Stephen Briscoe’s recent appointment as the Deputy Rector at Waitaki Boys’ High School marks a significant milestone in a career dedicated to education and student welfare. With a rich background in sports coordination and teaching, Briscoe brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the historic institution. His journey from Auckland to Oamaru with his family underscores a commitment to both personal growth and the development of the next generation. 

Shaping a Path

From Auckland to Oamaru

Briscoe’s professional journey is characterised by a profound dedication to helping students achieve their fullest potential. His move from Auckland, where he spent 15 years making a difference at Elim Christian College, to the North Otago town of Oamaru, reflects his desire for new challenges and environments that foster growth. 

“It’s a good change…it’s great to be amongst the boys and have the opportunity to grow them and see them reach their potential,” he says.

A Diverse Career in Education

Starting as a sports coordinator and later achieving his graduate diploma in teaching, Briscoe’s last role in Auckland was as a deputy principal. His comprehensive experience in education, especially in sports training, positions him uniquely to impact the lives of students at Waitaki Boys’ High School

Driven by Welfare and Development

Welfare and Pastoral Care

Briscoe’s role at Waitaki Boys’ is multifaced, focusing not just on administrative duties but significantly on pupil welfare and pastoral care. His excitement about the role stems from a desire to contribute to a nurturing environment where students can thrive. 

“That was my drive for coming back into education. It was what can I do to help those who don’t enjoy school or don’t make a connection between what they’re learning and what’s beyond school.”

Motivated by Personal Experiences

Having faced challenges in his own educational journey, Briscoe is motivated by a desire to make school a more engaging and relatable experience for students. His approach is holistic, aiming not only to guide students academically but also to support their personal development and future readiness. 

“That just made me think, what could I come back [with] and help with these young people who don’t enjoy school.”

Encouraging Success of Individual Pupils

Inspiration and Individuality Culture

Briscoe’s teaching philosophy aligns with Waitaki Boys’ ethos of recognising and nurturing individual potential. He is directly involved in innovative programs such as the level one science course and the Rugby Inspire programme, which cater to diverse interests and talents among students. 

Building Character for Future Success

At the core of Briscoe’s mission is the development of outstanding character in students. 

“I work alongside our amazing deans team and our goal here is to promote and guide each boy. Each of them have potential and a huge future ahead of them.’’ 

He emphasises the importance of understanding oneself and one’s learning style, advocating for education that goes beyond academics to include character and attitude, essential traits for future employment and success. 

Personal Journey of Discovery

Embracing Outdoors and Challenges

The Briscoe family’s relocation to Oamaru is more than a professional move; it’s a lifestyle choice. As avid outdoor enthusiasts, they find the area’s offerings align with their love for nature and adventure. Stephen’s recent foray into surfing exemplifies his belief in lifelong learning and pushing boundaries.

 A Vision for Future Leaders

Stephen Briscoe’s arrival at Waitaki Boys’ High School signals a new era of leadership focused on personal growth, academic excellence, and character development. His story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the role of educators in shaping future generations.

This information and photo were sourced from an article in the Otago Daily Times.  

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