Scotch College

Boarding Marketing - tours the countryside!

Boarding at Scotch College is rapidly moving out of the city to reach the hearts of rural families. As the School visits the countryside of rural South Eastern Australia, we are delighted with the warm and positive response we are receiving.

For two years now, boarding has been promoted at various country field days and events relating to rural families in southern NSW and country Victoria. Furthermore, of the 143 boarders this year, we now have 14 Weekly Boarders, as this area of boarding is becoming increasingly more popular.

Development Co-Coordinator of Boarding, Janie Williamson says 'It is amazing how thrilled country families are to see us out in the bush, visiting their area. We see the families who just haven't had time to get to Melbourne to see the school, or those who are 'shopping around' for schools, or we have visits from Old Boys, who are delighted that they can catch up on what's happening at the school'.

2002 has been an extremely busy year, starting in March, with visits to the Wimmera Field Days in Horsham and the 'Farmworld' Field Days in Warragul. As part of the marquee display, there is always an ergo rowing machine, to test the speed and skills of children (& those young at heart!) wishing to have a go.

A decision to attend the Bendigo Business Expo exposed the school to a good network of business people within the larger Bendigo District. A similar expo was held at Shepparton in August, where the School once again touched the people of the wider Goulburn Valley region. As these expos are proving to be a focal point for many rural business people, it is anticipated we will attend more in other areas in the future.

In July, in cold Bendigo conditions, we visited the Australian Sheep and Wool Show. This attracted a large number of rural people. The ever-popular sheep event at Hamilton, 'Sheepvention' followed soon afterwards, where the Scotch marquee held prominence outside, over other schools, which succumbed to internal sites!

The Henty Field Days, in southern NSW are next, in September, followed by the Elmore Field Days in October, which feature an 'Education' theme this year.

Families are accepting our invitation to visit the school and its boarding facilities at 'Scotch in Action' information afternoons, held on a Friday from 1.30pm - 3pm. These are generally held a week or so after a country event.

There have been some enjoyable pre-dinner drink gatherings held prior to the Scotch Family dinners in Deniliquin and Sale and a similar evening was held at the George Hotel, Hamilton during Sheepvention. These nights have given interested people the opportunity to meet past and present families, and have proved most successful.'It is most encouraging to be speaking with so many young rural families who are pleased to receive personal contact from a Boarding School such as ours. For many young country boys, boarding will give them a unique opportunity and an appreciation of both the city and country environments, whilst broadening their horizons' Janie said.