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Glenn Scott (2007) joined CCGS in Year 7 during a pivotal time in his life. At 12 years old he lost both his parents in a tragic accident and was navigating life after a momentous loss. He credits the school for becoming an essential part of his support network and helping to shape the man he is today. He’s since gone on to pursue his dream, travelling the world racing motorbikes at the highest level.

Tell us about your memories of starting at CCGS?

The transition to high school was a daunting one. I was coming from a small rural primary school of 30 kids, to a school of more than 1,000 students. On top of this nervous transition, I had just endured a horrible tragedy in my family. When I was in Year 6, I lost both my parents in a motorcycle accident. At just 12 years old, losing your mum and dad, moving into high school and being at the beginning of my sporting career was overwhelming to say the least, still to this day it is hard to put the emotions into words.

When something of this magnitude happens in your life, a support network is vital for your survival and sense of belonging in the world. I am extremely lucky to have a beautiful brother and sister who are older, and I was incredibly grateful that my parents had chosen CCGS as my high school before they passed away.

What is one of your most vivid memories from your time at CCGS?

The sporting carnivals were always my favourite. Maybe it’s the competitiveness in me that would make these days fun and I enjoyed cheering on my fellow Ironbark peers.

What kind of student were you? Quiet observer, classroom contributor, a bit of a joker?

I think it depended how I was feeling on the day. I definitely was quiet in my early days at CCGS but enjoyed getting involved in activities and having a good laugh with my mates.

Were there any school traditions or annual events that stood out for you as especially meaningful or fun?

School camps were a good time, and I always looked forward to them. This is where I learnt the most and I had the most laughs with my friends and teachers.

Was there a particular subject or class you really connected with, or a teacher who helped you see things in a new way?

Mr Bennett was a fantastic role model for me. Although he did not teach me in any class, he had the ability to teach in passing, whether it be dropping into a classroom or at lunch in the playground. His presence was impactful and taught us to be respectful and kind, while still being able to have a good laugh.

You describe recently retired Deputy Headmaster, Steven Bennett as a “knight in shining armour.” What do you think makes someone that kind of everyday hero?

I first met Steven on my orientation day. Little did I know I was meeting a knight in shining armour and someone who would play a crucial role in supporting me throughout my most formative years. Steven became the next pillar after my brother sister to my support network. Without me realising it at the time, Steven’s unwavering encouragement and guidance not only gave me an amazing opportunity to learn but also allowed time for me to follow my dream of racing motorbikes at the highest level.

Steven’s support came in all sorts of ways, allowing me to use the school gym in certain periods of the day to work on fitness, following us to motorbike races around Australia (and organising my friends and teachers to join him at those races), joining me on cycling training rides, with Mr Steele usually also present.

His ability to be present and his generous small acts of kindness that made a big impact on your daily life.

What did the CCGS community offer you, beyond academics, that helped you navigate such a difficult personal time?

I didn’t really know I needed it at the time, but everyone was always so supportive and open to offering me help. I always felt a sense of safety and calm when I was at school. There was always someone to turn to. I was able to ask anyone for help. All my teachers were great to me, even if you had the odd talking to.

How did the structure or culture at CCGS enable you to pursue elite-level sport while still staying connected to your education?

I think the school accepting and being ok with a student putting their passion for sport first creates a level of respect with the student. Because my dream was accepted by the school, I was motivated to work on my education while I was focusing on my goal of racing motorcycles at the highest level. Academics were never my strong point, but it was a nice balance, and I wanted to learn.

Can you tell us a little about your career in racing. What was the highlight?

My mum and dad introduced me to motorbikes at the age of five and it was love straight out the gates. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves at our first race meeting. I raced a discipline called ‘flat track’ up until the age of 15. Over that time I won nine Australian titles and 42 state titles. My dream was road racing and from the age of 15 my road racing career started, entering the Australian Road Racing Championship.

Winning Australian titles in the GP125 class, I moved my way up the ranks into the 600 Supersport class where I finished in the top three of the championship. This led to me progressing into the highest level in Australia - the 1000cc Superbikes. I won multiple races in the Superbike class which set me up for the highlight of my career, racing in the World Superbike Championship.

The opportunity to race on the world stage became a reality for me in 2015. I made the move to Europe and raced in the 600cc World Supersport Class. Being part of the world Superbike Championship was incredible, racing on world renowned circuits all over the globe. After a successful year in a privateer team, I got the opportunity to race in a factory Italian Honda team. The season started strong, finishing in the points in the first two races. Unfortunately, race three I had a major crash being hit by another rider and sustained a very bad leg break. This break would eventually bring my international career to an end. Battling recovery for the remainder of season and throughout 2017, I decided to return home and focus on my recovery. After multiple surgeries on my leg, it was unsure if I could ride a bike the same again. I went on to race the next few years in the Australian Superbike Championship for Kawasaki Racing. This was another career highlight - recovering from my injury and competing at the highest level in Australia.

Is there a piece of advice or encouragement from a teacher or peer that has stayed with you into adulthood?

“Don’t worry about them, focus on what you’re doing”. At the time you think it’s just a passing comment to get you to listen in class or focus. When you move into adult life there is a lot to be taken from that advice.

What do you think makes CCGS unique, from the perspective of someone who’s lived a big life beyond its gates?

It’s a community not just a school and teachers very quickly become people and friends. It’s not a school that creates an ‘us and them’ culture; it’s a family culture. Everyone is there together helping each other become the best version of themselves.

What does life look like now?

After hanging up my riding boots, I went straight into the family business. I now run and own a wholesale production nursery, Scotts Tubes, with my brother Greg. Taking my competitive edge to business, my brother and I went on to become best wholesale production in Australia three years running over 2021, 2022 and 2023. It's an honour to carry to the legacy of my parents and continue to build the beautiful business they started over 40 years ago. Housing over 40 staff and selling interstate across all major and independent retailers, Scotts Tubes has turned into my new lifestyle and drive in life. 

To show up and ride the highs and lows of my racing career and now business adventures, an incredible support crew is vital. I am extremely lucky to have that support through my beautiful my wife Tamara.  After 11 years of amazing adventure, we now have a beautiful little girl, Willa - by far our greatest and most rewarding achievement to date.