Great Scot 162_April 2021_T_ONLINE | Page 38

STAFF IN PROFILE

Interview : DANIEL BROSCHE

Mathematics Teacher and e-Learning Coordinator
Can you tell us about your experiences before you started at Scotch , and your current roles at the School ?
I lived in England and the United States before settling in Australia at the age of 13 . After high school I completed a Bachelor of Science , majoring in Mathematics , and during this time I took a year off to travel across South-East Asia and Europe . I completed a Master of Teaching in 2014 .
I currently balance several commitments at Scotch : as an Academic Tutor in McMeckan House , a Year 8 Form Teacher , and e-Learning Coordinator . I am also involved in the activities and sports program ( futsal and soccer ), and I have in the past coordinated overseas trips .
What do you like most about your job at Scotch ?
I like helping people and learning , and I get to do that in a variety of ways across my different roles . I enjoy being in the classroom : it ’ s always fun , and you have to adapt your style and approach with different students and classes . I find it rewarding when I can help people to improve their skills or I can help them with issues . I also enjoy being surrounded by such good , knowledgeable and experienced people . I am constantly learning .
What experiences at Scotch have had a big impact on you ?
I found my first year at Scotch , as a relatively new teacher , a little overwhelming , with the six-day timetable and various changes in school days due to sport and timetabling . As a Form Teacher , I try to be as explicit as possible and ease the Year 7s into knowing how the school runs . I have also learned to ask for help from my colleagues , who are always so generous with their time and expertise .
The COVID-19 shutdown was stressful , but in some ways it was also a good experience . Olivier Marquet and I helped to upskill staff and students in a very short time to make the Learning Management System functional during lockdowns . Working with so many people and different departments and teams has been a very good learning experience . I am still learning my role as e-learning coordinator and I have enjoyed this so far .
The Year 11 Immersion Program , which Michael Waugh had such a massive influence on developing , was simply fantastic . It challenged boys to think , reflect and grow . I was incredibly grateful for having such a great team in fundraising , taking boys to Cambodia to help build houses , and engaging them in conversations about being global citizens and the inherent dignity of the individual .
I believe you can always learn from another person , regardless of their position or background . It is important to listen and to be open to new experiences . I believe Scotch is doing a lot to try and get boys to think about big issues and how they can learn from , and with , others .
I enjoy working in the boarding house and seeing boys develop and grow . Again , I have a great team , and I ’ m well supported by my Head of House , Deputy Head of House and Dean of Boarding ( Pino Cutinelli , Claire Van Boxel and Tim Byrnes respectively ). I think it is quite a special place for boys to find lifelong friends and learn a variety of skills , including social , communication , organisation and study skills .
The Scotch staff continue to amaze me . I appreciate Tom Batty ’ s speeches , which ask boys to question and think for themselves on big issues . The Big Ideas lectures have been fantastic . I am happy to be part of such a great team in the Mathematics Department , Boarding , and the Middle School , which have excellent leadership . Really , just being part of the community in a well-run school , being surrounded by professionals who I continually learn from is awesome .
How do you make your own space in the busy school week ?
I try to ensure I get to the gym about three or four times a week ( even if they are short sessions ), and I have recently started playing some social soccer again . Also , I like cooking while listening to podcasts or going out for a nice meal . What advice do you have for Scotch boys ?
My advice would be for boys to try new things , get involved as much as they can , and ask for help if they are struggling . They may find a lifetime passion , a lifelong friend , learn something new or build their capacity to work through something difficult . The Scotch teachers are here to help . Try your best !
38 Great Scot Issue 162 – April 2021