Scotch College

Neil Cracknell – what a Scotch CV!

Neil Cracknell bows out after 34 years of outstanding service

Words: BRUCE BROWN

It’s often said that great teachers are born not made – teachers who are not only erudite and skilled in the classroom, but are also outstanding role models in life for their students.

When Neil Cracknell arrived at Scotch from Camberwell High School in 1973 he brought with him these very qualities. Neil’s unique blend of teaching qualifications in physical education and mathematics, versatile sporting skills and very evident personal integrity meant that he had much to offer the School. Over time, Neil has written hundreds of glowing references for Scotch students but it’s hard to know just where to start in detailing his own Scotch CV.

In fact, few staff in the history of the School can match Neil’s Scotch career for its breadth and quality. Neil has served under three Principals, taught mathematics on exchange at Phillips Academy, one of the USA’s most prestigious schools, and held the important roles of Head of House, Head of Year 12 and Coach of the 1st XVIII, as well as making a significant contribution to the Services activities as a cycling mentor.

He has also been involved in athletics coaching at Scotch each year, including two years as Teacher-in-Charge, and has witnessed many years of outstanding athletics endeavour by individuals and teams representing Scotch during his time, highlighted by the victories of 1973, 1974 and 1978.

As a highly regarded member of the Mathematics Department, Neil has contributed to the great reputation which the department enjoys. His three heads of department – Ken Evans (’48), Michael Evans and Nick Pacitti – have all valued his dedication to his work with senior classes, as well as his contribution to course development, textbooks and other teaching materials. Neil is forever searching for new ways to help students better grasp often complex ideas and problems.

In 1995, after many years as an influential Head of House, Neil was appointed to the significant and demanding role of Head of Years 11 and 12. The changing nature of the VCE and the publication of school performance tables meant that as Head of Year 12, Neil had to keep abreast of the changes and shape the academic environment and work ethic of his students.

Neil would refer to his year groups as ‘my boys’ and his commitment always struck a chord. As one former student reflected in A Deepening Roar, the School’s 2001 history: ‘Mr Cracknell was right: there is no substitute for hard work’, while another wrote of ‘his never-ending encouragement and support’.

From his first coaching role of the Under 13B football team in 1973, Neil went on to coach A teams at every level, culminating in his role as coach of the 1st XVIII in 1988. His genuine interest in his players was apparent, and as Andrew Macmillan (’79) recently put it: ‘Crackers encouraged me to move from a one-dimensional forward line role to playing up the ground, and it did wonders for my confidence and development’.

When Neil signed off as a football coach after 220 games in the 1990s, his commitment to Scotch football continued, as he became the school’s ‘Mr Two Flags’ as goal umpire for the 1st XVIII.

Among his common room colleagues, Neil has always been a great raconteur. His amazing knowledge of Scotch people and folklore mixed with tales from the golf course or his cycling adventures have all provided entertaining conversational fare at the lunch table. Recently Neil completed his tenth Round the Bay ride, and along with colleague Warwick Barry received recognition as belonging to a very small group to have achieved this feat.

Neil is justifiably proud of his family. His three sons, Scott (’87), Grant (’88) and Stephen (’07), have all had fine Scotch careers, and wife Jan has provided unfailing support for both his Scotch endeavours and on Sundays on the golf course at Latrobe Golf Club.

The great American writer Henry Brooks once wrote: ‘A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops’. As Crackers’ illustrious 35-year career at Scotch draws to a close, he has earned a rightful place in the pantheon of great Scotch teachers whose influence will be felt for decades. GS