Stuart McIntyre’s journey to becoming the Assistant Head of Technologies at Mentone Grammar is anything but conventional. His career path weaves through diverse and intriguing chapters, from life in a small town in the UK, to serving in the Royal Navy, exploring careers in physiotherapy, and eventually finding his calling in teaching. Today, Stuart is a key figure at Mentone Grammar, where he brings a wealth of experience in both technology and leadership to his role. 

Stuart’s story begins in a small country town near Cambridge, England. Growing up in a tight-knit family with an older brother, he was surrounded by a sense of tradition and service – his family had a history of military involvement. It wasn’t long before this environment influenced his own aspirations. At 17, rather than follow a conventional path, Stuart left home to join the Royal Navy. 

“I grew up in a small town, and life felt insular. I saw a Royal Navy ship on the news that had just returned from a deployment from a faraway place, and it sparked something in me. My brother was in the Royal Air Force, and I thought, why not? I could travel the world, experience new things, and serve my country,” Stuart recalls. 

After finishing high school in the UK, Stuart joined the Navy, where he would spend the next seven years. After completing basic training and then completed his trade training as a Weapons Engineering Mechanic, managing and maintaining the ship’s Weapon and Radar systems. Stuart’s first sea draft aboard HMS Birmingham took him across the globe, from the Caribbean and the US, where he survived a hurricane; to the Mediterranean where he took part in peacekeeping missions in the Adriatic and former Yugoslavia. This service earned him a United Nations Peacekeeping Medal. 

The Navy offered him the chance to travel the world, but the challenges of being away for long periods were not without their downsides. “The best part was definitely the travel and seeing different places. But being stuck on board for weeks at a time, away from the world I wanted to be in, was challenging,” he admits. 

At 24, after years in the Navy, Stuart decided it was time for a change. Initially, he dipped into physiotherapy, working as an assistant in a London teaching hospital. His work in pediatrics, particularly with children suffering from serious conditions like meningitis and amputations, was emotionally challenging but deeply fulfilling. 

It was during this period that Stuart was introduced to teaching. “I met a physiotherapist who was leaving to become a teacher, and it planted the seed in my mind,” he says. “I wanted to do something completely different, and teaching felt like a way I could still help others, but in a more creative and impactful way.” 

Stuart moved to Liverpool to complete an Art and Design foundation course before pursuing a degree in Product Design and Digital Modelling. With his newly minted qualifications, he completed a post-graduate teaching degree and began his career in education. 

Stuart’s teaching career took him to Perth, Australia, where he embraced the warm climate and spent his weekends scuba diving. After a few years, his journey took him to Melbourne, where he worked at an independent school for four years. During this time, Stuart obtained permanent residency and further honed his teaching skills before moving to the state system, where he worked for over a decade. 

In 2022, Stuart joined Mentone Grammar as the Assistant Head of Technologies. His decision to apply was influenced by a friend who worked at the school and spoke highly of the supportive and creative environment. “Mentone Grammar offered something different, and the facilities were impressive. It felt like the right place for me,” he says. 

Stuart’s role at Mentone Grammar is deeply rooted in his love for technology and creativity. As the Assistant Head of Technologies, he is responsible for guiding students through the design process, blending traditional methods with modern technology. The Creativity Centre, a state-of-the-art facility at the School, is the perfect environment for Stuart’s approach to teaching. 

In the Technology department, students are encouraged to engage with both hands-on projects and advanced technologies, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machinery. “We don’t just teach woodworking; we integrate modern tools and techniques with the traditional. It’s about giving students a well-rounded experience that prepares them for future careers,” he explains. 

Stuart’s teaching philosophy is centred on being a facilitator. He creates a structured environment where students are encouraged to think independently and creatively. “We guide them through the steps, but ultimately, they lead the process. They do the research, plan the project, and manage the execution. It’s all about teaching them real-world skills like project management, which is invaluable,” he says. 

Outside of work, Stuart has a deep passion for scuba diving. His experiences have led to becoming a Divemaster and have taken him to some of the world’s most beautiful dive sites, including in Egypt, Australia, and Southeast Asia. “I’ve dived in some of the top wrecks around the world, and the marine life is incredible. Octopuses are my favourite,” he says with a smile. 

Reflecting on his life journey, Stuart encourages students to seize every opportunity and not be afraid of change. “Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it feels daunting. You never know where it might lead,” he advises. 

As for his greatest achievements, Stuart points to his travels, having visited over 25 countries so far. “There are still so many more places on my list, but travelling and experiencing new cultures is something I’ll always cherish.” 

Stuart’s journey to Mentone Grammar is a testament to the power of embracing change and seeking out new opportunities. From the disciplined structure of the Royal Navy to the creativity of the classroom, Stuart has built a career that blends technical expertise with a passion for fostering creativity in others. At Mentone Grammar, he continues to inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers, and innovators, all while staying true to his own adventurous spirit. 

Written by Steph Kinnear