Great Scot met Emma Gates to ask how she envisaged her new role as Head of Years 9 and 10, and took the opportunity to find out more about her.
You have been a member of the Scotch Family for many years. Could you tell us about your history with the school as well as any relevant prior experiences?
I have been blessed to be part of the Scotch Family for eight years, the longest I have worked in any school! I have finally found my place and passion in teaching fantastic students in such beautiful surroundings. I am originally from the UK, where prior to teaching I worked for Rhone Merieux, producing vaccines as a scientific officer.
Knowing that I needed more in my life, I embarked on a career in outdoor education for three years and had the opportunity to interview many teachers in my role as School Liaison and Program Manager, before embarking on my teacher training at Exeter University. For my first five years I was a Science and Maths teacher on the pebbly south coast of England at Cams Hill, a grant-maintained (top 50) co-educational school in Hampshire.
Yearning for a more outdoor lifestyle and travel, my husband and I embarked on world travel that unexpectedly included teaching in New Zealand for a year. We then landed in Melbourne where I worked at Star of the Sea, Ivanhoe Grammar School and Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, with roles in teaching and pastoral leadership. I then started at Scotch (my second home) as a Psychology and Science teacher.
Starting in 2016 with 8EG, a very excited form of potential CEOs, I knew that I was in for a treat, learning about young men, finding out about their passions and dreams, as well as inspiring them to be adventurous, to challenge themselves and to be curious about how and why things are as they are.
Then I was fortunate enough to officially step into the Head of Gilray House role in 2020. Despite COVID interruptions I really found the true sense of the Scotch Family within the ‘Ray’, and have been so thankful to our boys and parents who were so incredibly receptive and supportive.
What are your initial thoughts, in your new capacity, about Years 9 and 10 at Scotch?
Years 9 and 10 are massive developmental years for an adolescent; the individual changes that happen in our young men are incredible to observe. Many of the comments that I associate with these year levels are about ‘how far the students have come’ during this integral period of physical and mental growth.
With demanding academic VCE years on the horizon, it is a time of introspection, reflection and realisation for the boys, identifying what qualities they already have and how they can develop further within the nurturing and safe red bricks of Scotch. It’s about creating a space that allows students to make choices, make mistakes and to learn from these.
What is so exciting about this role is how we can focus, diversify, and improve what we already do to support our boys to be ready for their life challenges. We can use the existing opportunities in our Retreat programs, Respectful Relationships, our pastoral care curriculum, and forthcoming exciting programs in Mallacoota.
How would you define some of the key pedagogical philosophies that underpin your everyday approach and interactions at school?
I believe that students should be aware of your expectations, which should be both high yet achievable, that can shift to encourage future mastery. We reinforce positive behaviours, both big and small, and critically examine behaviours that do not reflect Scotch values, looking to reframe these in future experiences. Parity, empathy and integrity are essential Scotch character values. Creating the opportunity and space for students to embrace these qualities leads to wiser, more insightful and caring young men.
What roles would you like to see Scotch students fulfil in their future lives?
I would love to see more of our students becoming positive role models in the allied health space, where there is a need for more male psychologists. Or taking up roles that address present and future environmental and climate issues, being inspired by their education to influence future generations. I would also like to see them have the courage for a political voice or to follow their creative passions and talents in the arts.
In your opinion, what are some of the key advantages of a boys’ education?
Some of the key advantages of a boys’ education include creating an environment for tailored teaching practice, where educators can customise strategies to better suit the learning styles and needs typically associated with boys, such as incorporating more hands-on activities, movement or competition.
Another advantage is the opportunity to address the social and emotional development of boys. Students may feel more secure expressing themselves, developing emotionally, and building social skills in an environment where they’re surrounded by peers who face similar challenges and expectations.
In addition, teachers can specifically focus on the academic and developmental needs of boys without the distractions that can arise in coeducational settings. They can encourage boys to explore a wider range of leadership roles, where they can build confidence, teamwork and communication skills. Finally, they can further develop their interests and activities without feeling judged or feeling the pressure to perform in front of girls.
What are some of your key passions or hobbies?
I love running, and I completed my first marathon in 2016. I enjoy diving and snorkelling, and generally being in water (stemming from one of my childhood heroes, Jacques Cousteau).
I also love outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping. I enjoy reading – all sorts of novels – and visiting art galleries, going to the theatre or listening to live or online music. I dabble in doodling and drawing. I enjoy yoga, Pilates and going to classes at my gym. I believe in the ‘Ch’ diet – cheese, chips, chocolate and chardonnay. I play backgammon, card games, scrabble and Sudoku. I support Arsenal (in the UK) and Richmond at home. And finally shoes – my first Saturday job was a footwear and handbag retailer, Russell and Bromley (Charles Jourdan being a firm favourite).
