A legacy of improving society through education
Scotch Council and legacy
Scotch College was founded in 1851 by the Presbyterian Church on the initiative of the first minister in Victoria , Reverend James Forbes .
As a Christian leader and scholar , Forbes was passionate about education and the opportunity for the Church to lead in the formation of young people for the betterment of society . Indeed , in addition to his Christian leadership , Reverend James Forbes continues to be renowned as an influential educational leader for his significant advancement of school education . Furthermore , the School was part of a global movement that understood learning and knowledge as the keys to solving humanity ’ s most complex problems – the Scottish Enlightenment .
Reverend Forbes , like many of his contemporaries , believed that by helping young people understand the world , they would contribute to its improvement .
The Scottish Enlightenment was characterised by a surge in advancements across various fields such as philosophy , politics , engineering , architecture , medicine , sociology and law .
During this time , philosophers and scientists wrote about the power of education in shaping better citizens . They illuminated the links between egalitarian education regardless of background , and the progression of social justice and equality .
Since its establishment in 1851 , Scotch College has grown from these principles . Today , more than ever , they remain at its core . Within the nurturing embrace of the wider Scotch Family , our boys are encouraged to think critically , act with integrity , be curious about the world and live a life of purposeful contribution .
This Strategic Plan is our commitment to embedding and deepening the core beliefs of our heritage within the ever-evolving modern context . It aims to ensure our legacy of producing young men of good character continues in an unbroken ‘ Cardinal Thread ’ to our future .
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