Scotch College

"Theatre, Technology and Teaching"

School Bursar Neil Roberts tees off at the June Luncheon.

Vice Principal Ian Savage talks about the schools of tomorrow.

Vice Principal Ian Savage talks about the schools of tomorrow.School Bursar Neil Roberts tees off at the June Luncheon.There was a sense of the future and a nostalgic glance at the past at the June Luncheon. Scotch Vice Principal Ian Savage outlined the changes and challenges technology was presenting to the classroom.

The position of teachers was now changing rapidly, as the explosion of knowledge available through modern communications, made them facilitators rather than their traditional role. The extension of the classroom beyond the School boundaries has presented opportunities that did not previously exist. The difficulty of balancing the personal and wise guidance with this more remote introduction to learning is a new challenge. However the School continues in developing life skills and basic values despite the enormous pressure of a changing social environment. The encouragement of initiative and personal enterprise has become today even more important than ever

It was a theatrical performance of some calibre that Bursar Neil Roberts used to transmit his message of the physical requirements a School needs to maintain the present very high standards in a futuristic and rapidly changing world. As a 21st Century golfer he utilised the extreme elements of what has, and is becoming, a demanding reliance on technology. Again the relationship between teacher and pupil has to be connected to a School that has a 'smart' program of response. The requirements of buildings, classrooms and management systems for all aspects of the School need to be constantly updated as newer developments replace rapidly depreciating technology. No School can stand still in such a climate as the pace of change accelerates in an age of modern inventions. Scotch is well prepared to accept its role in this education evolution.

Neil prepared a humorous Gilbert and Sullivan parody to complete a memorable day. This was sung with great good humour and melody by the well attended, and well fed, Luncheon crowd

Geoff Bowden

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A walk down memory lane in May

It was a very well attended and fascinated May Luncheon crowd that enjoyed learning of OSCA's history from Jim Mitchell, the School Archivist. Introduced by President Rob Wilson, he outlined Jim's considerable and extensive background in historical research and his authorship of several books. The most pertinent being his recent publication of "A Deepening Roar", the history of our School.

From the early days of Scotch, sport was a major influence and the achievements among former boys were a source of connecting with each other and the School. Several clubs were constructed on these foundations.

Prior to incorporation in 1934 there had been an Old Scotch Club formed in 1895 which later became somewhat handicapped in obtaining young recruits when in 1906 legislation prevented under 21-year-olds from being served alcohol.

The genesis of OSCA as we know it today sprung from a meeting which was held in Hamilton led by W.H.Melville with fellow Old Scotch Collegians.

Frank Shew, J.W.Whyte and J.A.Seitz were among those who were also instrumental in its formation in those early days. So too was George Wood, who gave us the School Song and the School Anthem. He later died in 1917 at Passchendaele.

Under the Presidency of Sir Arthur Robinson OSCA was incorporated in 1934 and has since seen the formation of many Affiliated Societies, sporting and otherwise, sponsored by OSCA.

In recent years there has also been the extension of support for the School with the development of the 'Scotch Family' concept. The continuing close relationship of these two bodies has considerably increased the influence and opportunities to help the School. There is no doubt OSCA has been the driving force in representing the views of Old Boys to the School in recent times.

In answer to questions Jim indicated the most difficult part of writing the School's history was the period of conflict with the Church in the 1970s. This challenge being a major factor in bringing these two groups together

All present were very appreciative of Jim's address, being so relevant to the interests and ideals of those who attended. They also enjoyed an excellently presented meal at the revised and reduced pricing arrangements.

Geoff Bowden