2016 School Magazine

YEAR 8 HUMANITIES In Term I Humanities, the Year 8s studied Medieval Europe. The topic included concepts such as the manor system, the Church’s influence, and the violent Crusades. We learnt that the Medieval people abided strictly by the laws of the manor system and that the different classes never integrated – you stayed in the same class as you were born in. The Medieval Crusades were brutal and achieved very little. We studied a Geography unit in Term II about rainforests and landscapes. Most alarming was the incredible scale of deforestation and the devastation it causes for the wildlife and people alike. We also learnt about the water, nutrient and carbon- oxygen cycles and how they are affected by the loss of habitat. Term III was another geography unit, where we studied urbanisation and changing cities. The class was often conflicted as to whether urbanisation was benefitting our society or destroying it. We also investigated a project which aimed to improve a city’s sustainability. In researching this, I learnt a few alarming facts about what we are doing to our planet. Most alarming was to see how much C02 was being pumped into the atmosphere by factories and vehicles. In our final term of Humanities we are focusing on the Renaissance and important figures of that time period. The Renaissance was a time of art, music and individuality; it was a time of redemption after coming out of the Dark ages. We are creating a ‘Factbook’ page on a Renaissance figure. Researching and analysing these people in the form of a mock Facebook page has been a fun and engaging way to discover more about the history and development of our artistic styles, religious beliefs and our knowledge of this world.

YEAR 7 HUMANITIES

Year 7 Humanities has provided us with an excellent opportunity to feel a part of both our School and local community. Throughout this year we have learnt various topics in both history and geography such as; BGGS history, Pompeii, Water in our World, Ancient Societies and Our Local Community. Being new to the School we learnt about BGGS history, allowing us to feel really connected to and part of the School family. We then learnt about Mt Vesuvius and its effects on the people living in Pompeii. Also, we explored the life of our ancestors and discovered the lifestyles of ancient societies. In Geography we learnt about the effects of water in our society today and the water cycle in the ‘Water of the World’ unit. Later in the year we researched our local area, created a survey and designed a Wix website. These opportunities lead us to entering the Lord Mayors young photographer’s competition and the Year 7s won a camera kit for having the most entries from a single school. Four Year 7 students then presented this camera prize to a disadvantaged primary school. Year 7 Humanities 2016 has been a great learning experience for all new BGGS students and we look forward to another fantastic year of in Humanities in 2017. ANNABEL DOUGLAS, ABIGAIL KING, APRIL CHUDLEIGH AND SOPHIE CONIAS (ALL 7R)

LUA JARRAH (8B)

ECONOMICS

Economics is often a misunderstood subject. Economics is about the economy, but it is so much more than that. It is about human behaviour, perceptions, perspectives, optimism and pessimism. Economics explores the fundamental concepts of scarcity, choice and decision making that individuals, businesses and governments face daily. Economics provides a different perspective on a variety of issues or problems which assists with rational decision-making and choices. Economics is everywhere and deals with the ‘real world.’ Economics at Girls Grammar teaches students how to think for themselves and think laterally, share and express opinions, question accepted beliefs and solve problems. A study of economics develops lifelong skills for the twenty-first century that will assist students in navigating future economic challenges and participate effectively in the world of work and life beyond the white picket fence.

ALICE READ (11O)

CURRICULUM / 099