1993 School Magazine

reflective slide presentation which highlighted many of the week's activities. Each role group performed a short presen- tanon of the essential elements of their case. Finally, just when we thought it was all over, Mawson s ghost reappeared. He was very inquisitive. This explorer wanted to see how things had changed since his day. in a hypothetical situation he challenged the expedition ors 10 state their cases and to justify their points of view. Parents commented on what they saw as a "unique education- al experience": "This is certainly a unique and exciting approach to learning. Immersion in the subject matter and role playing brought the subjec1 10 life in an enjoyable and untoTgeilable way. " "I feel it is a very powerful form of learning that the girls have been able to experience. " For both expeditioners and trainers it was a very long week, full of activity, challenge, reflection, debate and compromise. The students themselves wrote how much they had gained from the experience : "I think that this Antarctica week has been one of the most interesting and memorable weeks in Year Eight. " "I believe this project was an excellent opportunity to explore learning in a different atmosphere. "

A workshop conducted by Sheena Boughen, a past student of the School and consultant to Greenpeace International, was an invaluable part of this day. She led the students through a lively workshop in which they were introduced to vital tech- niques in communicating effective Iy with those holding a viewpoint very different from their own Within their roles the expeditioners planned, negotiated, debated, made concessions, solved problems and reached consensus - sometimes. There were press releases and press conferences From time to time during the week the ghost of Sir Douglas Mawson, otherwise known as Philip Dean, appeared, to chal- Ienge, provoke and confront the girls On Thursday afternoon we were very lucky to spend half an hour speaking to A1an Grant, leader of Mawson Base. The students were able to ask all their prepared questions and receive answers from someone who had first hand experience of, and great commitment 10, this wonderful continent. This. for many of the participants, was the highlight of a very excit- ing week. Families of the expeditioners were invited to join us for the week's conclusion on Friday evening. We ended as we had be aun with the immersion video. 11 was a wonderful way to relax after a hectic week. The docu-journalists treated us to a

ARTS WEEK The inaugural B. G. G. S. Arts Week (Sunday October 10 to Grammarphones. The Senior Drama Production "Our Town" Saturday October 16) focussed on the role of the Arts in the opened on Thursday night and played until Saturday night. life of the School. The work of students in the various arts The special highlight of Arts Week was the visit to the school was highlighted and guest artists and perlonmers were invited by two Aboriginal women elders from the Ariangu to stimulate the interest of the School community in the CTe- Jinantjataraku Lands of South Australia. The two women alive process and the value of the Arts. elders and Dr HeIen Payne (a specialist in indigenous The week was officially opened by the Minister for women's music from the University of Queensland) were in Education, the Honourable Mr Pat Comben at a Celebratory residence during the week and on School Day. The women Music Concert in the Mayne Hall. University of Queensland. demonstrated and led the girls in a variety of activities: ritual The event showcased our musical groups and solo performers ceremonies, singing, dancing, painting. batik and carving. and featured drama and movement items before the concert This event gave the students the opportunity to experience, began. through genuine involvement, traditional Aboriginal women s During lunch hours, activities included a concert by music culture. The school would like to thank Dr Payne and the two staff, speech and drama performances, a rhythmic gymnastics women elders for the exciting and stimulating experience display, and items from jugglers. roving street artists, a nilme which they provided for the girls troupe and theatre dancers. Finally, thank you 10 all the staff and students involved in Evening performances included a concei'I by the Queensland Wind Soloists with the popular group from B. G. S. . The Arts Week who made it such a great success.

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