A time to connect and reflect on Rottnest Island

One of the most significant events for our new Year 9s is the Rottnest Camp, which took place in Week 4 of Summer Term.

Scotch is one of the few schools to take a whole year group off-campus to one location and it plays a big role in the adjustment of Middle School boys to Senior School. The focus of the camp is on building relationships – between students and especially between the House Head and the boys in their House group. Apart from engaging in a series of outdoor activities which capitalise on us being in such a superb, pristine natural environment, it is a no-tech experience, with the bicycles being the most advanced piece of equipment with which most boys come into contact. During the Wellbeing sessions in the evening, and in many discussions with their House Head, students are given an opportunity to think about who they are and who they want to be, considering which behaviours they can leave behind and which they wish to be known for in future. Each student writes a letter to his Year 12 self, to

be opened at his final House dinner at the end of Year 12. The camp is evolving into a rite of passage, to mark the transition from one part of the school to another and, with that, to note the change in expectations from thinking like a boy to thinking of others and about the impact each can have.

James Hindle, Director of Pastoral Care

The Year 9 Rottnest Camp was by far the best Scotch camp I have ever been on. We stayed at the barracks, which had a dining hall that provided lots of food and it was delicious.

The dorms at the barracks were almost big enough to fit a whole House, so we were allocated two dorms per House and split up into around nine boys per dorm. Going as a whole year group and sharing the experience was exciting. Getting to know each other and forming connections was definitely a highlight. We also spent lots of time with our House Heads and Outdoor Ed staff and we all had a great time.

We competed in Beach Games and Beach Art, as well as partaking in multiple snorkelling activities where we explored the marine life around Rottnest Island. My favourite activity was Beach Art, because we had an hour in a group of six to create an original a sculpture tied into the interactive theme. My group created a quokka selfie. We also visited the general store every day, and we were allowed to buy an ice-cream or a drink. While the ice-cream was tempting, most boys settled for a drink, which was a great source of energy as we were all thirsty after a long day of riding, activities, playing backyard cricket and king of the pack at the barracks.

Charlie Robinson, Stuart House (Year 9)