2013 School Magazine

THE Out<'E OF ED NBUF?6H'^^^ AWA^?D 2013 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme is an international leadership adventure that challenges 61R!?AWEEN NATIONAL PAP?K EXPEDITION

In the Easter holidays. twenty-four Grammar girls set out for beautiful Girraween National Park on the Old - NSW border for the physical and mental challenges of The Duke of Edinburgh Award We climbed Castle Rock and were rewarded with incredible panoramic views. We then continued to Turtle Rock and ventured into the caves, sliding through a chasm that was only 40 centimetres wide. On the final expedition day. we climbed up the aptly-named geological formation called the Pyramids. where we had another breath-taking view of the whole park This expedition epitomised The Duke of Ed spirit. Girls made new friends and learnt many valuable skills in first- aid, emergency management. cooking. navigation and teamwork

participants to push personal boundaries and develop a sense of wider accomplishment. The programme combines leadership. team-work and perseverance to create an adventure which stays with participants for the rest of their lives. Participants challenge themselves with varying levels of difficulty from Bronze, to Silver. and finishing on Gold. The commitment to a skill. volunteer service, physical recreation and adventurous journey increases with each level of achievement The skill component for the programme has a wide range of activities including music, drama and the arts. The volunteer service component enables participants to gain a wider understanding of their community. and allows them to feel a sense of accomplishment by helping out others in need. Physical activity is an important part of our lives. and participants improve their physical fitness, make new friends. and stay active. The adventurous journey component is all about getting outdoors and giving everything a go. Adventurous journeys require determination and spirit. and leave participants feeling like they can conquer the world The Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme at BGGS this year consisted of 108 eager students who were willing to push their limits and set new challenging personal goals We completed expeditions to Girraween National Park and Conondale National Park. a new site offered this year The girls enjoyed the challenges of extended bushwalks. camping. and adventure The girls enriched their interests. abilities and ambitions. and in turn gained an immense sense of satisfaction from achieving goals, learning about themselves and developing personally in the process. On behalf of all of the girls we would like to thank Dr Mayne and Ms Jones for co- obinating the events, the teachers that accompany the girls on their expeditions and Ms EUler for her continued support of The Duke of Ed

JOSEFINE GANK0 10 GRIFFITH

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Girrr5, V'ee

CONONDALE NATIONAL PARK EXPEDITION

This expedition was a wonderful learning experience where we both gained new friendships and strengthened ours. We found that our confidence grew with each step. and would like to try leading the expedition next time The scenery at Conondale was amazing. including creeks, waterfalls. an egg sculpture and beautiful bush tracks

LOUISE FORBES 12 WOOLCOCK AND HANNAH FORBES 12 WOOLCOCK CAPTAINS

ANNIE CHEN 12 ENGLAND & JENNY KU0 12 ENGLAND

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ANTIP, ;^^ 2012

Antipodeans Abroad was an incredible experience. and one that I felt lucky to participate in. Trekking on the Great Wall and spending time with the children in rural China were remarkable experiences unlike anything I had ever done before. and the whole year spent in anticipation of the trip. planning and fundraising. helped to make my final year of high school really memorable Developing our ability to work together as a team and to overcome challenges really made the trip feel like our own. and has definitely increased my level of independence now that I have returned home. The close bond that was formed between all members of the team is also something that I will always treasure I'm so glad I chose to mark the end of my twelve years of schooling with this Antipodeans trip

CLAUDIA GILBERT 12 0'CONNOR (CLASS OF 2012)

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