PRINCIPAL
DR SCOTT MARSH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
QUESTIONS FOR DR SCOTT MARSH FROM THE SCOTCH FAMILY
VISION
1 . What do you think are the most important aspects of educating boys today ? I am keen to hear about your education philosophy , what your vision and priorities are for the school .
The boys will know already that I am passionate about character education . Now this is nothing new . Aristotle had much to say on the concept of character and the importance of developing virtue . I love the quote by Comenius , a Czech philosopher , teacher and theologian who some consider to be the father of modern education when he said ‘ he who makes progress in knowledge but not in morality … recedes rather than advances ’.
I think it is far more important to focus on ‘ who ’ someone is rather than being preoccupied with ‘ what ’ they do . Our world more than ever needs leaders of strong and good character ; character that exhibits good or ‘ excellent ’ qualities such as integrity , humility , courage and compassion . Scotch men have always left the school gates and done extraordinary things with their lives . Scotch men are leaders who have a global impact , and we need morally strong leaders who can make wise decisions for the betterment of our world . As a community we need to reclaim a positive image of masculinity , one that understands that being a gentleman is good , even something to aspire to .
I believe a gentleman is someone who is complete . Gentlemen have the character qualities I mentioned earlier . They demonstrate qualities of respect for all . Men who would never be involved in something that is demeaning of others . Men who are kind , thoughtful and compassionate yet able to demonstrate great strength of conviction and stand up for what is right . I like the verse from Philippians Chapter 4 verse 8 where it says to both males and females ‘ whatever is true , whatever is noble , whatever is right , whatever is pure , whatever is lovely , whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things ’.
The more we can have our boys and young men thinking about these things , the more likely we will develop good men who positively affirm what it means to be a gentleman in today ’ s world . As a community we need to work hard to protect our boys from the damaging effects of pornography . We need to stamp out any language or actions that are not loving . I want Scotch men to represent a thoughtful and loving image of masculinity that positions them to flourish as husbands , fathers , friends and leaders in their communities . We can be more intentional in how we instil such values and I believe this is important for all people working with today ’ s young men .
There is so much I would like to explore here . I would like to make one final point . I believe good men also demonstrate wisdom . Now wisdom is far
4 Great Scot Issue 168 – May 2023