NEWS
YEAR 9 RETREATS
– WHAT THEY NEED , AT THE RIGHT TIME
Our Year 9 Retreat Program serves to mark a moment of personal awareness and development in our boys . Within the context of being newly welcomed into the Upper School House community , we present them with a range of activities and ideas that put the tools of identity formation in their hands . Over two days , they listen to stories from presenters , Old Boys and staff on character , learning from mistakes , setting goals , interpersonal skills and finding their place in the Scotch community . Students camp in tents , hike , learn circus tricks and solve puzzles that require no small measure of teamwork .
It is run by our Christian Education staff and Chaplains , and therefore informed by our Christian faith and ethos , but uniquely adopted into the culture of each House through the respective Heads of House , Tutors and Year 11 representatives . It has grown to become not just a helpful developmental and social experience for boys , but a formative influence on the culture of Scotch .
Gus McAndrew of Year 9 described the retreat as ‘ a nice break from the busy school life ’. He said : ‘ It provided me and my mates with the opportunity to enjoy being in the wonderful outdoors . It was a fulfilling experience with great talks from Old Boys and activities that helped bond us as a House and a year level . I think it was a very helpful and important part of my years at Scotch so far .’
DAVID ASSENDER – CHAPLAIN
28 Great Scot Issue 166 – September 2022