From the Headmaster: Enriching the Learning Journey

The boys have engaged in a diverse range of cultural, sporting, academic and service-learning experiences, and have grown their self-identity and wellbeing as a result.

In the Junior Academy, we have seen the establishment of the connections group with Abbotsleigh, where students from both schools come together and share in co-educational experiences.

In the Middle Academy, there is a significant number of young men involved in the MacPherson Mates program; where students work with and mentor younger students. We have also seen the Cadet Unit grow in size as men from Knox and women from Ravenswood School for Girls continue to take up this opportunity.

In the Senior Academy, boys have transitioned seamlessly to senior studies, engaging with the facilities and resources, showing great maturity and a high level of motivation.

At Knox Prep, the curriculum has been developed further to take the best of new innovations to enrich each boy’s learning journey. This has added in layers to the traditions and skills that lead to excellent teaching.

Of course, there have been individual successes. We have seen boys perform at the highest level in academic competitions, made selection in both state and national sporting teams, lead a number of Social Justice initiatives as well as build enduring friendships on camps, promotion courses, formals, and co-curricular experiences.

Clearly, positive relationships exist between staff and the boys. This connection is a fundamental aspect of their learning. Positive relationships promote a sense of school belonging and encourages boys to participate willingly. They develop confidence to experiment and succeed in an environment where they are not restricted by the fear of failure.

Unquestionably, Knox is a great school because of the high levels of parent and community involvement, and I could not end the school year without recognising parents and guardians who play such an important part of what makes Knox great.

We are a school that has always embraced community input, and the 2023-2027 Strategic Direction has been developed over the past 12 months with enthusiastic and valuable contributions from parents. The positive engagement and feedback highlighted confidence in our future as a leading school and excitement at the breadth of possibilities.

Through a process of consultation, we discovered clear alignment between families and staff that developing the whole student is central to an exceptional education. I look forward to launching our Strategic Direction next year; a plan that will provide insights as to how Knox intends to move with courage towards the future.

Mr Scott James, Headmaster

This article was first published in the Headmaster's Review 2022 edition of The Thistle.