Scotch College

Staff in the spotlight Ben Marr

Many years from now, when you are no longer teaching, what are the Scotch memories you will reflect on to warm your heart?

When I was a student here at Scotch, any time that we beat Xavier at footy was something memorable. I can’t recall it happening too often.

In terms of teaching, I am always happy when a boy takes a risk and tries to solve a problem himself instead of asking for help or clarification straight away. And it’s even better when he then wants to share his discoveries with the rest of the class.

When you are on duty in the playground, you come across injuries from time to time. It is always heartening to see the boys stop their game and help the hurt boy.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Robert Doyle, my Year 12 English teacher, used to espouse the line that hard work is its own reward. To me, the emphasis on a good work ethic can be applied to all situations. Mr Doyle was an inspiring teacher and has obviously since had a diverse number of roles in the public eye.

Another good piece of advice was received from my dad, after I threw my bat having been run out when I was young. He asked me what others would have thought of my actions. I have always tried to think of the impact of my actions on others since then, and have never thrown my bat again (although I still manage to get run out from time to time).

What is your favourite corner of the school and why?

I like spending time up at the biodiversity garden, where the boys take great care in tending to the vegetables and native plants. It is rewarding to see them learning about how to look after the local environment. When you get up there, the ground staff are always happy to help out with advice or to help buy supplies. And at Gardening Club, Mr Stempel always finds a way to involve even the most unwilling gardeners.

Also, any time spent coaching cricket I find particularly enjoyable.

What did you do after you left school?

I initially studied urban planning. After three years of work at a number of councils, I took a break and became a camp leader on a summer camp in the US. It was there that I realised that I wanted a change of career path, so I came back and completed a Dip Ed. Interestingly, I received career counselling from OSCA, which proved invaluable. I can highly recommend this OSCA service.

I have been teaching since 2001. In 2009, I started work here at the Junior School and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience.

What do you like most about your job?

It is great working with fantastic colleagues, whose application to the task and dedication to the students’ development is first rate. Also, the facilities at Scotch are exceptional; we are so lucky, for instance, be able to use the James Forbes Academy for music and drama performances. In addition, the ovals are so well prepared –

I hope the boys realise how lucky they are.

What are some things that have changed from when you were a student at Scotch?

When I came back as a teacher in 2009, the biggest change for me was the development of the James Forbes Academy. I studied piano for a number of years when I was a student here. I remember having to go through a warren of corridors to find my room, and there certainly wasn’t a huge performance area in the old music school. Now the imposing James Forbes Academy accommodates a number of high quality rehearsal and performance areas.