We are thrilled to welcome our very own James Hindle as the Head of Middle School in 2025.

During his time at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, James has worn many hats – first as a student, then an Old 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Collegian, followed by a Humanities teacher, House Head, Head of Student Leadership and Director of Wellbeing/Pastoral Care. His passion for student development and strong ties to the College, makes him well-placed to lead our Middle School.

We sat down with James to hear about his journey, his vision, and what he hopes to instil in our Middle School students.

Reflecting on his time in Middle School at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ

I am very fortunate that I really enjoyed school when I was a kid – and I love being a teacher. Cricket was a big part of my life when I was young. I would practice for hours, batting and bowling, as I figured it would double my opportunity to get involved.

Middle School was also where I discovered my love of singing – Joseph’s Technicolour Dreamcoat in Year 4 was where I got my first big break. And I loved to read (still do!), I just find general knowledge fascinating.

Setting the tone for 2025

At the first Middle School assembly for 2025, James set four key challenges for our students.

1. Notice more
2. Speak up if you or someone else is struggling
3. Use good manners and be kind to those around you
4. Work harder and go further

These challenges are designed to encourage our boys to take some form of action for the good of others, not just themselves.

This ties in with a quote of which I am very fond:

Do something for the camp before you do something for yourself.

This encapsulates the importance of our connection to others – thinking outwards about the group’s needs rather than focusing in on our personal wants.

The idea is for our students to come to appreciate that not only do they have responsibility for themselves, they also carry responsibility for the health of the community around them and the planet as a whole.

It is a way of giving them control over their life – they must choose how they behave. In a sense, it gives them responsibility for the future.

Guiding our young men: lessons from experience

In his role as Director of Wellbeing/Pastoral Care, James came to realise that connections between boys of different ages can be a powerful and positive influence on a young man’s development.

Our young men need lighthouses of different varieties to guide them and warn them, and the guidance of older students is one which I think we can use more effectively.

Over the years, James has learnt of the impact that a young person’s wellbeing has on their ability to perform at their best.

In more recent times, I have noticed that boys and young men are much more open to discussing wellbeing than they were 10 years ago. They have a much better vocabulary when it comes to discussing emotions. Whilst we have seen much improvement, there is still much progress to be made

Building strong foundations

Years 6–8 is a critical time in a young man’s life – and is the best opportunity to guide our students as they form key values and develop crucial attitudes – to life, to work, to learning, to leisure, to challenges, to relationships.

To me, the ultimate test of our care of our students lies in the quality and depth of the relationships they build—both during their time at school and long after they leave. This is something I want to enhance in Middle School.

Something James strongly believes in is “Knowing the Boy”, as former Headmaster Bill Dickinson used to say.

This means truly seeing each student– not just recognising what they excel at, but understanding their aspirations and doubts, and who they are as individuals.

To do this takes time, and I am looking forward to getting to know our Middle School students in the coming years.

What our students have taught me

We asked James what are some things James has learnt working in all boys education.

• Patience and respect foster trust – These are the foundation of a strong relationship. When boys feel genuinely heard, they share their thoughts in insightful and intelligent ways. The trick is to listen– not rush in with a solution. You hear far more sitting at the back of the bus than at the front.
• Peer pressure is powerful – most boys have a very clear sense of right and wrong, but when surrounded by their peers, the focus shifts to fitting in. This is what we as adults have to work on counteracting, by guiding them towards acting with integrity, even when it’s difficult.
• Young people bring positivity – No matter how tough a day might be, when you’re feeling down our students have a way to make you smile and feel positive about the future.

Please join us in congratulating James on this wonderful new role! With his passion for wellbeing and a community mindset we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Middle School at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.

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What is ‘Welcome Week’

This special week is pivotal as we embrace over 100 new students into our community. Our ‘old’ Year 6 students eagerly welcome their new peers, helping them settle into our Middle School environment.

Welcome Week offers numerous opportunities for our young men to connect with peers, build new friendships, and create a strong sense of camaraderie. It’s designed to help them understand the College’s expectations for learning, behaviour, and participation, as well as establish effective routines at school and home to become successful learners.

Additionally, the week introduced them to all aspects of campus life, from school facilities to timetables, classroom locations, and the ever-important middle school canteen.

A taste of tradition

The 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Pipes and Drums, a cherished symbol of our Scottish heritage, holds a special place in our community.

The band’s vibrant presence at school events is always a highlight and was evident as we introduced the new tradition of piping the Year 7 cohort up the hill from the Gooch Pavilion. This Piping Ceremony, a symbolic gesture of recognition and honour, marked the arrival of our new students.

When the Class of 2030 bids farewell to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ at the College March Out in Year 12, they will be piped out for the very last time. It was only fitting to welcome and celebrate our Year 7 students by piping them into Middle School. This special moment was enjoyed by students, staff, and many proud parents.

As a school, these rites of passage are not accidental, but actively built into our students’ journey through school.

Team building at Ern Halliday

While the week provided ample time for students to settle into College life, Thursday brought an exciting trip to Earn Haliday for interactive team-building games.

These activities allowed students to develop communication skills, collaborate effectively, and build trust with one another, strengthening their sense of community and boosting their confidence in their relationships and overall learning experience.

First PSA fixtures

Welcome Week concluded with our Year 7 cohort heading off on Friday afternoon for their first PSA fixtures against Christ Church Grammar School.

The hallways were filled with excitement and nerves, and as the boys departed to load onto the buses, numerous articles of clothing were left behind in the hallways.

Despite the growing lost property collection, the anticipation, energy, and smiles beaming from the boys’ faces indicated that their first week of Year 7 was a resounding success!

Throughout 2025 and beyond our boys, and young men will get the chance to participate in numerous formal and informal rites of passages as we help them to navigate their schooling and personal journey while at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Ms Amanda Marocchi
Deputy Head of Middle School – Pastoral Care

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