 It is both a great privilege and pleasure to lead Scotch College, one of South Australia's pre-eminent co-educational independent day and boarding schools. It is a school firmly committed to providing a holistic education that offers every student every opportunity to develop their own special talents. Meeting individual needs is our number one priority.
Scotch College very successfully creates a culture of friendliness, respect for all members of the community and high expectations. My commitment is to ensure high standards of performance, behaviour and interpersonal skills.
I want Scotch students to:
-
be life-long learners;
-
be passionate in what they do;
-
be risk-takers and look at things differently;
-
be able to solve problems and think critically;
-
be able to work independently and with others;
-
care and give something back to the community;
-
demonstrate perseverance, integrity and moral courage; and
-
most importantly truly enjoy their life and work.
To me these are the real goals of education. But overlaying all of these desired qualities I want my students to get along with and respect each other, irrespective of background.
At Scotch we believe in small class sizes and small sub-schools of students in Preschool, Junior School, Middle School and Senior College, all aligned with a very strong pastoral support system. Our boarding numbers are restricted so that personal care can be provided within a family atmosphere.
We are proud of the depth and breadth of our extensive curriculum; a curriculum that has the ability to extend to the very able while also providing assistance for the less able.
Information Technology is integral to our curriculum delivery and over the past fifteen years a very successful and effective student laptop computer program has evolved.
Our co-curricula program is exceptional, providing challenging and enjoyable activities such as Drama, Debating, Film-making, Dance, Outdoor Education, Music and Visual Arts and complements our extensive range of sports.
The Scotch ethos is founded on Christian values, a balanced all-round education, and respect for each other. The outstanding support provided by teachers, parents and the wider Scotch community ensures that students prosper in body, mind and spirit.
I extend to you a warm welcome to come and experience life at Scotch.
Tim Oughton
Principal
Background on the Principal Mr Tim Oughton
Tim Oughton is a fifth generation teacher, he comes to Scotch College from Scots College in New Zealand he says "teaching is in his blood". He is a University of Canterbury graduate in science and maintains a passion for teaching.
His experience in education - both as a student and a teacher - spans around fifty years and his teaching career began at Christchurch Boys' High. He has also held positions at the Central Southland College, Rangiora High School, St Andrew's College and the Christchurch College of Education, where he was head of secondary science. Tim was the first person to complete a Master's Degree in Science Education at the University of Canterbury (which he achieved with distinction). He has also completed work towards a PhD investigating the impact of curriculum changes on teachers' performance and attitudes.
Tim Oughton has been involved in national curriculum overviews and scholarship exam reviews in New Zealand. He is a keen sportsman and firmly believes that students need to have a well-rounded, happy experience at school so they can learn independently, develop resilience, confidence and maturity.
He was convinced to cross the Tasman and come to Scotch College by the breadth of the curriculum offered by the school, the way it embraces technology, its outdoor education activities and the opportunities it opens to students.
Tim Oughton experienced his first year at Scotch College not only as the Principal but also as a Senior College parent. His son Sam completed Year 12 at Scotch College in 2007.
|
|
|
