The School published its revised Vision, Mission and Values Statements at the beginning of first term. They are the result of many months of research, discussion and reflection by the Headmaster, Staff and Council and I recommend them to all members of our community.
It was with great interest, therefore, that around the time of their publication, I read an article in The Australian Financial Review, which was titled ‘Top 100 Graduate Employers – Special Report’. While I know that not all our students will pursue tertiary education, what caught my attention in the article were the statements of the various qualities now sought by employers, as these have important implications for all our students. It also struck me that the qualities required for future employment are also those that are required for life.
Here are some of those sought after qualities, and I quote directly from the article:
“What does matter more [than solely focussing on academic record] is the totality of who you are. Do you have leadership qualities? Are you an innovator? Have you got a broad range of interests?”
“They need to be motivated, flexible and interested.”
“Did they do volunteer work during their studies? Have they had any paid employment during their studies? We want people who are well-rounded.”
“We need those people who will be able to think differently, operate technology to a level that we have never operated at before, and to have diverse views that will make a difference for our clients.”
“There’s a perception that you need to be a technologist to apply for a technology role. That’s absolutely not the case. We want problem solvers first and then we can be technologists later.”
In future employment then, as in life, personal leadership, innovation, curiosity, motivation, flexibility, social responsibility, life experience, technological facility and problem solving are just some of the important ingredients that will be required. In light of this, I believe we can have great confidence in the School’s Vision and Mission.
Vision statement
Melbourne Grammar School aims to develop fully within its students the ‘whole person’: intellectually, physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially and spiritually.
Mission statement
We are committed to creating a holistic learning community.
These two statements are both ambitious and achievable, as they should be. In its pursuit of education, MGS focuses on the individual, as well as the whole School Community. The Headmaster has always emphasised the importance and value of human relationships both at school and in life. The development of the ‘whole person’ certainly provides the strongest foundation for the successful building of such relationships. At MGS, every student has the opportunity to develop in all these very important areas and will be encouraged to do so. Perhaps, with the increasing prevalence of computer screens in our children’s lives, the need for developing the whole person has never been greater.
Colin Aubrey Bell, ‘Dinger’ to his students, was a brilliant teacher of English under the Headmasterships of Brian Hone and Nigel Creese. He once wrote:
“We are human beings first, revealing, some would believe, a touch of the divine; after that we are permitted to be scientists or humanists.”
I believe he was absolutely right. With a touch of humour, Colin Bell emphasised the importance of our humanity first and foremost. Implicitly, he also affirms the importance of the School’s Vision to educate the whole person.
Recently, the Headmaster and I had the privilege of attending an address by Nobel Laureate, Professor Peter Doherty, during which he discussed his most recent book, The Knowledge Wars. Interestingly, and in a similar vein to the needs of the 21st century employers mentioned above, Professor Doherty discusses in his book the valuable skills that are acquired as a result of scientific training. He also makes the point that such skills have valuable applications outside the scientific world:
“Flexibility of outlook is, along with a capacity to focus, always a key predictor of success. Having learned how to ask good questions and design an investigation, acquire and analyse data, then write the results and interpretation for critical scrutiny, should never be a waste.”
Finally, Warren Buffet, one of the world’s wisest and most successful investors, once said:
“Invest in as much of yourself as you can. You are your own biggest asset by far.”
I believe the School’s Vision and Mission Statements respond to all these various and contemporary demands, exhortations and challenges.
Michael Bartlett Chairman of Council
Related topics