Collegians Outstanding Teacher Award

The Scots Collegians Association Outstanding Teacher Award was established in 2020. The Collegians established this award in conjunction with the College to acknowledge the key part quality teachers play in the development of students at the College.

The awardee is chosen after consideration of feedback from students, staff and parents. This feedback is considered by a panel of Collegians and the College Headmaster and Principals.

The Scots College Outstanding Teacher Award is presented to the teacher who, during the past year, has demonstrated outstanding performance and personal pedagogy in their teaching role at Scots College.

Scott Giffin – 2021

Scott Giffin, the recipient of the 2021 award has demonstrated the ability to teach in a clear and concise manner, keeping students engaged while maintaining a healthy dose of good humour. He juggles his commitments of being a head of department with managing a number of extracurricular activities.

Scott is an exceptional Learning Area Coordinator for Mathematics as well as being Head of Senior mathematics. He leads his team of teachers in a calm and organised manner, always ensuring they have the support needed. Scott is involved in the wider maths teaching community and contributes greatly through NCEA marking and professional bodies.

Scott is also a well-known and highly respected member of the Pipe Band community in New Zealand. Alongside the work Scott does with our own Pipe Band, he is the Pipe Major of the New Zealand Police Pipe Band. This band is one of the world’s premier pipe bands and to hold the position of Pipe Major (or leader) is an exceptional achievement and honour. Earlier this year Scott wrote and gifted a tune called ‘Auckland Police Pipe Band – te maatau koha ki a koe’ (translated to ‘Auckland Police Pipe Band – our gift to you’) to the Police Pipe Band to mark their 75th anniversary. As well as being a devoted piper, Scott has also been a keen social football team manager and has been known to pipe them on to the field on occasion. He brings passion and energy to all of these roles.

Key to all these achievements and successes has been his positive personality and willingness to help others. He is genuine in his care and this allows him to build positive relationships with students, staff and band members alike. He is a well-respected and valued member of the staff here at Scots College.