JUNIOR SCHOOL
Interview :
ALEX SMITH
Year 5 Teacher
Alex Smith , who has been a member of the Junior School staff since 2019 , grew up in England . Until his Scotch appointment , Alex was teaching at Old Orchard Primary School in Blackburn . He has quickly and efficiently established himself as an excellent classroom practitioner , who displays care and compassion for all his students , while striving to create an engaging and inclusive Year 5 classroom .
A keen sportsperson who enjoys cricket and hockey as both coach and player , Alex understands the value of being part of strong and cohesive teams . He has quietly and efficiently added value to the Junior School House system via his appointment as Head of Bradshaw House in 2021 , as a member of the Growth of Scotch Boys working party , and as an active member of the Junior School Common Room Association .
Each morning Alex can be found outside among the boys , bowling , fielding , catching and umpiring during the highly popular Junior School Huff ‘ n ’ Puff Program . He has made a positive impact on daily life in the
Junior School in the relatively short time that he has been a member of teaching staff .
DEAN GREGORY
Many years from now , when you are no longer teaching , what is one of the Scotch memories you will reflect on to warm your heart ?
The ability of each and every individual student to amaze you on any given day . Scotch students embrace all facets of education in a particularly meaningful way , adapting as they go .
What is the best advice you have ever received ?
‘ It does not matter how slowly you go , as long you do not stop ’ – not advice as such , but a quote that has stuck and resonated with me . Whether it be in the classroom , in the concert hall or on the sporting fields , it is a mantra I try to convey to my students .
What story will your colleagues tell about you at your farewell speech when you retire ?
I would hope that no matter who , what or where I was teaching I was able to bring fun to it . The best learning , in my opinion , happens when students are having fun along the way .
What advice would give our Year 6 students as they transition from Junior to Senior School at Scotch ?
Meet and surround yourself with as many new people as possible , by being a source of welcoming and kindness . You never know who you ’ ll meet who might just become that lifelong friend .
During your time at Scotch so far , what is your favourite corner of the School , and why ?
As a member of the Junior School , I cannot go past the Junior School Oval on any given morning . The hustle and bustle of boys eager to start their day with action : running , kicking , throwing or chatting , all in a wonderful form of perfectly organised chaos !
12 Great Scot Issue 164 – December 2021