STAFF IN PROFILE
What are your roles at Scotch ?
I wear a few ‘ hats ’ at Scotch . First and foremost , I am an Art and Design Teacher and I take Unit 3 / 4 Visual Communication Design , which I am super passionate about . I am also the Coordinator of Upper School Operations , a role in which I work closely with the Head of Upper School , Mr Tim Rayner , and the Dean of School Operations , Mr Stephen Kong , to ensure that the Upper School is run smoothly .
I am also the Teacher-in-Charge of the Year 11 Immersions Program as well as the Teacher-in-Charge of Year 8 tennis . I love the diversity that these many roles bring to my experience at Scotch , and I am appreciative of the various perspectives I am able to have in taking them on .
Interview : NICK MILLER
ART AND DESIGN TEACHER
Please tell us your experiences before you started at Scotch . Before the seed of a career in teaching was sown in my mind , I was studying Architecture . I completed my Bachelor of Architectural Design and took a gap year in 2012 to venture abroad and see the world ( a novel concept in this day and age ). On my return , surrounded by many teachers in my life , I considered the interactivity of a career in teaching , and the proposition became more and more appealing .
Indecisively , I enrolled in both my Masters of Teaching and my Masters of Architecture , keeping my options open until I had undertaken my first set of teaching rounds . On my first teaching rounds the decision was made clear to me , as I found my passion for working with young people in the field of art and design .
Since embarking on a career in teaching I have also developed and maintained an art and design making practice , which I see as essential for honing my skills and passions in the classroom .
What do you like most about your work at Scotch ?
I most like working with the young minds that come through the classroom . I love hearing the students ’ perspective on world issues , and hearing what is important in their lives . The Art Department welcomes all students with varied interests , and we get to discuss history , current affairs , global trends and philosophy on any given day . Creating a space where boys feel free to share their thoughts and opinions in a safe space is something I am proud to be able to facilitate .
In the Visual Communication Design classroom , we are challenged to think about the role design will play in solving global issues . It forces students to consider what is important in the world , and how we can effect positive change in our own context .
Beyond the classroom , the camps , immersions and the various extracurricular opportunities that Scotch offers give me a lot of job satisfaction . It is great to be involved in projects that have a focus on developing the whole person , from a social justice standing to focusing on wellbeing and personal fulfilment . These are the truly important lessons in life .
What do you do to relax , away from Scotch ?
I keep myself busy with various hobbies and interests . I value keeping an active social life , and do so while engaging with the amazing opportunities the city of Melbourne has to offer ; live music , art exhibitions , theatre , café / food culture and night life . I make art , write , read books and watch films . I try to cycle to work as much as possible , which provides a good transition from the busy day to the evening , and is a good addition to workouts and yoga .
What advice do you have for Scotch boys as they encounter life beyond Morrison Street ?
No learning is ever a waste of time ! If you are learning , you are developing yourself in ways that may not become obvious to you until years past . This learning comes from a range of experiences and is not just academic . Take the time to learn from others . To do this , you will need to push past the often uncomfortable nature of meeting strangers . Learn this early and I guarantee that you will never stop learning . Your experiences in this world will become richer , and you will become more empathetic .
Also , remember to party .
42 Great Scot Issue 165 – April 2022