Junior School Principal

Richard Kirk

Principal, Junior School

MEd; BEd; BA
Phone: 04 3 880850
Email: kirkr@scotscollege.school.nz

Over his 20 years in education, Richard has taught in a variety of schools. After completing his training at the University of Auckland, Richard began his teaching career in the UK where he worked in a variety of roles in junior schools before specialising in English. After eight years of running the English Dept at a boarding school in Oxfordshire, Richard moved home to NZ and began working at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School in Auckland. Here, he began as HOD English and soon after, became the Senior Dean, responsible for the running of the intermediate years before making the move to Wellington and Scots College. During this time, Richard completed a Masters of Education demonstrating his belief that learning is for life.

Richard believes in setting high standards for his students from an early age, particularly in regard to the values they show, the expectations they have for themselves and the lessons that can be learned from mistakes. He says, “I believe in four main ideas that underpin what I want for my students.  Academic rigour and effective teaching and learning strategies are the most important aspect of any school, but I also want my students to experience school in a holistic sense. This means being involved outside the classroom in a variety of ways and being allowed to follow their passions, whatever they may be. I also want my students to learn to lead by first serving others and to have the independence to make decisions and learn from the outcomes of these.”

A family man, Richard has moved to Wellington with his wife Amanda, son Harry and is expecting his second child late in 2020. Richard is a keen sportsman, with cricket, rugby, golf and football as his passions. He also plays the guitar and loves getting into the outdoors as often as is possible.