In May, one of Sydney’s leading private schools, Knox Grammar, appointed a new headmaster, Scott James, who moves into the role after spending nine years as the school’s deputy head and head of senior school.
25 years of experience as an educator, led the implementation of Knox’s Positive Education and Total Fitness programs, both of which underpin a strong focus on student health, positive psychology and resilience at the school.
“Education is going through rapid change and to be part of that change is extremely exciting,” James said.
“Our surveys have consistently shown that excellence in teaching is the number one reason why families choose Knox.”
James said one of his key focuses as the school’s new head will be to continue to support teachers to improve and enhance their teaching practice.
“Learning experiences and programs with a focus on design thinking, sustainability and collaborative problem-solving will be critical,” James said.
“Additionally, it is my aim to continue to forge greater links with universities, businesses, and schools internationally, to offer our students deeper and richer learning experiences.”
James added that for the school’s teachers, providing access to current educational research and offering endorsed professional learning courses will be central to helping them achieve higher levels of accreditation and qualifications.
“This will also help them improve their teaching practice for the benefit of our students,” he said.
Reflecting on how the school has been driving academic excellence and professional development during his nine-year tenure, James said he has witnessed “an ongoing commitment to balanced and enriching educational experience at the highest levels”.
“Academically, Knox has significantly boosted our student achievement. Linked to this has been significant growth and investment in the area of quality teacher professional development, with a commitment to building a learning community that is of the highest quality,” he said.
He said improved facilities have also allowed the school’s staff to deliver “informative, creative and challenging” programs for students.
“In the area of co-curricular, Knox has continued to offer a breadth of opportunities designed to cater for the diverse interest of our students,” James said.
“Our Sports Academy is now maturing, developing relationships with universities and sporting groups and attracting some of the most experienced and talented coaches around Australia and across the world to Knox.”
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