Scotch College

Great feedback for OSCA as centenary looms

More than 1,300 Old Boys have responded to an OSCA survey.

MR RICHARD BEVERIDGE (’62)

In late December 2011 and January 2012, more than 1,300 Old Boys completed an OSCA centenary survey questionnaire. The majority of survey responses – over 1,000 – came from those who completed the survey on-line. The balance completed the questionnaire which was included in the December issue of Great Scot.

The sample provides a healthy representation of all age groups, from those who left in the late 1930s to those who left last year. It is encouraging, given the aims of the study, to find that many Old Boys have seen fit to give robust critical advice and opinions.

The aim of the survey was to provide thoughts, opinions feedback and data to help OSCA plan future activities, events and services. The study is extensive in its reach and coverage of relevant topics; however, we have extracted a few significant findings for readers’ interest.

How you feel about OSCA

This survey opened with a brief examination of attitudes towards OSCA. The overwhelming view from this sample of Old Boys is that ‘OSCA does a good job of keeping past students informed and involved’. In total, 89 per cent agree with this statement (with 54 per cent agreeing strongly).

Clearly, OSCA is rated positively in most respects by the greater majority of past students who took part in the study, and this view carries generally across Old Boys of all ages. However, the learning here is that many OSCA activities and initiatives, beyond reunions and dinners, are less well known.

How you feel about Scotch

This examination of the attitudes or perceptions of Old Boys to Scotch involved a battery of 15 statements, and a measurement of reactions on a standard five-point agree/disagree scale.

Agree strongly – Agree a little –, Unsure –Disagree a little – Disagree strongly

As the data emerging from this study show, the unchallengeable and dominant core values are that Scotch:

• • has a history to be proud of
• • provides an excellent education
• • has a culture which encourages high standards, and
• • promotes active involvement across a broad well-rounded base of activities.

What we’re already doing as a result of the survey findings –

Actions already taken by OSCA as a result of the survey:

• • promoting the history and traditions of the school through all communication
• • developing a brochure to send to every member of the Scotch Family, to outline what OSCA is and what OSCA does – the brochure included with this edition of Great Scot
• • informing the Scotch Family that OSCA annually nominates five members of the School Council
• • relaunching the OSCAnet website and creating an OSCA Facebook page to help the OSCA communications process
• • creating a series of events and activities to celebrate OSCA’s centenary in 2013
• • conducting a centenary membership drive, and
• • developing the Life Transitions mentoring and care programme.