2019 School Magazine

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD

T he Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Duke of Ed) is a youth development program that focuses on empowering young people to explore their full potential and find their place in the world. Established in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Ed has since expanded to more than 140 countries around the world. The Award has three levels: Bronze; Silver; and Gold. To receive an award, participants must complete four components—skill, service, physical recreation and adventurous journey—with an added residential project for the Gold Award.

This year, Journeys included trips to Marrapatta, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Fraser Island. These trips provided girls with an opportunity to explore some of South East Queensland’s beautiful bushland, rainforests and walking tracks, and learn skills such as orienteering, navigation and survival skills. Duke of Ed allows students to challenge themselves, make new friendships and acquire priceless life skills. The program is designed to help students develop into well-rounded members of society. Kate Edmondston (11B), Eva Seet (11B), Lauren Stacey (11L), Amelia Vanderstoep (11L) and Katherine Withers (11L)

ECOMAN

T his year, 20 Year 11 students fromBrisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School competed in the Economics and Management (Ecoman) competition. The three-day program aimed to familiarise young students with the commercial realities of operating a business. Students were separated into five groups and tasked to turn around a business that was under-performing and in severe debt. The student managers had to source supplies, engage in industrial relation negotiations and address environmental issues, while wrestling with the consequences of our entrepreneurial initiatives. The team that attained the highest share price at the end of the three days won the competition.

Students were given the choice as to what position within the company we wanted to occupy. The positions included Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer, Production Manager, Human Resources Manager and Marketing Manager. I found the Ecoman experience extremely rewarding as I was able to apply my theoretical economics knowledge in a simulated ‘real-world’ business environment. I found the rate of change faced by businesses to be a challenging yet rewarding framework to operate within. This program highlighted the exciting challenges a career in the private sector will afford us. Josephine Kimbell (11E)

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2019 | 095