Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education General Programme

In 2019 the Outdoor Education General programme was offered for the first time as a curriculum-based programme through the Physical Education Department. The course aims to develop an understanding of our relationships with the environment, others and ourselves.

The Outdoor Education General course is based on the experiential learning cycle. This cycle is made up of three stages: plan, do and review. Students plan and undertake a range of outdoor activities and develop knowledge and skills for participating safely. They learn to assess risk and identify and apply appropriate management strategies and emergency response procedures.

Year 11 students have been taught and assessed in snorkelling, roping, mountain biking and orienteering. The two compulsory expeditions included:

Rottnest Snorkelling Expedition

Boys looked into the best snorkelling sites and ran group sessions at specific locations depending on conditions. In preparation for the expedition, every student achieved their Bronze Medallion.

Munda Biddi Expedition

Students learnt bicycle mechanics and planned a route along the Munda Biddi Trail from Manjimup to Nannup, splitting the 87 kilometres into sections for small groups to lead and plot emergency evacuation locations. In physical preparation for the expedition, students organised spin and assault bike sessions.

This year, the inaugural group of Year 12 students learnt surfing, abseiling, canoeing and kayaking. The two compulsory expeditions included:

Caving and Abseiling Expedition

In preparation for this expedition students learnt general roping and climbing skills, and how to belay and abseil. Over three days students travelled to the Margaret River region and participated in adventure caving, abseiling and rock climbing in Golgotha Cave, Calgardup Pipe, Brides Cave and Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs. They developed their technical skills and applied appropriate practices to ensure safe participation.

Canoeing Expedition

Boys selected a suitable section of the Murray River, travelling from Murray Hut and paddling for three days, with everything that they needed, to the Scotch College Moray site. In preparation the boys learnt about moving water, rapids and how to canoe in the school pool. They led briefing and debriefing sessions and appraised their own and others’ leadership skills. Hypothermia was a significant risk factor with the cold-water temperature and weather conditions, which the boys successfully planned for, making it a very enjoyable expedition.

Mr Cas Gabriels

Curriculum Leader – Health and Physical Education

50 Mile Walk

The 34th annual 50 Mile Walk took place over the August long weekend, with Year 11 boys from Anderson, Shearer and Stuart Houses taking part in this unique challenge.

On the Thursday afternoon, 20 boys and a team of 11 staff departed Scotch College for Moray in Dwellingup. The night was filled with plenty of food, ice-breaker games and the traditional strapping of feet. Shaye Pett had the honour of reading No Sweat, by former staff member Greg Peck (OSC 1971), to the boys this year, and it was then that the enormity of the challenge started to sink in for the walkers.

At 3am on Friday morning, the walkers woke to the sound of Max de Nardi’s bagpipes blaring The Lion Sleeps Tonight. At 3.45am, bagpipes again filled the early morning sky to the tune of the school song and the walkers were on their way. Each hour, they were met by a team of support staff who transported their bags, water bottles and food. The group set a cracking pace early in the morning, with the support crew working hard to beat the walkers to each stop. At the stop near Stringers Campsite around 10am, they were greeted by two PLC nurses who kindly volunteered their time to support them. Many boys used this stop to get their feet re-strapped and to get rid of some layers of clothes as they headed towards the warmest part of the day.

The pace slowed up during the afternoon, yet spirits raised when they were met by over 20 parents at the dinner stop near Baden Powell around 4.30pm. Warm clothes and head torches were put on again, as the group started their final few legs. The completion of the 50 Mile Walk is always a special moment, with Max de Nardi bagpiping the walkers through the streamers and balloons to the cheers of parents and the support staff.

Twenty boys and four staff completed the 50 Mile Walk this year. A huge congratulations to all the boys who made the decision to take on this gruelling challenge. A massive thank you must go to the following staff who were involved: Lisa Evans, Nick Guard, Nick Warrington, Shaye Pett, Meg Baker, David Kyle, Prue Bermingham and PLC staff Audrey Lee, Phoebe Robinson and Nanette Smith.

Mr Scott Galipo

Mathematics Teacher

Mr Jordan Owenell Boarding

Year 12 students in Albany during their final leg of the Bibbulmun Track

It has been wonderful to be back at Scotch College and to re-engage with our community in a new role as Head of Boarding.

Having worked at Scotch College previously for almost 10 years as a Humanities teacher and Head of House, before moving into a boarding role at another school, it feels great to be back at Scotch and leading our vibrant boarding community. My family and I have felt warmly welcomed and have quickly set about integrating ourselves into the weekly routines of Boarding at Scotch.

It has certainly been an interesting time to be Head of Boarding recently! As we began Autumn Term back in April, there were immediate challenges for us to face as a boarding community due to COVID-19. Social distancing in a boarding environment is difficult at the best of times and the issue of weekend leave and recreation activities also had to be very carefully monitored. We stayed closely aligned with both WA health advice as well as national guidelines and, as WA started to move into Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the COVID-19 coronavirus: WA roadmap, we were able to ease some of our initial restrictions on students and families in our boarding environment which allowed for a few more smiles around the place! I have to say a big thank you to the boys and families for their patience and good grace during these trying times. A big thank you also to the Boarding staff for their adaptability and commitment.

It was great to see some important events come back into Boarding in Winter Term, especially our fortnightly Boarding Assembly in the Dining Room, which is our weekly affirmation of our community values. Boarding Assemblies have allowed us to include leadership speeches from our Year 11 boys for the role of Boarding Captain in 2021 and also our coveted SPIRIT Award, both of which were fantastic nights. Congratulations to Digby Cleland from Year 12, who is this year’s winner of the SPIRIT Award, and Brenton Macauley, our 2021 Boarding Captain. Throughout this term we have also been able to open up recreation activities, as well as reboot our Bibbulmun Track expeditions, with Years 7–11 all going away at some stage this term for a walk on the Bibby. Having walked with the Year 9 boys myself this year I can attest to just how important this programme is to our boarding community. Not only is the scenery breathtaking, encouraging a real respect for our environment, but the walk is very challenging and helps boys learn important life skills about supporting each other and showing resilience. There is also a fantastic sense of achievement at the end of the week.

As part of our ongoing strategic planning we have decided on a new structure for Boarding from 2021. This new structure is designed to closely align our Boarding Houses with our Middle and Senior sub-schools, which means that we will no longer have three Boarding Houses. The standalone Year 9 Residence will cease to operate at the end of this year as we move to having a Middle School Residence (Year 7–8) and a Senior School Residence (Year 9–12). The current Year 9

Year 8s on the Bibbulmun Track

Thomas Delroy, Year 12, Angus Johnston, Year 12, and James Holtham, Year 11, photograph: Claire Pelliccia

Senior students in the Keys House common area, photograph: Claire Pelliccia

Boarding facility will host other residential programmes for current and future families, such as holiday camps and accommodation during country week carnivals.

In 2021, Year 9 boarding students will reside in the Senior House as part of two new Year 9–12 vertical groups. A vertical system will allow for a boy’s Head of Residence to academically and pastorally track each student in their care over the duration of their time in the Senior School. This facilitates the forming of deeper relationships with each boy and their family. Each Head of Residence will have a House Parent and other staff to support them in their care of the boys. Dividing the Senior Residence into two groups from Year 9–12 will also encourage a stronger team approach to addressing common issues, whether they be behavioural or organisational.

Our staffing structure from 2021 will include three Heads of Residence who will work alongside the Head of Boarding. There will be a Head of Middle School Residence (Years 7–8) and two Heads of Senior School Residence (Years 9–12). We are very confident that the new structure for 2021 and beyond will enable Scotch College to continue to deliver best practice in Boarding for the students and their families. Because our new model is more closely aligned with the academic and pastoral care structures within each day school, we believe our students will be given the best opportunities to flourish.

One of the main focuses for me in this role is to get out to regional communities and visit families in their local areas. Over the remaining weeks and months of this year, our Boarding staff will be travelling throughout WA and we hope to engage with families as much as possible. In early September, the Headmaster and I visited the Wheatbelt, including families in Northam, Merredin and Dalwallinu. The Director of Admissions, Engagement and Communications David Kyle and I also met families in the Mid-West and Gascoyne regions in late September.

Resident Mentor Daniel Bentley with Sam McGinniss, Year 10, photograph: Claire Pelliccia

In late October we are visiting the Great Southern and taking our beloved Pipe Band down to the Katanning Agricultural Show; and in November we are visiting the South West’s Bunbury and Dunsborough. Please get in touch on +61 8 9460 6655 if you are in the area during those times, as we would be thrilled to connect with our Scotch families, past, present and future.

Captain Josh Keatch Athletics

When the news was announced that there would be a Public Schools Association (PSA) Athletics carnival this year, the boys were filled with excitement and determination to have a crack at our sixth Alcock Shield in the last eight years and to achieve the onerous three-peat.

The Scotch College Athletics season commenced in the July holidays with boys from Year 7 to 12 coming down three times a week to build fitness and strength for the shortened season that lay ahead. On the morning of what was to be a big day, Mr Doney gave an inspirational speech regarding the guts that had been displayed by the team in previous years and the effort that would be required on this day to succeed. With everyone full of adrenaline from these motivating words, the boys walked through a guard of honour provided by the Pipe Band, ready to give their all. Throughout the day, the boys in burgundy and gold competed hard, consistently filling up the top places in most events. Special mention goes to Reuben Westerman and Jaxon Hayden for competing despite their injuries and illnesses on the day. Although, in terms of guts, I cannot go on without mentioning the race from Kalib Dempster Park who, after being out for the last two weeks due to a hamstring issue, was unsure whether he would run. Yet, after being passed in the final 100 metres of his race, he showed pure resilience and fought back to claim the victory. This inspired the team and set an example of the team’s expectations, early on in the day.

We wrapped up a wonderful day of competing with several wins in the relays which secured our spot as first place overall. A big thanks goes out to all the specialist coaches that helped throughout the season in particular Mr Gale, Mr Foster and Mr Doney for organising the team and preparing us for the big day. It has been a true honour to run for Scotch College in Athletics over the years. I am sure that the younger boys will continue Scotch’s strong Athletics legacy in the years to come.

Captain Rory Bruce Badminton

The 2020 Badminton teams were distinguished by their development, efficacy and drive throughout the season. Whilst the Firsts began the season as one of the weaker teams, the tremendous growth from the athletes and brief reshuffle of members saw the group become stronger.

Having lost the first two fixtures, the team’s seventh and final member, Max Weir, had returned from his hiatus caused by a broken arm. In the following fixture, Scotch fought proudly against a muchimproved Trinity College. Within the singles portion of the day, the teams were tied 3–3, thanks to convincing wins from Tim Imison, Charlie Yin and Milan Narula. The subsequent doubles round proved effective. Max and Milan, as well as David Winton and myself, won after long-fought matches. This led to a strong morale boost for the team, and saw us achieve a pivotal win against Wesley College the proceeding week. After that there was a win against Guildford Grammar School.

The final match for the first half of the Baddy season displayed the age-long rivalry between Scotch and Christ Church Grammar School. Although Mr Foster fervently supported the team in the painstakingly long three-set matches that transgressed, the Scotch team was unable to beat Christ Church. Ultimately, a number of strong wins in the second half of the season coupled with a loss against Wesley, despite the team’s diligent efforts in training, solidified the team’s position of fourth on the ladder.

A special thanks to Mr Ryan Foster, Andrew Singh and Harrison Burt needs to be made due to their strong commitment to helping the team grow in training and the support given on match days. Their contribution to the Scotch Baddy team is beyond the expected duties of attending fixtures and training, and much of the team’s achievement can be attributed to the coaches’ efforts.

It has been a real honour to lead the team this year and I am confident that Scotch can perform well next year, especially with the Year 11 talent already in the 1st VI. Good luck to all teams in the 2021 season and beyond. Congratulations also to those Year 12 students who have supported Badminton over the past two years, it has been great to play with you.

Tim Imison, Year 11 (left), and Charlie Yin, Year 11 (right); Milan Narula, Year 11; David Winton, Year 12 (left) and Rory Bruce, Year 12 (right); photographs: Derren Hall

Captain Josh Keatch Cross Country

The Scotch Senior Cross Country team started the 2020 season with an astonishing round of fixtures. Filled with young talent and hardworking, persistent athletes, the team came away from the home and away fixtures with an almost-perfect race record of 6–1, falling short to Aquinas College in what was a close race.

This placed us second overall, due to a detrimental narrow win over long-time rivals Christ Church Grammar School in the final race. Our success in races is due to the amount of Year 7, 8 and 9 boys that came and ran with us after their usual Friday fixtures. Without them it would be a different story.

Furthermore, we illustrated our team values by putting on a show for the home crowd at the first Public Schools Association (PSA) All Schools race. With many injuries appearing throughout the team, we started to drop positions towards the end of the race. All boys ran tremendously well and whilst two of our top 15 runners, Jack Cook and Tane Hasler, were out from injury the team managed to come out on top and secure second place for one of Scotch’s best results for the year. Thanks to Mr Doney, the boys showed grit and resilience when finishing off the race, demonstrating that it is not legs that we run with, but the mind and the heart.

Josh Keatch, Year 12 (top); Oliver Knuckey, Year 7 (left); Reid Knox Lyttle, Year 7 (right); Cross Country All Schools race in Kings Park; photographs: Erica Lorimer

Captain Hamish Gooch Football

I think it is fair to say that the season could not have started any better. Our first game was a nail-biting four-point win over Aquinas College at home, followed by a tight win over the reigning premiers Hale School.

After displaying a high degree of team spirit and camaraderie on both occasions, it was evident that we had a special team. Our high-pressured intensity was a relentless force that surprised our opposition and put them on the back foot. After the first two remarkable wins, we soon found out that we would not play either Hale or Aquinas again due to the shortened season. As our confidence began to grow, standards were set as we appreciated that there were still another eight games left and it was crucial that we did not get ahead of ourselves.

The team cohesion between the two year groups was impeccable. The Year 12 group were always an undersized and undeveloped group of boys in the junior stages. We used to get beaten by most teams, but you could not fault the effort. As each season progressed, we would be faster, stronger and fitter but our competitiveness did not change. It did not matter who we were up against, we would never give up and this unrelenting attitude was contagious in the team and was a key driver in this year’s success.

The Year 11s slotted into the side perfectly. They were the slick outside players who provided run whilst the inside players competed hard for their teammates. The two year groups forged close friendships and you could back every player to give 100 per cent on the field at all times.

Our main goal this year was to try and improve at every training session throughout the season. “To control what we can control” was a message imprinted in our minds as we were encouraged to concentrate on one game at a time. This mentality and step-by-step approach meant that no opposition was underestimated as we knew that during the shortened season every game counted.

Overall on behalf of the boys, a huge thank you must be extended to Steve Malaxos, Mr Guard, Mitch Clarke, Mr Jahn, Mr Dwyer, Harry Sinclair, Justin Crump and Mr Bridle for their continuous support and guidance throughout the season. We are extremely grateful to you for taking the time out of your own lives to help us grow as players and we realise the end result would not have been possible without your constant dedication to the team. Your efforts did not go unnoticed.

Captain Max Shervington Golf

Greeted with perfect, benign conditions at our new location for this year, Seaview Golf Club Cottesloe, the Scotch Public Schools Association (PSA) team enthusiastically prepared to take on our fellow PSA schools in the annual tournament.

Due to COVID-19, some adjustments to the day’s scheduling and the nature of the competition’s play were required. All players teed off from the first hole, rather than a shotgun start as in previous years, which saw some nerves creep into the opening drives as the gallery of players and parents watched on.

The Scotch team, comprising of Will Gale, Cooper Stanley, Jack Tylich, Jurie Terblanche, Lachlan Simpson and myself, all thoroughly enjoyed the day, with Cooper scoring the lowest off the stick amongst our boys. There was great camaraderie amongst the players throughout the 18 holes.

Trinity College were the eventual winners; their combined lowest four scores won the day convincingly from the second and third place-getters. The lowest score of the day was recorded by a Trinity student – 74 off the stick.

Thanks to Seaview for accommodating this event for 2020 at short notice. If the putts did not drop, at least the views across to Rottnest took the players’ minds off things!

Final results

1st Trinity College 2nd Christ Church Grammar School 3rd Hale School 4th Scotch College 5th Guildford Grammar School 6th Aquinas College 7th Wesley College

Captain Max Freedman Hockey

Scotch’s Hockey teams embarked on their respective age-group competitions with great excitement. Historically, Scotch is one of the strongest Hockey schools in the Public Schools Association (PSA) and this was evident with strong seasons from the younger age groups. The Year 9s finished with two wins and two losses and the Year 8s won two and drew one.

The senior teams, including the Seconds and Thirds, had dominant seasons reflecting the depth of the senior boys. The Seconds recorded five wins and two losses, scoring 30 goals for and only six against. The Thirds, coached by Old Scotch Collegian Cameron Murie (OSC 2018), survived the season undefeated, conceding no goals against.

The Firsts started the season with anticipation; looking forward to working with new coach Andrew Mellor, a well-known coach in the hockey community who has coached state teams for over 10 years. Knowing the competition was strong and even, the task ahead to win the Ray House Cup was going to be very challenging. A strong first game against Aquinas College saw a 3–1 win, followed by a gruelling loss the week after to Hale School, which reminded the squad that no team is a walkover. A close 2–1 win against Trinity College saw the younger years adapt to the pace of the game and pressure of representing their school at the highest level. With the next three fixtures the toughest of them all, Wesley College, Guildford Grammar School and Christ Church Grammar School, the squad worked hard to improve on weaknesses evident in the games prior. A draw to Wesley, the Ray House winners, was arguably the greatest game we played, displaying heart and pride. However, close losses to Guildford and Christ Church saw us with a tough task to be in contention to win the cup.

Overall, the Firsts endured a tough season with marginal losses and many games that could have gone either way, rounding out the season with four wins, one draw and five losses. However, despite the results not showing the squad’s full potential, the boys came away with many lessons learnt and, with only five Year 12s departing, there is a strong chance of regaining the Ray House Cup in the years ahead.

A final thanks must go to coaches Andrew Mellor and Harry Paull, who were pivotal in the development and success of the team, and our manager, Kate Webster-Blythe, for her role on the bench and organising the boys week in, week out.

Captain Damian Haynes Rugby

The team started the 2020 Rugby pre-season with one common goal in mind. Win the Brother Redmond Cup and bring it home. No doubt the boys were eager to experience the feeling that so few do – winning the Public Schools Association (PSA) Rugby season.

Through pure enjoyment, sacrifice and pride, the 1st XV squad achieved this goal with exceptional game figures, going undefeated throughout the entirety of the season. However, this was not without the experiences the boys had of playing top tier rugby schools, Thornlie Senior High School and Rugby WA champion school, Aranmore Catholic College.

The start of the 2020 PSA Rugby season: game one against Hale School. A strong team. We knew this was a must-win, season-defining game. A game in which we could not fall short. The nerves were flying high with everyone in the changerooms before the game. After a nail-biting victory, the season was well and truly underway. We headed back to the drawing board to focus on how we would tackle our next biggest opponents, Trinity College and Christ Church Grammar School. With strong performances from the team, we were able to win these pivotal games that allowed some breathing space for the boys for the rest of the season.

The hard, long hours grinding in the gym and on the field saw the team grow both physically and mentally ultimately leading to our undefeated season victory in 2020 to regain the Brother Redmond Cup for the fifth time in six years. A massive credit goes to the coaches Mr Creighton, Mr Wood and Connor O’Sullivan, for the dedication shown throughout the season, inspiring the boys in ways words cannot describe. The relentless time and dedication the boys showed when on the pitch or in the gym was without doubt the hardest working team that I have been a part of. Fond memories grew throughout our reduced PSA season and the impact they had on the team is one that will not be forgotten.

The Rugby programme is one of the strongest sporting programmes at Scotch College, and I encourage all boys considering it as a Sport to join. The friendships you will form will last a lifetime and the memories will last a decade. To the Year 11s, best of luck next season. You are a talented group of players with a prospering future. To the Year 10s, congratulations on your successful season this year, and best of luck for your future endeavors in Rugby.

Captain Jamie Johnstone Soccer

The season started at home against Aquinas College. With new players coming into the team and old players stepping up, we felt confident.

We walked away with a close 1–0 win, which put us in a brilliant spot to start the season. Our next game was by far the most important: Hale School away. We came away with a lucky 0–0 draw but we played like professionals. This gave the whole team motivation that the league was in reach. We went on a three-game win streak pumping Trinity College, Wesley College and Guildford Grammar School.

This was when our short winning run came to an end. We had a huge game against Christ Church Grammar School at home. They ended up beating us 3–0. As you can imagine this faded a couple of the boys and we soon switched back into reality. We realised that we could not just cruise into games hoping to win, we needed to get our mindsets right. Our next game was Trinity at home – we all knew that it was not going to be as easy. We ended up losing, again, 3–1 this time. This was rock bottom, but as we all know there is only one place to go from there.

Our next game was Christ Church at their home ground. I tried to motivate the boys in a way that would completely change our mindset. I specifically said to not worry about the league and to focus on making it the most physically challenging game for them. Straight off the bat, I could see the lads all wanted it more. We ended up beating them 1–0 and I could see the fire in us was relit.

Hearing the news about Hale losing to Aquinas at home, we soon came to realise we still had a shot at the trophy. At Wesley away we were 2–0 down at half time, but with Mr Foster and Headmaster Dr O’Connell watching, we realised we had to put on a show. We brought it back to 2–2 and walked away with a well-fought draw. Unfortunately, this put us in the fight for second place. Realising it was the last game of the season, we ended up beating Guildford 7–1, just to make a final statement. All in all, the season was filled with ups and downs but it is one we as a team will never forget.

Co-Captain Archie Frazer Surfing

Inter House Surfing Competitions

Held at Leighton Beach in a crisp winter swell, the competition made it clear the Scotch Surfing team was capable of a bright and fruitful season. Hugh Mitchell came away with a tight win in the senior surf. The senior bodyboarders saw Nicholas Verryn getting the edge over Jamie Waddell and coming away with the win.

The Junior Inter House Surfing was at Trigg Beach. Special mention goes to Hugh Fellow-Smith entering freezing winter waters in just boardshorts and a rash-vest. Dan Boshart took the win in the bodyboarding final and Joe Matthews won the surfing final.

Surfing WA Metro Surfing Competition Day Three

This was the highlight of Scotch’s Surfing season, where we took the win over a large variety of Perth schools. Special mentions go to Jackson Conti and Joe Matthews, who placed second in the junior surfing division, and James Bennett who won the senior surfing division, alongside me.

PSA Surfing Competition

Scotch took second place to Christ Church Grammar School, handing over the trophy after a good few years in our cabinet. This pleasing result can be attributed to our junior surfing team, who placed second in their division, and both bodyboarding teams, junior and senior, who won their divisions.

Overall, the Scotch Surfing team had a good season, rising above the many setbacks the worldwide pandemic dealt us. Thanks to Mr Rugg and Mr Wisniewski who have played an essential role in the team’s continual success over the years. Moreover, a huge thank you to the parents and guardians of the boys for supporting, organising and transporting the entire team.

Clockwise: PSA Surfing at Scarborough Beach featuring Matt Galjaardt, Year 10 (left); Jackson Conti, Year 9 (top right); Dan Boshart, Year 9 (bottom right in yellow); photographs: Kirsty Browne-Cooper