Scotch College has a fine tradition of innovation. We question norms. We do not apply tired solutions to new problems. As a result of a recent community consultation regarding our existing infrastructure, it became obvious that new sports facilities are vital for Scotch’s future. However, the College Council and Leadership Team decided that any building project to address this need was to be more than just a pool and a gym. We challenged ourselves not just to replace old for new, but to dare to replace the old with the bold.

The most enlightened organisations in the world have discovered that the wellbeing of their people is not only good in itself, but makes a profound difference to the satisfaction, performance and achievements of their employees.

Scotch has been at the forefront of wellbeing research and implementation in South Australia for 15 years. During that time, the College has seen exponential growth in its enrolments, increasing achievement in academic results taking it to fourth place in the state in 2018. Scotch also boasts a record of achievements beyond the classroom which have enhanced the lives of young people and earned them skills, not just in Sport and Performing Arts, but also in Oratory, Service Learning, Global Awareness, Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility.

The Wellbeing and Sports Centre (a working title at this point) symbolises and enhances what makes Scotch College one of the most effective and high achieving schools in South Australia, if not the nation as a whole. Its facilities will not just include two new indoor courts, fitness suites and a swimming centre, they will also include classroom spaces, consultation rooms and breakout areas which will enhance our wellbeing offer for all year groups.

To support the College’s overall investment and take the facility from good to great, we need to raise $7 million through philanthropy. The remainder will be funded through borrowing, to be repaid through the College’s modest surplus earnings over a 10-year period.

Of critical importance to us, but somewhat unusually for most schools, this infrastructure development goes hand in hand with a brand-new educational program. It is not simply a new building or set of facilities.