Housing
Our Boarding Houses comprise two distinct residences – a Middle School Residence for Years 6–8 and a Senior School Residence for Years 9–12.
The houses mirror our day-school campuses. Linking our Boarding Houses to our sub-schools ensures we can best support boys at their stage of development and enables us to form strong links between teaching and boarding staff.
Students commence their Boarding journey in dormitory-style accommodation, which provides a balance of privacy and plenty of opportunities to socialise. In Years 9–10, boys share double rooms, and by Years 11 and 12 all boarders have their own room. As boys move into Senior School Boarding, they are divided into two 'clans' with a Head of Clan who follows them all the way through to graduation.
Food and catering
Scotch College's kitchen has been home to some of the best chefs in the country – including an Iron Chef Australia contestant. All boarders eat together in our spacious Dining Hall, overlooking the playing fields, and enjoy recess and lunch from the Middle School or Senior School Canteen on weekdays.
A professional and dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that all boarders are well fed with the freshest ingredients, while providing a flexible menu designed to cater for all tastes and dietary requirements. Five meals are provided each day, with snacks available.
Dining is usually 'alfresco style', where boarders may visit the Dining Hall at any time to serve their meal and choose a seat. Dinner includes two protein options, a vegetarian option and a choice of several different types of vegetables and salads. Of course, dessert is also available after every meal.
Fresh fruit is always available from the Dining Hall, Canteen and Residences and is replaced regularly.
Walking the Bibbulmun Track
Undertaken in stages by boarders from Years 7–12, the Bibbulmun Track is a 1,000km walking trail from the Perth Hills to Albany and a highlight of boarding at Scotch College.
The experiential learning The Bibbulmun Track provides cannot be measured. Students discover self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making each and every time they step out onto the track.
These experiences bond boys for life. Long after students leave school, many still recall their Bibbulmun Track experience as the most memorable of their time at school. The shared experience builds the community and culture of not only the group but, most importantly, allows boys to discover what it takes to develop independence and resilience.
Upon graduating all Scotch College boarders will mark their Boarding experience with 'End to Enders' as they finally complete the 1,000km Track.
Student wellbeing
To ensure your son always feels like there is someone he can turn to, we have a very high staff to student ratio in Boarding. Each of our Boarding Houses has a Housemother, whose role is to provide emotional support for your son and act as a link between the College and your family.
The Head of Year keeps a close eye on all students wellbeing. This academic staff member lives onsite and is the central point of contact for boarders, teachers and parents. They have a holistic view of how your son is developing and if needed, will draw on the expertise of our registered nurses, school psychologists, Chaplain and other support staff.
Academic support & tutoring
Scotch College has an outstanding reputation for its three-stream academic programme, across WACE, International Baccalaureate Diploma and VET.
We run a Learning to Learn programme (Years 7–9) and Study Skills programme (Years 10–12) in order to monitor all boarders' academic performance and obtain assistance for any students who need it.
Tutoring and resources
When it comes to homework, assignments and study, your son can get help whenever he needs it with our open-door tutoring system. Running every weekday evening, academic staff and tutors provide ongoing tutoring support, including in specialist areas such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English Literature. Many of our tutors are recent Scotch College graduates now studying at university. Often close in age, they frequently become unofficial older brothers and mentors.
Boarders also have access to the College's library and Academic Support Centre before and after school.
Academic reflection
All boarders are asked to reflect on their academic progress and end of semester reports with their parents and Head of Year. This is a great opportunity for students to discuss their performance outline their goals for the future. It is also a moment to recognise the positive contribution that each student has made to Boarding and within their own Year.
Co-curricular activities
At Scotch College, we provide numerous co-curricular activities that challenge and enrich our students physically, socially, emotionally and academically.
Sporting events
Where possible, boarders can attend local and international sporting events, including the AFL, Super XV Rugby, international hockey, A-League soccer and NBL.
Sporting clubs
We have relationships with many local sporting clubs who are always looking for boys to join their teams for weekend games. These are fantastic opportunities for boys to meet other families within and outside of the Scotch College community.
Cultural life
Boarders enjoy the cultural life of Australia's westernmost city, from trips to the cinema, Perth Festival, Fringe Festival, live music, museum tours, theatre and more.
Recreation
Scotch College often partners with our neighbouring boarding schools (boys and girls) to go ten pin bowling, paintballing, ice-skating, go-karting and more.
Community service
Supporting our wider community is highly valued at Scotch College. Both our day and boarding students undertake community service, including at aged care facilitates, Surfing for the Disabled, and Horse Riding for the Disabled.
Part-time employment
The College is always happy to support interested students in finding part-time employment with local businesses.
On campus
Boarders have access to our College facilities, including the gymnasium, weights room, libraries, manual arts and kitchen facilities, and of course the acres and acres of our playing fields.
Boarding orientation
To ensure a smooth transition to secondary school and living away from home we have developed Welcome to Scotch College, a programme for incoming boarders that includes a sleepover and orientation in October and online course to nurture confidence and friendships.
Discover our Orientation programme
Scholarships
Each year Scotch College offers opportunities to boys from rural areas to commence at the College as a Year 7 boarder.
Temporary or weekly boarding
All Scotch College families can take advantage of our temporary accommodation facilities, located within our Boarding Houses. A student's temporary stay can be for any length of time, with some families using the experience as an opportunity to develop independence, resilience and good study habits in their child.
With many parents working full time, weekly boarding has become an excellent option to not only alleviate pressure on families but to gain all that living within our Boarding community provides. All our boarders receive five meals a day, laundry, structured homework times, nightly tutoring and the ease of school activities right at their door.
Get in touch to learn more about our temporary or weekly accommodation offers. We are always happy to offer a boarding trial to our students, to ensure that this is the right option for them.
Health Centre
Located next to our Boarding Houses, our Health Centre is staffed by a team of registered nurses on call 24 hours a day. Health Centre staff manage medical appointments for all boarders and arrange transport to any appointments as needed.
Health Centre staff provide emergency nursing management, primary health assessment and referral to relevant health specialists, health education and pastoral care. The Health Centre staff support students as they settle into the boarding community and provide a welcoming and friendly environment.
Daughters in boarding
If you also have a daughter boarding, our location makes it simple. We are within 5km of four of the eight major girls' boarding schools in Perth, including our sister school Presbyterian Ladies' College.
