Teaching Philosophy
The clan motto inscribed on the belt -"Miseris Succurrere Disco" - comes from the Virgil and translates as "I Learn to Help the Needy"
The use of the Macmillan Clan motto is significant as it represents a philosophy that is at the heart of the service the Centre provides. Within this philosophy are three components:
1. The responsibility of the individual to learn, “I learn”, indicates a process through which you are willing to attain knowledge and skills. Such development requires many skills such as communication in its’ many forms, Information Technology and all this offers regarding resources and collaboration. Incorporated into this is the motivation required to push you to achieve. A clear focus on the outcome of your learning is essential. Not only is there the drive for self-achievement; there is also recognition of the gains for those you work for, the clients.
2. The next component is that of “to succour” or “to help”. This component represents the variety of knowledge, skills, methods and concepts relating to working with people. All of us have a particular leaning towards being treated in certain ways. Such treatment can be found, for example, to relate to the Scottish Social Service Council Codes of Practice including the Health and Social Care Standards. An understanding of the basic ingredients of interactions enables the concepts of respect, compassion, inclusion, fairness, responsiveness, safety and personal wellbeing and therefore is significant to the helping process.
3. “…the distressed” or “those in need” identifies to whom we apply the “help”. As the issue of care can apply to a wide section of society it is important to understand the “need” they have. Through careful assessment of all that this person is, we construct an image of wishes and needs, which may only be met through appropriate application of knowledge, skills, methods and concepts.