STAFF IN PROFILE
Could you tell us about your role and the activities you have previously taken on , or are currently involved with at Scotch ?
I am currently the Senior Subject Teacher for Economics and a new Tutor in Gilray House . This year marked the end of almost a decade in the boarding community for my family . I started in Arthur Robinson House in 2014 and most recently was the Deputy Head of School House .
During my time at Scotch I have coached rugby teams , taking tours to New Zealand , Fiji and Brisbane . I have also been the Teacher-in-Charge of Squash – a game I have come to enjoy . A highlight has been my involvement in Pipes and Drums , accompanying groups to competitions in Sydney , Brisbane and the United Kingdom . I have also taken up any opportunity to head outdoors , joining 24 Hour Hikes , Outdoor Leadership hikes or the Year 7 Cowes camp .
INTERVIEW :
SCOTT BUCHANAN
SENIOR SUBJECT TEACHER FOR ECONOMICS TUTOR – GILRAY HOUSE
Let ’ s start by finding out about your background prior to working at Scotch . Would you mind telling us a bit about yourself ?
My roots are in Far North Queensland where my family grew sugar cane , bananas and raised beef cattle . When they moved permanently to a cattle station in the Gulf Country I began my migration south , first to boarding school and then university in Brisbane , where I completed a Bachelor of Economics and Arts .
During these years I was involved in the United Nations Youth Association , which set me on my path as a teacher . In 2010 I moved to Melbourne to join the newly-established Teach for Australia Program , completing my teaching qualifications at Melbourne University and teaching in Melbourne ’ s western suburbs . I joined the Scotch Family in 2012 and since then have started my own family with three children .
What generally constitutes some of the highlights of your week and keeps on motivating you ?
I feel very fortunate to be a teacher of Commerce and Economics . There is rarely a dull day with events locally , nationally and globally providing rich content for discussion and learning . Whether it has been the recent pandemic , evolving technologies such as cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence or changes in markets , students have a great appetite to learn and understand their world .
One of the most rewarding parts of my work was in boarding , where I was able to support boys and their families during their Scotch journey . Supporting boys who joined the Hill in Year 7 as they go through the ups and downs of adolescence then graduate as young men in Year 12 has been a great privilege .
On a personal note , would you mind sharing some of your passions and hobbies ?
Whenever possible I find getting out into nature a great way to recharge . With young children this has increasingly been on electric cargo bike trips exploring Melbourne ’ s incredible cycling trails . Often this is along the tributaries of the Yarra River , but we managed one bike packing weekend to Warburton .
I enjoy cooking and gardening , especially when family and friends are involved . I volunteer as a board member at the local community early years and kindergarten , and greatly value the role this sector plays in our community .
Everyone loves a good story , so are there any particular anecdotes or memories that you could share with us ?
As a teacher I am often reminded of the transformative power of education and the potential of each boy . For example , the story of one Year 7 boarder who arrived with English as his second language only to receive a 50 study score in Year 12 English , making him a top student in the state .
Other special memories include witnessing the Pipes and Drums Tour Group perform in Edinburgh Castle , staying in a remote village in the highlands of Fiji , or the billycart relay held during the boarding closed weekends .
62 Great Scot Issue 170 – December 2023