Welcome to the last edition of The Thistle for this term and in the case of our Year 12 students the last copy in their schooling journey.
I know we seem to say this every year, but this term appears to have vanished before our very eyes. There is so much activity in this term and so much to celebrate that by the time we all look up the term is over. I would particularly like to thank and acknowledge our staff, both teaching and other for the amazing commitment and drive throughout this term. Likewise, thank you to all of the boys and their families for the enthusiasm and support for what we are trying to achieve both within and outside of the classroom.
While we pride ourselves on a broad co-curricular programme at Scotch, I think it was very fitting that last week provided us with some memorable highlights resulting from also prioritising quality teaching and learning at Scotch. On Wednesday 18 September we were treated to an exceptional showcase on the topic of Migration by our Year 5 boys. This was the culmination of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) showcase. The level of academic inquiry and learning represented through the boys' work was simply outstanding. On Friday 20 September we held the Middle Years Programme (MYP) showcase in the Dickinson Centre. For anyone who visited this display or for parents with boys who were involved in the showcase, I am sure they will agree that we were treated to an exceptional array of projects. The depth, diversity and quality of learning outcomes had to be seen to be believed. Congratulations to all staff involved in these events. They are the result of a genuine commitment to differentiated learning and rigour aimed at leading each boy through a journey of personal excellence. Finally, our Year 11 students commenced an important part of their academic journey with their examinations. I know we wish them well as they work through this challenging but rewarding part of their schooling.
As the term comes to a close please remember to keep the Year 12 boys and their families in your thoughts and prayers as they finish off their schooling at Scotch, and in many cases face the rigour of the final examinations. As with every year I am confident that the boys have been prepared well by their teachers and all that remains is for them to apply a focussed and well-orchestrated revision programme over the coming weeks.
I would like to close by revisiting the start of this term. When we faced so many challenges at a time when we could apply no rational thought to the tragic events faced by two of our families, the Scotch community stood tall and proud. Thank you for supporting the Maslin and Norris families and our wider community when it was needed the most.
Remember to find time to relax with each other over the break and refocus on just how important family is to us all.
Best wishes and I look forward to returning next term.
Dr A J O'Connell
Headmaster
