PRINCIPAL
PRINCIPAL DR SCOTT MARSH REVIEWING THE SCOTCH FAMILY ' S EMAILS WITH GREAT SCOT EDITOR CHRISTOPHE TAYLOR
3 . What are some of the biggest challenges facing the college and the boys in the next few years ?
I am greatly concerned about the voices in our society that , I believe , seek to undermine what it means to be a male . It seems there are groups who are singularly focused on attacking males at each and every opportunity . As a society in more recent years , we have rightly focused on how we can better improve opportunities for women . I know we still have a long way to go and sadly , even tragically , males often do not act as they should . However , we also know that males have inferior health statistics and suffer more in the area of mental health . Furthermore , I am simply tired of the constant attacks on boys ’ schools and the now ubiquitous reference to ‘ toxic masculinity ’ that is trumpeted anytime a boy does something silly and inappropriate on social media .
Of course , some behaviour is abhorrent ; on both sides of the equation , I might add . It is never acceptable to disrespect anyone , and this must be a constant focus for schools and parents . However , many in our society now love to jump on the poor decisions our boys can make and twist their actions into a full-scale attack on maleness . This helps no-one and achieves nothing .
The Scotch Family must stand firm in our celebration of what it means to be a male . We are
unapologetically a school for boys and we have a responsibility to have a strong conceptualisation of what it truly means to be a gentleman . Significantly , we must hold all members of our community to account for living a life that is honourable and importantly , respectful to women .
VALUES
1 . How will you ensure the boys leave school being role models in society , not just poster boys of a traditional institution ?
Ultimately , as previously mentioned , this is about character . I want Scotch graduates to be young men who possess endearing qualities that ultimately are manifested in a life of service . By all means become the next CEO of a multinational company . However , may your motivation be to use that position to make our world a better place ; to bless and serve others . These are the stories of success I will be proud of .
2 . Why do you believe that single-sex schools are still relevant in 2023 ?
I love that boys get to have fun and learn together . Boys ’ schools allow boys to have great focus . I will always look for opportunities for boys to liaise with girls from other schools and learn together where
6 Great Scot Issue 168 – May 2023