2005 School Magazine

Educational Resources & Initiatives

Educational Resources & Initiatives

Rigour in research

Research, rigour and reflection

Everyone can access the actual and virtual space of the library for its print, electronic and archival collection. However, knowing how to locate just the right text, select the right details from a sea of information, compare, synthesise and structure ideas more effectively can always be improved. This is why our teacher-librarians help to develop the Pathfinders to help hone research strategies and secure greater rigour.

Each year brings exciting opportunities for charting new territory. To reflect on the value of defining elements and experiences from the past helps shape informed decisions about future directions. Such was the case this year for the newly constituted Faculty of Educational Resources and Initiatives. What would be our role within the School’s learning community? So emerged a mantra of ‘research, rigour and reflection’ as the triggers and the targets for daily interactions. On entry to the Beanland Memorial Library, one cannot help but appreciate how its redesigned spaciousness, harmony and flexible spaces create an impressive environment for learning and socialising. Other initiatives this year might not be as physically apparent but they are true to the mantra. They embrace a wide cross-section of the School community.

When the pressure is on and sympathetic glances from your friends are comforting, but not enough, you need somewhere to collapse, somewhere to read, sleep or talk with friends or simply continue study. Such a place is our cosy ‘reading corner’. Just a set of eight low couch chairs, arranged around small tables, this has been a most appreciated addition to the library. It is frequently filled with friends, book-lovers or individuals seeking their own quiet spot for dozing or reflection. Scattered on the tables are the daily newspapers and Life magazines. Overlooking all who sit or pass by here is the wonderful painting of a Grammar Girl by Sue Byth (1970), a respected Brisbane artist and former Head Girl of Brisbane Girls Grammar School. This nook radiates peace and calm. Here you can ignore the stresses of school and clear your mind – relaxation is the key. Anna McGahan (12L) PUBLICATIONS CAPTAIN

Our Reading Corner

The Centre for Professional Practice, instituted this year in partnership with Queensland University of Technology, aims to support student learning by strengthening the mentorship of our pre-service teachers. Staff involved as part of the inaugural Learning Innovation Group engage in spirited debate and reflection on cutting edge educational theories and practices. In Research and Development, the School’s records are meticulously stored and educational trends are monitored. Similarly our Publications Team have recorded the events, personalities and achievements that have defined the School year. Beyond all that is new, daily operations maintain friendly service and committed support for literacy development, learning strategies and curriculum delivery. Dr K Kimber DIRECTOR

Recording and Reporting

The Publications Team this year has experienced something of the world of media at first hand. Whether photo-journalist or editor, all members have participated in various stages of the production process from photography courses to eye-witness reporting. Regular meetings helped sharpen our awareness of the need for accuracy and angles in our articles. To deliver our brief for this year’s magazine to the graphic designers who were to create it was an authentic task yet an awesome responsibility. Raje Manickam (11O)

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School

School Magazine 2005