2008 School Magazine

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In Term 111, Kathryn Zealand (12R), Hannah Baldry (12R), Phattroman Sangfai (12L), Harriet O'Rourke (11 R) and myself, accompanied by Ms I Smith, attended the United Nations Association of Australia's national conference held in Parliament House. The theme of this conference was "Making a Difference" and we heard from a range of speakers on such issues as Climate Change, Governance, Human Rights, Peace-Conflict-Resolution and Lif^long Education. Our attendance was most warmly welcomed as many at the conference were interested in hearing our views on these issues, as the youth of Australia. We had the great pleasure of meeting many politicians including The Hon Bob MCMullan MP, The Hon Philip Ruddock MP and the Lord Mayor Campbell Newman. Perhaps though the most notable speaker we heard from was Her Excellency Penny Wensley Ao, the Governor of Queensland, who spoke to us about her life experiences and her meaning of success. The knowledge we gained from this experience is priceless and it is our hope to set up a UN committee within the School, providing others with the information and resources we were given, hopefully fulfilling the challenge we were set, to make a difference within our world. On behalf of the girls I would like to thank Ms I Smith for accompanying us to this conference and Dr B Addison for selecting us as the representatives of the School.

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After studying Humanities subjects at Brisbane Girls Grammar School for five years, their true value in establishing a pattern of ife-long learning and awareness cannot be underestimated. From Year 8 SES, which lays the foundation al skills of essay writing, research and analysis, Girls Grammar students are privileged to be able to study the Humanities, gaining insight into the world in which we live, how it came to be and where it might be going. Whether pondering the origins of mankind, debating industrial relations or critiquing the legacy of second wave feminism, the Humanities have a particular relevance to the real world which I have enjoyed during my time at Grammar. Humanities students develop an ability to form a reasoned opinion and respect a range of views, opening our minds to new ideas and perspectives from around the world and across time, starting us off on a life-time adventure of learning. ,/4\"'^,,/W"'6,970"'r172^! The study of Humanities for me provided a connection to a range of life skills that equipped me for the future beyond Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Learning lessons from the past and inquiring how societies have addressed problems and moved forward in developing systems and cultures that form the "fabric ' of our existence, have been valuable life lessons. The various . urnanities subjects I have undertaken at Girls Grammar have provided me with new perspectives on global issues and economic conditions. The practical nature of the work undertaken gives context to real-life experiences. For instance, field trips provide hands-on experience, guest speakers bring fresh ideas and re-enactments and role playing have brought the real nature of what we are learning to life. The Social and Environmental Faculty at the School has teachers who have worked in industry prior to teaching. As a result of this background they are able to share real-life experiences and challenge each student to be Innovative in their thinking. My exposure to the social sciences at Girls Grammar

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2020 '^!',^e^0^,!- I^^mm' 'o00^^^0^,,,^2" ^,^^ In Term I a 'Gregory Terrace' ideas summit was held at Brisbane Grammar School involving students from Girls Grammar, Brisbane Grammar School and St Joseph's Gregory Terrace. Two University of Queensland academics, as well as a partner from Price Water house Coopers, acted as facilitators for the summit. The ideas investigated included areas associated with the future directions for the Australian economy in the areas of education, skills, training, innovation and productivity. it was good to have the opportunity to think about these Issues and to meet like-minded students from 'The Terrace'

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