2018 School Magazine

OPTI-MINDS

The Opti-MINDS Creative Sustainability Challenge is an academic competition that empowers students to be imaginative and resourceful while collaborating in a team environment. Within the competition, there are three categories: language literature; social science; and science engineering. In small teams, students are required to think of a creative response to their specific challenge and then present in the form of a small dramatic performance to the judges. This year’s students were dedicated and committed, lending a hand to each other when needed. Girls Grammar entered three teams into the regional competition who received two Honours and a Spirit of Opti-MINDS award. The Science Engineering team was also given the opportunity to represent Brisbane Girls Grammar School in the Opti-minds State Finals. Aniese Uppal (7G)

SONGWRITERS STUDIO During the workshop with Grammar Woman, Francesca Hiew (2004), we were shown new approaches to lyric writing and chord progressions. I enjoyed that Francesca said, ‘it is not about whether it is a good or bad song, it is whether you finish it or not.’ This was helpful because it encouraged songwriters to complete their songs and improve existing lyrics. Schuyler Mills (8E) On the first day of Songwriter’s camp, past student, Merinda Dias-Jayasinha (2014), taught students about jazz harmony. We learned how to use colourful chords including 7ths, 9ths, 11ths and 13ths. It was particularly interesting to learn more unique chords rather than recycling the same chord progressions. We also completed an activity called 'stream of consciousness' to encourage girls to write their ideas down and create thoughtful lyrics. On the second day, lecturer and songwriter, Mr Mark Sholtez, taught lyric writing, which involved a rewarding group activity where we took the clich , e idea of a sappy love story and turned it into a full song. I found this activity very helpful because it showed me to be less critical of my ideas and to follow them through, even if I am unsure of the outcome. Abigail Lui (10O)

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2018 | CO-CURRICULUM | 099