generic skill' to be developed through deliberate curriculum approaches, and much interesting and creative work is done at several year levels.

As with many elements of educational importance, what happens outside the classroom can be at least as effective as the formal timetabled program. Communication is no exception, and numerous activities, such as debating and public speaking, are particularly valuable.

Three recent events, however, have given this thrust an extraordinary boost.

Scotch's first Literature Festival, held in August, was wonderfully successful, and involved every boy from Prep to Year 12. Junior School students prepared an outstanding display including each boy's writing, which formed a rich backdrop for several well-known authors of children's books who visited to speak to and work with the students.

The Senior School program saw thirty-eight contemporary writers presenting one hundred and ten workshop sessions over five days to boys from Year 7 to Year 12. Each year level had a

day devoted to the festival, and workshops were augmented by groups of performers and entertainers.

The festival extended beyond students with three events aimed at and enthusiastically supported by parents. The entire festival was a great celebration of the written word, with boys being excited to meet authors whose work was familiar and to have the opportunity to discuss with them the processes, challenges, difficulties and rewards of producing finished work to their own satisfaction.

In addition to the excitement of meeting celebrities, boys have indicated that they have learned much of value to their own efforts to write. Many expect that, as a result of the festival, they can become better writers, and the festival has had an invigorating impact on the whole school.

Another impressive event was the Senior drama production: 'Visions Through Time, a coloured perspective'. It explored the people, culture and history of Scotch, Melbourne and indeed Australia as they related to the school's foundation and growth over one hundred and fifty years. The script, musical score and songs were all specially written by a team of Scotch staff.

In addition to admiring the exceptional acting and musical talents of the performers, audiences at the National Theatre appreciated how our history had been so effectively communicated through the medium of drama.

To continue the theme of communication, a basic tenet of Christianity is that almighty God has expressed his love to his creation through the life, death and resurrection of His Son. This message was central to this year's 'Mission - a faith odyssey' where, during the final week of Term 2, a team of visiting speakers and musicians challenged boys to examine and consider for themselves the claims of Jesus Christ.

Each of these special events contributed not only to this year's celebrations but also to the educational enrichment of all students. We have rejoiced as our understanding and appreciation of the power of communication, in whatever form, have grown. It is gratifying to see that 2001 has been, and will continue to be, a great year for Scotch in so many different ways.

Dr F.G. Donaldson