Scotch College

A total education

The Junior School Captain for 1997 is Richard Janko with David Heaton and Campbell Johnston assisting him as Vice Captains. All three boys began their time together at Scotch in Preps.

The names of School and House leaders were announced at the end of last term by the Headmaster, Mr Nowacki and badges were presented to the boys by Dr Donaldson.

Other leaders are: Music Captain, John Cade; Bradshaw House, Christopher Riddell (Capt), David McIntosh (Vice); Campbell House, James Barton (Capt); Alistair Boughton (Vice); Healey House, James Munro (Capt); Dylan Best (Vice); Waller House, Timothy Keck (Capt); Cameron Sim (Vice).

As leadership is considered very important, a wide range of opportunities exist at all levels in the school, for boys to accept responsibility and to take on leadership positions. All Year 6 boys are regarded as senior boys, and have important roles to play.

Inventors come alive

As part of the Access Unit Extension Programme, a group of Year 6 boys accepted the challenge to undertake a study of a famous inventor. This involved extensive research on personal characteristics, life history, and the scientific theory behind each invention. Each boy needed to know his inventor so well that he could become the person in an interview situation. The boys were also given the opportunity to interview an expert in their particular field of interest to gain a more detailed understanding.

The information obtained was presented in a written report along with diagrammatical representations and a model of the invention. As a culmination to the study, the boys portrayed their inventor in period costume and gave an audience of boys, parents and special guests, the opportunity to ask questions.

The inventors were: Sir Isaac Newton (Paul Battlay); Sir Humphry Davy (James Laird); Thomas Edison (James Barton); Galileo Galilei (Paul Leong); Sir Alexander Fleming (Jamie McKay); Alexander Graham Bell (Hayden Gyles); Marie and Pierre Curie (Tom Nickson); Albert Einstein (David Heaton).

Our Year 3 boys began Term Two wearing the upper primary winter suit uniform for the first time. Many comments have been made about how smartly turned out they are every day.

The pride in the Scotch uniform is seen in their faces. This reflects the importance that Scotch places on a neat appearance, good manners and self discipline.

The challenge for all boys is to remember that the way they wear their uniform, and their behaviour and willingness to maintain standards represents their commitment to the school and its place in the community. In this regard the Year 3 boys are setting a very high standard.

Building a Christian Base

The development of a firm base of Christian morals and principles upon which to build their lives is an integral part of daily life for the boys at the Junior School. Christian education is seen as a most important aspect in providing a 'total education'.

School Chaplains Graham Bradbeer and John Buchanan visit the Junior School on a regular basis to develop these Christian principles by encouraging the boys to reflect them in their own lives.

In addition to this, school assemblies and classroom programmes follow up and develop these themes.

Many boys are also encouraged to participate and lead in a variety of chapel services held throughout the year.

Debating - should Scotch become co-ed?

Inter-House debating was introduced as a Junior School activity this year. Team places were keenly contested, as boys from years 4, 5 and 6 were eligible to participate.

The competition debates spanned a two week period to choose the finalists and included topics such as, 'Our childhood years are our best,' through to 'Zoos should be abolished' and that 'Scotch should become Co-ed!' (Old Boys will be pleased to hear the negative team had a convincing win!)

In the final, the Healey team consisting of Richard Janko, Christopher Swan and Michael Katz, proved too strong for the Waller team, comprised of Nicholas Cheng, Charles Cowling and Glen Sunderland.

All the debates were adjudicated by Year 12 boys who gave up their time to comment on the speeches.

The exercise proved to be most enjoyable and worthwhile for all concerned and it is hoped this will become an annual event.