Scotch College

From the Principal

Boys move into new Music School

It was with huge excitement and anticipation that boys moved into the new Music School on 27 May. Suddenly life was breathed into the imposing structure of brick and glass that has been crafted over the past 18 months or so. There was almost palpable enthusiasm for this much needed improvement to the teaching facilities for over 700 instrumental students.

Teachers and students alike were displaying obvious appreciation for their new environment, which has emerged after several years of consideration, planning, fund-raising and building.

Stage One of the James Forbes Academy for Music, Drama and Communication has provided our musicians with facilities for learning, rehearsing and performance that have already drawn high praise from those who have been able to visit and inspect it. The detailed planning that went into making the best use of each space, giving attention to acoustics, technology, accessibility and practicability, has been handsomely rewarded and an outcome of outstanding quality has resulted.

It is most satisfying to observe the overwhelmingly positive responses of all who are able to use it. This was summarised for me when a year 12 student, emerging from a practice lesson, said of the building: 'I don't know of anyone who doesn't think it is really wonderful'. Our reward will be in seeing large numbers of students, over many generations, benefiting from the opportunities that these new facilities provide.

A huge debt of thanks must be expressed to all who contributed to the realisation of Stage One of the James Forbes Academy.

The generosity of numerous donors to the Foundation's fund raising campaign enabled the school to build Stage One as planned, on schedule and on budget.

The challenge now facing the Council of Scotch is the completion of the whole project, which will meet the school's needs for the efficient teaching, rehearsal and performance of music and drama. The addition of drama teaching and rehearsal spaces and the creation of a theatre and a music auditorium will greatly enhance the effectiveness of these elements of our program - within and beyond the teaching curriculum.

The availability of two venues large enough to seat up to two year-level groups of students will be an enormous benefit to the whole school, for assemblies, large scale presentations, lectures, and much more. And the complex will allow us to enhance our efforts to develop communication skills for all Scotch students.

In addition, there will be a significant opportunity for outside groups to use the academy in a way that will benefit the school and the wider community.

Throughout its long and distinguished history, Scotch has benefited from an enormously supportive school community. The contribution by members of Council, acting as Directors of Scotch College, the generosity of former students, current and past parents and friends of the school, the skills and commitment of talented teaching staff and the exuberance and enthusiasm of Scotch boys all combine to create a remarkable and thriving educational establishment. We look forward to a large attendance of members of this great Scotch Family at the official opening of James Forbes Academy, Stage One, on 8 August.

Dr F.G. Donaldson