STAFF IN PROFILE achieve a deeper respect for alternate points of view , the value of consensus based on reason , and the application of philosophical skills to living a meaningful life .
Listening to the boys collaboratively , passionately and methodically turn over questions such as ‘ Can we prove we exist ?’, ‘ What does it mean to live a good life ?’ and ‘ How should we discern right from wrong ?’ during class discussions is an unparalleled teaching experience .
Interview : JACKIE COWCHER
Year 7 Form Teacher ; English and Philosophy Teacher
What inspired you to become a teacher ? I never planned on becoming a teacher . As a teenager , I had film-like visions of myself as a sharp-talking lawyer or as a sleek advertising executive . But once I finished my Arts degree it felt impossible for me to put aside my love of literature and philosophy . Teaching felt like the natural next step .
I will never forget the first time I taught a class . I felt like I had been lit on fire . There is nothing quite like the thrill of sharing your passions with a room full of people and helping them to cultivate passions of their own . It ’ s a privilege to work with young people and guide their learning .
What are your roles at Scotch and what do you enjoy about your work in the School ?
My roles at Scotch include being a Year 7 Form Teacher and teaching English and Philosophy . As a Form Teacher , I work with boys over two years from Year 7 to Year 8 .
This formative period is one of transition and self-discovery . Helping them navigate the vicissitudes of this important time is one of the most rewarding elements of my job .
There are many joyful aspects of teaching English . I particularly relish guiding boys to grapple with the question of what it means to be human through great writing . I ’ ll never tire of witnessing boys discover elements of both Jack and Ralph from Lord of the Flies within themselves , of feeling their outrage at the events of 1984 , or witnessing their distress as Hecuba ’ s wails reverberate throughout The Women of Troy . Through this authentic and personal engagement with literature , students come to better understand the multifaceted nature of their own identities and are given the opportunity to shape their moral codes .
Teaching Philosophy comes with its own marvels . Through the exposure to life ’ s ‘ big questions ’ and answers great thinkers have postulated throughout history , students
Can you give some examples of memorable moments during your time as a teacher at Scotch ?
I have countless memories of moments I ’ ve shared with boys in the classrooms and hallways of Scotch . But the brightest memories are ones I formed outside the classroom .
Memories of snow camps quickly spring to mind : hunting for a lost glove on a perilous cliff with a seriously inexperienced group of Year 8s ; students gleefully careening off towards the treacherous side of a black run ; boys racing a giant snowball off-piste . Likewise , my mind goes to moments on the water : a shared wave surfed with a bunch of freezing , grinning Year 10s ; kayaking down a river accompanied by the shouts of halfremembered songs ; the squealing , terrified delight of Year 7s as they capsize their sailing boat yet again .
How have you approached the pandemic , personally and professionally ?
I have found that the best approach to the pandemic for me has been one built on routine , rest , joy , connection and kindness . It is crucial we are kind right now ; being forgiving of ourselves and others enables us to focus on those things which are worthy of our attention .
Personally , I have found comfort in great food , brilliant books , and time with family and pets . Professionally , I have focused on reminding myself that our primary job as educators is to connect with people and inspire them to learn through positive relationships . At a time like this it is easy to prioritise the curriculum and academic outcomes , which , of course , have their place . But alongside that I have sought to cultivate a sense of connection and warmth with my students , which they have returned twofold .
32 Great Scot Issue 160 – September 2020