To celebrate the College’s 130th anniversary in 2023, this year has been dubbed ‘Year of the Boy’.
In Chapel, boys have focused on what it means to be a man. As they grow into young men, it is important to help them see a healthy masculinity which is a biblical masculinity. We have looked at Jesus the ‘real’ man; what it means to serve, love, protect and defend those who need it. We have been praying that our young men grow into mature men who would love Jesus.
The transition through boyhood involves all sorts of support and encouragement along the way, and at Scots, we shape our educational journey from three years old, right through to Year 12 boys along an age and developmentally appropriate pathway called Brave Hearts Bold Minds (curiosity, exploration, wonder, mastery, belonging, adventure, courage and conviction).
As boys grow, they can take on more and more responsibility and this can also be seen across the Christian ministry of the school. The student Christian leaders have had opportunities to grow in their maturity and skills through preaching in Chapel, devotions at Assembly and assisting with Bible studies for younger boys.
A dedicated focus on ‘the boy’ has led to great conversations as we walk around the school and conduct our sporting, academic and co-curricular duties.
In the Academic subject, Christian Studies the Senior boys (Years 10 to 12) have been looking at the impact of Christianity on our society over time and have been genuinely surprised that so many of our ‘moral laws’ have come from Christian commandments and principles.
Most recently, we have picked up the theme of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.” (New International Version) or, as the English Standard Version says, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
As men, we need to be on guard, ready at attention, looking for the things that will draw us away from being men of God. It takes courage and strength to live as men in a world where our identities are frequently challenged. “Act like men” is a great call which is then explained in verse 14, “Let all that you do be done in love.”
Defining 2023 as the ‘Year of the Boy’ was never about giving easy answers or taking the easy option. All year we have been challenging the boys to do what is best, not what is easiest.
