Great Scot | Issue 173 | 2025
Students have also had access to Artists in Residence from time to time, artists who will spend a term with the boys and teach them about their craft, their tools, and often leave behind a few pieces of art for the students to enjoy in the schoolyard after they are gone
Art doesn’ t disappear at the school gates though; when parents ask about how they can support learning art at home, Priscilla’ s advice is simple. Experience art together.
Priscilla is passionate about creating a program that’ s inclusive, inspiring and open-ended. Her goal isn’ t for every boy to become the next great artist, but to develop their creative voice and confidence.
“ It’ s not about becoming the latest and greatest,” she says.“ In the Junior School, it’ s about exposure to the endless avenues of art.”
This belief is reflected in everything from broad assessment criteria—“ not everyone excels at the same thing at the same time”— to the encouragement to try even the deceptively simple.“ Sometimes a boy will look at a Jackson Pollock and say,‘ I could do that,’” she reflects.“ So, I say let’ s have a go, and they quickly realise that controlling the drip without touching it is a real skill.”
“ It really helps the boys to appreciate end products more when they see the process and effort that goes into them”.
A feature of recent years has been the House Art Competition, where students respond to a shared theme in age-appropriate ways, earning House points for creativity just as they would for sport or music.
“ Go as a family to an art gallery, get inspiration. Art is not always about practice, it’ s about understanding the broader world.”
Outside the classroom, Priscilla brings her artistic flair into her own home, indulging in woodworking, home renovations and colour schemes.“ I take run down places and make them beautiful,” she says.
Her energy and commitment haven’ t gone unnoticed.“ It’ s great that Scotch supports the arts,” she reflects.“ And I’ m very thankful they have done so for a long time. It’ s an amazing place that’ s provided me with professional development over the years to help students access the best techniques and opportunities.”
“ The Scotch family is very give and take. You give, and you get in return.”
And give she does— one bold wall, a joyful mess, and a huge amount of support to all our budding artists.
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