Scotch College

The concept of doors opening is very consistent with Scotch's approach, where the quality opportunities, enhanced by quality teachers and facilities, mean that many doors may be experienced during a student's time at the College.

Opening the door to let the future in

In his novel The Power and the Glory Graham Greene writes "There is always one moment in childhood when a door opens and lets the future in."

Education deals in futures - preparing our young people for their futures, endeavouring to equip them with the skills and values that will enable them to become useful, happy and contributing adults. Greene's concept of a moment of time when the future begins for an individual is an exciting and challenging one, and seems to find a resonance in adults with whom I have discussed it.

The idea captured the imagination of some who were attending the annual reunion of the Brisbane branch of the Old Scotch Collegians and the Scotch Family. Those at one table spent some time discussing their experiences and had little difficulty identifying their 'one moment in childhood'.

Features of the 'moment' seem to be that it is unlikely to be recognised at the time as having the significance that later becomes apparent, and that each person's experience is unique to him or herself. Some may identify their moment as when a meeting with someone, or a period of work experience, or the introduction to a new subject or teacher, or the interest or intervention of a friend or relative led to a realisation that shaped a future.

Perhaps the moment for Drew Ginn ('92), Olympic Gold Medal winner in the coxless fours (Oarsome Foursome) in Atlanta and twice World Champion, was when his Boarding Housemaster suggested that he might give rowing a try, thereby unlocking a hugely successful international rowing career.

Perhaps Geoffrey Chu's moment was when he transferred to Scotch as a boarder in the belief that he might be able to pursue more effectively his interest in Mathematics. Geoffrey's progress, masterminded by our Head of Mathematics, Dr Michael Evans, has been little short of phenomenal, as evidenced very recently by his becoming the best ever Australian performer in the International Mathematics Olympiad, when he was the fourth placed individual in the contest against the best young mathematicians from 80 nations. That Geoffrey is currently in Year 11 makes the quality of his achievement all the more remarkable.

While many might wish it were otherwise, experience demonstrates that it is foolish to attempt to orchestrate a student's future. The wise approach would be to ensure that our young people are given as wide-ranging a set of experiences as possible. Clearly the provision of experiences is in no way exclusively the prerogative of any school, and indeed many look gratefully to the influence of a family member on the development of their future. Nonetheless, Scotch has a stated commitment to 'impelling boys into experience' in the firm and oft-proven belief that this is in their best long-term interests. This notion lies behind this school's extraordinarily extensive program, within and beyond the formal curriculum.

At present, Scotch students may choose from 23 different sports, nine service activities and a huge additional program of music, drama and other activities. Year 12 students may select their VCE course from 30 different possible study areas, a number that will be expanded in 2000 with the introduction of Information Technology-Systems, Design and Technology and our first Vocational Education and Training (VET) course in Sport and Recreation. Psychology is being introduced at Year 11 next year. These additions reflect Scotch's determination to provide a selection of courses that best meets the needs of the wide range of abilities and interests of our student body.

The concept of doors opening is very consistent with Scotch's approach, where the quality opportunities, enhanced by quality teachers and facilities, mean that many doors may be experienced during a student's time at the College. The extent of our investment in facilities, personnel and programs makes it clear that our commitment to provide an excellent education in all its fulness is a very serious one. The experience of the school over many generations demonstrates its value and effectiveness.

Dr F G Donaldson
Principal