OSCA
KEN EVANS OAM (’ 47 ) IN 1993
KEN EVANS : QUIET , EMPATHETIC DIRECTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Ken Evans OAM (‘ 47 ), loved and respected former Head of Mathematics , turned 90 in July
Ken Evans OAM (’ 47 ) is a mathematician , a teacher , a mentor , a humanitarian , an author and a positive influencer , whose impact as a leader in the field of mathematics teaching lives on , more than 30 years after his retirement . Ken turned 90 on 29 July , and now lives at Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula .
Ken is a beloved figure among the Old Boys he taught . One of them , from the 1960s , said he is ‘ forever grateful ’ to Ken for guiding him to a new course in Mathematics and Philosophy at Monash University , opening an unanticipated career pathway ; another Old Boy from the same era thanked Ken for directing him to Engineering ( Chemical ) at Monash University , a decision that affected his life direction .
Many more examples could be cited of Ken ’ s quiet , empathetic direction and encouragement .
Ken is an Honorary Life Member of the Mathematical Association of Victoria .
‘ KEN CONTINUES TO BE REGARDED WITH GREAT AFFECTION ’
This is an edited version of an article currently appearing on the Mathematical Association of Victoria ’ s website . Dr Michael Evans , who was Scotch ’ s Head of Mathematics for 18 years , prepared the summation of Ken ’ s career , based on information about Ken supplied by Scotch Archivist , Paul Mishura .
In a 90th birthday tribute to Ken Evans , MAV board member , Dr Max Stephens , said Ken has made ‘ huge contributions to mathematics education during a period of curriculum change in mathematics syllabuses and teaching in Victoria .
‘ Ken contributed to conferences , through his membership of committees , and through his books to supporting young teachers in dealing with new topics and new approaches to teaching all through his career ,’ Dr Stephens said . ‘ When one of the early orbital satellites was launched , The Age featured Ken in class showing his senior students how a satellite could remain in orbit under its own circular motion .
‘ Never one to promote himself , Ken continues to be regarded with great affection .’
Dr Michael Evans wrote : Ken graduated BA ( Hons ) from Melbourne University in 1952 . He taught at Melbourne High School and at Northcote High School before coming to Scotch in 1961 as Senior Mathematics Master . In 1967 he was appointed Head of Mathematics , a position he retained until his retirement in 1990 .
Ken built the Scotch Mathematics Department into one of Australia ’ s strongest school mathematics departments . His quietly spoken manner and his knowledge of the subject earned the respect of staff and students . His students included several who became mathematicians .
Ken had an outstanding career as a teacher and leader . He published several textbooks , including joining fellow Scotch Mathematics teacher Dr R G Rowlands as a joint author of the widely-used Leaving Mathematics books 1 and 2 .
Ken had a computer installed at Scotch to enable the beginning of an integration of computing into the mathematics courses of the School . His leadership in this area was remarkable . He jointly published a book in 1971 on computing for schools , and his initiatives in this area were long-lasting . Ken also published a book with the MAV on dynamic geometry .
In the late 1950s Ken was appointed to the Mathematics Standing Committee of Melbourne University ’ s Schools ’ Board . He remained a member of the board and took leadership roles as it evolved over the years to become the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority . He was at the forefront during a period of major curriculum changes in the state .
In 1965 the MAV established a committee to consider the changes in the curriculum in areas which were already receiving attention in the USA and Europe . Ken was part of this , and as a result of this committee the School Mathematics Research Foundation was established . He was appointed the inaugural Secretary of this foundation , Secretary of its executive committee , and was an author of books written by it , with proceeds supporting the foundation .
These books were hugely influential in the Victorian mathematics curriculum . The ideas of the new curriculum were embraced at Scotch College , and they continue to influence the curriculum of that school to this day .
In 1961 Ken introduced the Thursday Social Services program to Scotch , and ran it until the 1970s . For over 30 years he helped at – and ran – Hilltops holiday home for the Victorian Society for Crippled Children and Adults , which later became the Yooralla Society of Victoria .
Ken received an OAM in the 1995 Queen ’ s Birthday honours , ‘ in recognition of service to mathematics education and to the community ’.
76 Great Scot Issue 161 – December 2020