JUNIOR SCHOOL
MR TOM SAVILL HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
JUNIOR SCHOOL BOYS IN 1960
FLEXIBLE FOUNDATIONS : HOW TO SURVIVE A SEISMIC SHIFT
FOUNDATIONS OUR 2021 COHORT DEVELOPED WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME
At 9.52am on Wednesday 22 September , Melbourne experienced an earthquake of the magnitude 5.9 . Tremors were felt across the state of Victoria resulting in buildings being evacuated and , in some cases , damaged . Thankfully , the impact of the shaking was minimal , but the feelings among those who experienced it were certainly memorable .
The term ‘ seismic shift ’ is used regularly when describing change . On 22 September the term may have been used literally ; however for those at school in 2021 the term would have resonated in a more metaphorical manner . While the tectonic plates of the earth ’ s crust rubbed up against each other to move the ground on which we stood , the foundations of learning were also changing , and moving to create new experiences and outcomes for many students .
Our Junior School Scotchies have weathered tremors and aftershocks that have altered the way they work and learn in 2021 . Junior schools help children create firm foundations from which the rest of their lives develop . In Scotch ’ s 170 years of history there have been periods of societal change that have influenced the way in which primary-aged children have developed the base on which their learning stands . There are many stories of Scotch alumni positively influencing society after experiencing trying circumstances , having developed academic potency and a firm moral compass during their time at this wonderful institution . The legacy continues in the cohort of 2021 .
When constructing buildings in earthquake-prone areas , architects must use modern materials and design to ensure they do not collapse . One of the key means by which architects help ride the waves of a quake is to create ‘ flexible foundations ’ which sit above the earth and use pads made of rubber , steel and lead to absorb the waves .
Students who have worked through 2021 have experienced a similar evolution of design . The flexible foundations they have built have been constructed of resilience , independence and a new-found appreciation of the importance of connection and collaboration . Much like rubber dampers , these personal attributes have helped students remain nimble and agile in their
8 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021