As a college we are very fortunate to participate in activities and programmes that both enhance and enrich our boys. The current couple of weeks may well prove to be seminal in the history of our College. For our young boys coming through the College it is critical that they understand what may lie ahead and in doing so set some aspirational goals.
I am writing this Thistle having just returned from spending a couple of days with our Year 9 and 10s who have just commenced their two week live-in academic extension programme at Stanford University. This is the first time Stanford have hosted an Australian College in their summer school programme and the first time where the two week programme has been written specifically for a single school. Today (Aug 12) I sampled three courses - Architectonics, Intuitive Problem Solving and Introduction to Game Design. Each experience left me desperately disappointed knowing that I was not staying for the whole two weeks and that I was missing out on something very special.
Over the ensuing two weeks our boys will attend courses in Physical Education and Nutrition, Endocrinology, Mathematical Explorations, Compassionate Leadership, Decision, Leadership and Negotiation, Investigations in Engineering and Creative Writing. The academic programme will be supplemented and dovetailed with visits to The Canton Arts Centre, Monterey Field Trip, Apple Campus, Digital Anatomy Laboratory and a series of Stanford Campus tours. The boys will have to engage in journal writing and presentations. The programme is being delivered by leading Stanford lecturers and others engaged by the University's summer school.
What was really encouraging was the feedback from the course coordinator after two days. The level of participation, quality of knowledge and type of thinking exhibited by the boys has already drawn the attention of the staff. The fact that we are an IB World School also drew particular attention. One lecturer said to the boys that if you simply do your standard curriculum and the basic requirements of most state based programmes you will not get into Stanford. They look for students who have clearly gone beyond the confines of the basic school curriculum.
This gives me great solace that offering the three IB programmes and both curriculums at Scotch in Year 11 and 12 will give our students the option to pursue difference.
Some families may have heard about the Khan Academy. I came across this five years ago in the USA when it was very much a fledging organisation. Dr McEwan and I were very fortunate to be given a private tour with the Academy's senior staff today (12 Aug). The Khan Academy offers free online tutorials in an array of subjects. They are funded through philanthropic support and engage in no paid advertising revenue. Without an invitation to visit the Academy one would not expect to find them in the Silicon Valley. It is an example of where a simple idea to help his niece, coupled with passion has resulted in an amazing outcome. If families are interested they can visit https://www.khanacademy.org/.
My hope is that we will be able to find some ways to engage with them as we evolve our pedagogical strategies and respond to an ever increasing demand for flexible learning options. What is important is that this increased flexibility will not compromise our strong physical presence as a college with an already growing academic programme and an extensive co-curricular and sporting programme. It will merely enhance our strategy to increase individualised educational opportunities to allow every student to reach their potential.
If Stanford and the Khan Academy weren't enough, today I received an online news item that was reported in USA Today media outlet quoting our School Captain Oliver Heath, speaking about what it is like to be performing in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. These two events are miles apart and yet share a common philosophical goal of our College; the provision of a truly authentic international education. Both experiences involve performing and being benchmarked on the world stage. The feedback from the organisers has already identified our boys as incredibly well prepared and professional.
The other correlation is the commitment of our staff to put in the work required to deliver these experiences and role model why an international focus is critical. Fortunately being an IB World School and a member of Round Square group of schools ensures that an international focus is now part of our DNA and curriculum.
In the morning (Aug 13) I fly to Edinburgh to be with our boys at the Tattoo. I know for me that this is a once in a lifetime moment and cannot even begin to imagine how I will feel as I witness our boys march out onto the parade ground on 17 August.
By the time this edition hits the printing press, we should know the final outcome of the PSA winter programme. Our teams in Soccer, Rugby and Hockey have had a stellar PSA Winter. Notwithstanding the final outcome I would like to congratulate all of the boys for their performance in the PSA Winter sports programme and thank all staff and coaches for their commitment to our College.
The activities I have reflected upon in this Thistle need to be seen as end points of our strategic focus on graduating students into a global community. Upcoming school based activities such as the MYP and PYP exhibitions are further examples of this.
I look forward to sharing some of these experiences in person on my return.
Have a great fortnight.
Dr Alec O'Connell
Headmaster
