Headmaster Honoured

Headmaster Revd Andrew Syme has been honoured for his outstanding educational leadership by receiving the 2009 Australian Award for Teaching Excellence by a Principal.

To the Scotch College Community

It is with pleasure that I announce Headmaster Revd Andrew Syme has been honoured for his outstanding educational leadership by receiving the 2009 Australian Award for Teaching Excellence by a Principal.

The Australian Awards for Teaching Excellence is a Commonwealth Government initiative that pays tribute to exceptional contributions from principals, teachers and schools throughout Australia. Only one principal across the country is recognised every year. Andrew received the prestigious award from Minister for Education Julia Gillard at Parliament House in Canberra this morning October 29th.

Andrew was nominated for the award for bringing clarity and direction to Scotch since his appointment as Headmaster in 1998. Under his direction, I believe the School has implemented significant academic and cultural changes, as well as upgrading buildings and technology facilities.

Andrew is committed to international educational excellence for Scotch College and takes the necessary steps to achieve this. He is not afraid of change or challenge. The recent implementation of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for boys entering Years 11 and 12 is a direct reflection of Andrew's passion for excellence, and his value of independent choice for Scotch students. Scotch's improved TEE results over the last decade are a testament to Andrew's commitment to improved learning from the boys.

The Headmaster has responded to the changing role of schools in our communities by encouraging leaders of the future in Scotch students and establishing formal and informal networks that allow parents to reclaim the right to parent responsibility. He has also been instrumental in the College's move to a revised academic calendar with students commencing the academic year in October, as well as embracing contemporary technology with the introduction of iTunesU, 1:1 and mLearning for added value in classroom learning. Andrew has also established a unique approach to professional development where teachers view and critique each other's lessons which continually develops contemporary and engaging teaching techniques.

I am sure you will all join me in congratulating Andrew on his remarkable achievements and the Australian Award for Teaching Excellence by a Principal.

Sincerely

Richard Goyder
Chairman
Scotch College Council