Scotch College

From the Principal June 2001

From the Principal

I recently met an Old Scotch Collegian who is establishing in San Francisco a company which provides an Internet search engine. Each day he faces daunting issues in his 'dot-com' world of sophisticated technology and extreme commercial competition.

He recalled with fondness his time at Scotch, where the technical areas of mathematics and science were his forte. Yet his deepest appreciation was for being introduced to the humanities, where he retains an enduring fascination. The lessons learned through the humanities, he believes, are those that really matter and endure, for they deal with how we relate with one another. Even in today's world, with its digital sophistication and where current information on any topic is available at a few key-strokes, our ability to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life depends largely on how we function at the human level.

Schools face huge challenges to provide a curriculum that meets contemporary needs. The ability to read and write is but one aspect of literacy, a term which now embraces computing competency. Today's ideas of functional numeracy extend well beyond basic arithmetic tasks. Physical sciences are enhanced by biological and physiological ideas.

And in addition to a spiritual element, dealing with issues of eternal significance, a complete curriculum includes a significant humanities component; those branches of learning, such as languages and history, that investigate human ideas and concerns.

The enthusiastic response to the recent history tour, 'In the Steps of Monash', demonstrated the willingness of today's students to consider such issues. Before they departed each participant researched personal details of former Scotch students whose graves they would visit at Gallipoli or on the Western Front. The names recorded in the Memorial Hall became identities. The sense of sacrifice and personal loss was heightened, particularly where the fallen and the student were of similar age.

The lessons of the past, particularly the sense of patriotism and devotion to duty, and the awfulness of war were effectively conveyed by this simple, profound exercise.

The reports from those on this memorable trip have enriched us all. Hopefully they will serve to encourage everyone involved in Scotch's perennial quest to develop our students in all aspects of their being. It is a daunting task that demands and receives a many-faceted approach including our extensive services and sporting programs. However, with determination and support it is as much within the collective grasp of Scotch today as it has been throughout our 150 year history.

Dr F.G. Donaldson