STAFF IN PROFILE made in this space by promoting better decision-making by the decision-makers themselves . That is why I think that education in the area of Environmental Science is vital , as our students will soon be those decision-makers .
I am also a Year 7 / 8 Form Teacher , and have held this role for nine years . I love working with this age group as they have such a thirst for knowledge and learning new things .
My other roles at Scotch include Teacher-in-Charge of Year 10 Outdoor Activities , which provides opportunities for students to engage in various physically-demanding pursuits . These range from scuba diving and whitewater kayaking to yoga and ice-skating . I think that pushing the boys outside their comfort zone within a safe environment is a character-building exercise that helps to develop self-confidence as well as maturity .
In the Scotch sporting world , I am the Head of Cross Country as well as the Head Middle Distance Coach for the Athletics team . Being involved in the training of our young athletes brings back great memories for me of my younger days as a long distance runner ; although it is much more enjoyable blowing the whistle and directing the session than completing the session myself .
Interview : MICHAEL JONES
Mathematics / Science Teacher
What inspired you to become a teacher ?
This all goes back to when I was a student and , ironically , not a very good one . However , I really loved school and the dynamic day-to-day environment involving all the things that go with being a student . Being young and carefree , I probably did not give enough thought to my future . When I finished Year 12 and was confronted with the decision about what I wanted to do next , I gravitated back to the school environment and decided to give teaching a go . I thought that I could combine it with another area of personal interest – science .
I have always been an avid participant in and follower of sport . I love the outdoors and travelling and I have been lucky enough over my teaching career to combine these passions with my profession .
What are your roles at Scotch and what do you most enjoy about your work in the School ?
I am a Maths / Science teacher and I specialise in Environmental Science at Years 11 and 12 . While I am fairly passionate about our care for the environment , I think that the most progress can be
Can you share some memorable moments during your time as a teacher ?
For me , the most memorable moments of my teaching career lie outside of the classroom . In my role as a running coach , I am frequently inspired by the efforts of young athletes . While the elite runners showcase the amazing , it is the dedication and courage displayed by the battlers that uplifts me the most . I think there are few greater measures of individuals ’ character than when they are fatigued with heavy legs and shortness of breath but still find a way to dig deep and reach that finish line .
Several years ago , I was lucky enough to travel to Kenya with a handful of Scotch boys to experience the local culture there that revolves around long distance running . A lasting memory from that trip was an early morning run in the still , cool air along the upper edge of the famous Great Rift Valley . Accompanied by some wide-eyed Scotch boys and a couple of primary school-aged local kids , we quietly ran through the forests blanketed by low-lying cloud with the occasional view down into the deep valley . It was truly an experience that I will never forget .
How have you approached the pandemic , personally and professionally ?
The pandemic has obviously forced a great deal of change in all of our lives . While I initially approached these changes with a degree of trepidation , I decided to embrace it all and see it as a break from the usual routines of professional and personal life .
Having to teach online while sharing a house with a two and a four year old presented some challenges . However , it soon became clear that there was no stopping the disruptive force that is my children . Therefore , I decided to incorporate my daughters into my online lessons rather than try to keep them out of the room . It made me realise how unique this year has been , in that I had the opportunity to spend so much more time with my young family while showing them a little bit of what I do at work every day . Now one of my daughters wants to be a teacher !
42 Great Scot Issue 161 – December 2020