Scotch College

Smooth sailing

Paul Runting

2004 has started well. In the Middle School, encompassing Years 7, 8 and 9, we have approximately 700 boys. Of these boys, 208 are new to Year 7, five are new to Year 8 and 27 are new to Year 9, 19 of those being new boarders.

We have a specific program at Scotch that undertakes the transition of the students from Year 6 to Year 7. This involves Peer Support Leaders in Year 11 working with small groups of boys every Friday. The class structure at Year 7 with the teaching teams is also a valuable part of the transition process. Added to this is the Year 7 Scotch at Cowes camp where the boys have been attending in their class groups for a week at a time, participating in such activities as sailing, body surfing and a range of beach activities.

The new boys in Years 8 and 9 are assigned a mentor and attend sessions explaining the processes and culture of the school, which is greatly appreciated by the students.

All the students have settled in well to the busy running of Scotch life. The House summer sports day and House swimming event gave many boys the chance to participate, and many boys in Year 9 'enjoyed' the physical and mental challenge of the 24-hour hike.

I have been pleased with the smooth start to the year in the Middle School and look forward to the many opportunities and challenges that will present themselves to the Middle School boys as the year unfolds.

Paul Runting
Head of Middle School