Annual Appeal - Moray is turning 40
Headmaster's Blog
Last week families of the College would have received a letter from me introducing this year's Annual Appeal. I therefore thought I would use this week's edition of the Thistle to bring the importance of this invitation to the fore.
Geography and history enthusiasts may already be aware that Moray is a local government council area in Scotland, one of 32 councils actually. For us though, and for a large number of our OSC, Moray is our Outdoor Education campus just out of Dwellingup, one hour south of our main campus here in Swanbourne.
Although the Scottish connection may be enough to appease interest into why the College has called this property Moray there really are deeper, stronger ties.
Many of you may have heard of Kurt Hahn. Hahn was a German educator who made significant contributions to experiential education and if you have ever had to endure any of my Why Scotch College addresses you already know how highly I regard the notion of real-world, experiential learning in the development of character and intellect.
Hahn played a decisive role in founding several educational institutions and programmes, including:
- Stiftung Louisenlund: A foundation in Germany.
- Schule Schloss Salem: A private boarding school in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
- Outward Bound: An organisation focused on outdoor education and personal development.
- Duke of Edinburgh's Award: A youth achievement program.
- United World Colleges (UWC): Hahn established the first UWC, Atlantic College, which is part of a global network of schools.
In addition, and most significantly, Hahn founded Gordonstoun School. Gordonstoun is a co-educational independent school located in Moray, Scotland. It is named after the 150-acre estate owned by Sir Robert Gordon in the 17th century, which now serves as the school's campus. With around 500 full boarders and approximately 100 day pupils aged 5 to 18, Gordonstoun offers a unique educational experience. Notable alumni include Prince Philip, King Charles III, and even rock musician David Bowie's son, Duncan Jones.
Hahn's educational philosophy emphasised experiential learning and challenging experiences. His ideas continue to influence international education and programs like Round Square, an international organisation that Scotch College proudly belongs to as we do with Outward Bound and The Duke of Edinburgh Award and the relatively new Ignite Awards.
With this long-winded introduction, I simply wanted to speak of the importance of Moray in our community and the role the property plays in allowing us to develop well-rounded young men prepared for the uncertainty of tomorrow.
We are blessed to call this part of the world home and a benefit of this is the exceptional education young people are afforded, largely irrespective of the school they attend. What makes Scotch College different is our commitment to the development of the whole child. We remain appreciative of the fact that the definitions of post-secondary success are thankfully broadening and that irrespective of the journey ahead for our graduates, certain skills will have 'prepared them for life' and so much of this preparation needs to happen outside of the classroom, away from the competing priorities of busy inner-city life in an environment that is housed in nature and provides time for reflection, solitude and even a good degree of challenge. All of which will develop a young person's sense of self, resilience, empathy, teamwork, communication a simple belief in the principle of hard work and gratitude for this amazing life they have.
Moray provides the setting for this meaningful, and very necessary, part of the education journey. My hope is that you share my views.
Brad Gill
Acting Headmaster
