Scotch College

Researching the Old Boys

For the first time OSCA, through Research Expert, Richard Beveridge ('62), has embarked on a formal market research process involving Old Boys of Scotch. The aim of the research is to explore the opinions, thoughts, ideas and perceptions of Old Boys concerning OSCA, to evaluate some new ideas and possible initiatives, and to provide directional guidance in the development of proposed projects.

So far, the research process has involved an introductory series of exploratory focus group discussions, with a small number of Old Boys representing the years from 1979 to 1997. This broad span of leaving years has enabled the research to examine the progression and change in attitudes and thoughts of Old Boys as careers develop and as life evolves in other ways.

Specifically, this qualitative research stage has opened up discussion on issues relating to fundraising, the Annual Giving Programme, OSCA membership, and the Internet driven Networking proposal recently announced at the OSCA 150th Dinner.

One of the critical issues has been to understand how Scotch Old Boys see their role in relation to the school in the years after leaving and within this to examine the current and potential function of OSCA. Some Old Boys have a continuing connection with the school through its Affiliated Societies. Others continue their association once their own boys enter the school. For most, Annual and Year Group dinners and social functions provide a valuable avenue for connection.

The Networking initiative, currently in a broad feasibility and planning phase, is an exciting and contemporary concept and one which will maintain the Scotch reputation as a forward thinking and progressive school community.

As envisaged, the OSCA Network will provide current students and Old Boys with an online resource for career advice through an Old Boys' mentoring system, as well as an up-to-date global networking directory of Old Boys.

OSCA researcher Richard Beveridge

Doubling up on Scotch celebrations

Were you at Scotch's 100 Year and 150 year celebrations?

With Scotch's 150th celebrations winding up, Great Scot is interested in hearing from Old Boys, their wives and any other members of the Scotch Family who attended functions to mark the school's Centenary in 1951 and the Sesquicentary in 2001.

Perhaps, as a young Old Boy, you were at the Old Boys' Dinner in 1951 and, as a not-so-young Old Boy, in 2001.

You may have been in the audience at the Foundation Day Concert in both years. Or were you at the Centenary Dinner and the Dinner on the Main? Did you take part in both Torch Relays?

If you have any photographs of yourself at functions in both years, send them to The Editor of Great Scot, Scotch College, Morrison Street, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122 and we will publish them in the first issue of next year's Great Scot.