Scotch College

Meet some of the new Scotch staff for 2009

WORDS: Rev. Grant Watson – Chief of Staff

Robert Braidwood

Before arriving at Scotch this year my teaching experience had been primarily at Balwyn High School. In 2001 I worked on the development of the Physics revision lectures that were conducted throughout Victoria. This was the program that Balwyn High School won an innovation and excellence award for in 2002.

I have co-authored Physics textbooks that are aimed at the Year 12 audience. I have worked for Edassist to give revision lectures for the Unit 3 and Unit 4 exams, and written introductory lectures for students moving from Year 10 to Year 11 Physics and from Year 11 to Year 12 Physics. I have also written practice Year 12 exams and a range of other assessment items.

I have found Scotch to be a fast-paced school that has excellent resources and a strong sense of community. I have enjoyed my co-curricular activities and can’t wait for the scuba diving with the Sea Scouts. I have thoroughly enjoyed the start to the year and can only hope that the rest of my time at Scotch is as rewarding.

Dean Russell

For the past 10 years I have taught at Tintern School’s Southwood Boys’ Grammar Campus. I was fortunate to be a foundation staff member when Southwood was established in 1999, and assisted in the planning and development of the school laboratories and science curriculum. For the past five years I was Head of Science, as well as teaching VCE Biology and General Science. My initial thoughts of my first few weeks at Scotch: I am amazed at the range of activities that the students are offered, as well as the dedication and professional work ethic of the teaching staff.

Genevieve Grandin

I’m French. I studied in and have always lived in Normandy, in Rouen (about 100km north-west of Paris). I taught at College J J Rousseau. (‘College’ means Year 7 to Year 10 in France.) It is located in what used to be a textile suburb of Rouen, famous for Monet’s paintings and also the place where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. For the last few years, I have also been a part-time teacher in a teachers’ training college, teaching English to adults.

I taught French and English for 25 years and then decided I would rather teach English. Every year I take my Year 7 students on an exchange with a school in Leicester (UK), as I believe that there is no better way to learn than experiencing the country when you study a foreign language.

I have been a teacher at Scotch for a month now and really enjoy it. I think it is very good that the students get to study academic subjects and can do many sports as well. It is great to get to know the students you teach from another perspective (eg. orienteering or cycling).

Sylvia Michaels

Before beginning my time at Scotch, I was looking forward to being a part of a school renowned for its excellent academic standards as well as its many extra-curricular activities. During my first five weeks at Scotch, my expectations have been exceeded both inside and outside the classroom. The energy and enthusiasm of the boys has made for stimulating lessons and I have been impressed by a high standard of work from many boys. I have also thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the white-water kayaking program on Thursday afternoons, as well as attending the 24 hour hike and a Year 7 camp at Scotch at Cowes. These activities have provided wonderful opportunities for getting to know both staff and students better.

Prior to working at Scotch, I taught mathematics at Trinity Grammar School. Previously, I graduated from Monash University, completing a double degree in Arts and Science, and specialised in a variety of subjects including Mathematics, Physiology, Psychology, French and German. I have also completed an honours degree in Science, with a paper due to be published later this year. I am very much looking forward to imparting my knowledge and passion for learning to the boys at Scotch.

Tom Hawkins

Prior to coming to Scotch, I taught for nine years at St Kevin’s. I taught a variety of subjects there, ranging from VCE Economics and History to junior level history. This year I am teaching VCE Economics, Year 9 Money and Investment, Year 9 Australian History and Year 8 History, as well as being the Tutor of Year 9 Davidson. I am involved in coaching cricket and debating, and I am in the Scouts as my service. I have been very impressed by the welcome I have received from the Scotch community and I am quite awestruck at the amount of activity undertaken here at Scotch. GS