It may be difficult to imagine a four-year-old who uses finger paint in the Nursery as a Chief Financial Officer or a seven-year-old kicking a football in the playground as a CEO, but as the Headteacher of Hamilton College, this is what my staff do. We cultivate the qualities for success and teach learners to aim high and be the best they can be
With the uncertainty of the current economic climate, now is the time to be investing in Scotland’s future leaders. Leaders who have the confidence, reliability and performance to be at the forefront of Scotland’s business sector.
Our purpose is to be a centre of excellence in education, where children are encouraged to develop their own unique pathways preparing them for life and work, and to excel in a changing future. If we succeed in this, then we fulfil our vision of inspiring children, influencing their future, shaping society, and making an impact on our world. This is based on our values of Grace, Confidence, Compassion, Innovation, Wisdom, and Reflection.
At Hamilton College, success is celebrated. In a Scottish culture where success can be downplayed, this celebration comes through the ethos in our school. Sometimes this is a formal recognition, a round of applause or a one-to-one conversation about the achievement. When our S5 learner, Tom, returned from his Karate Competition in Germany, he proudly stood up at our assembly and gave a presentation to his peers about his recent accomplishments. Likewise, our Great Britain U16 Ice Hockey star, Robbie, had a television-style interview in front of the entire Hamilton College Senior School about his European success. We establish a culture where pride in yourself for a job well done inspires others to push forward and to do their best.
A culture where success is celebrated, from a small improvement in time management to achieving five As at Highers, helps grow confidence. The confidence instilled in my learners allows them to chase bigger dreams, try new things, and at times be risk takers. This starts in the Nursery with our Forest School activities, where our youngest pupils are encouraged to think independently and discover new things. In Junior School, the pupils use their skills of innovation in Maker Space to solve a design challenge. Using collaboration to ideate, prototype, test and create their design they gain confidence in their ability to solve problems.
When my learners leave Hamilton College, they are reliable, upstanding and confident young people and they are prepared to embrace whatever comes next. The small things matter to me, and I promote the basic manners of opening the door for each other, engaging politely and looking at someone in the eye when speaking to them or shaking hands. This all may seem trivial, but it sets a precedent for life after school when these standards will be expected.
Accountability leads to reliability. Whilst it is not easy holding learners accountable for their actions challenging them with difficult conversations pays dividends in the future. Many young people were challenged returning to a structured school environment after Covid, however, accountability and challenge has supported them to grow as young people and to strengthen relationships in our Hamilton College community. Our learners have respected firm boundaries and open and honest conversations and their approach to learning has been brilliant.
Last week I attended a hot chocolate and treat morning that rewards many of our pupils for excellent behaviour and demonstrating the school values. It was rewarding that many of those recognised for good behaviour had previously fallen short of our expected standards.
The relationships the learners build with each other, with me as their Headteacher, my colleagues and the wider community have a considerable influence in their lives. When my learners leave Hamilton College, they will leave with a network of like-minded people who will support them on their own chosen pathways.
As our country moves into a period of challenge, recovery, and growth, I realise the responsibility and privilege I have in shaping the future leaders in Scotland, and trust that we will see Hamilton College learners rise to the challenge. My door is always open to meet families who believe their child would excel in this environment.
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