2024 School Magazine

ECOMAN

On 17 to 18 July, 12 students from Brisbane Girls Grammar School and 13 from Brisbane Grammar School took part in the ECOMAN program—a dynamic business simulation designed to bridge the gap between education and the real world business environment. This hands-on program allowed students to step into the roles of CEOs and CFOs, Directors of Sales, Production, and HR, working in teams to run virtual companies. The challenge was to achieve the highest share price by making strategic decisions in areas like inventory management, advertising, employee training, and borrowing. Each decision was based on forecast market trends, testing our ability to apply economic principles. The highlight of the program was the simulated AGM, where each team presented their results to a panel of shareholders made up of teachers and business professionals. ECOMAN brought economic theories to life, showing us firsthand how unpredictable markets can be. While classroom lessons are essential, this program provided a practical perspective on the complexities of business.

Congratulations to all participants, especially Saathvika Maturu (11H) and Jaime Antel (11L), whose team claimed victory. This experience gave us a valuable glimpse into the world of business and finance, preparing us for future challenges in a

business-driven world. Saathvika Maturu (11H)

Future Problem Solving

Future Problem Solving (FPS) is a Co-curricular Program that requires critical, creative and futuristic thinking, teamwork, and communication. Each Tuesday afternoon, with the guidance of our coordinator, Ms Keryn Bryce, we walk to BGS and collaborate with BGS Future Problem Solvers to devise futuristic solutions to real-world problems. In July this year, the annual State Resource Day was held at The Southport School. Guest speaker scientists delivered a presentation on Antarctica, which was the topic of this year’s Nationals Qualifying Problem. We explored questions like: ‘What would happen if the Antarctic Treaty System broke down?’ and ‘What are the ethical implications of attaching seals with chips to read the conductivity, temperature and depth of deep continental shelves?’ Out of the 10 BGS/BGGS teams, one qualified for the national finals. Congratulations to Mini Sellar (9M), Claire Zhang (9E), Miranda Zhang (9M) and Grace Zhao (9L). Angel Li (10G) and Charmaine Wong (10H) FPS Student Leaders

Opti-MINDS

Opti-MINDS is a team-based competition where students are invited to think beyond the classroom and delve further into their imagination and creativity. The competition is held in Terms 3 and 4 for all students in Years 7 to 10 and is coordinated by Mrs Hazel Boltman. I have participated in this competition for three years and have improved many crucial skills during this time, including: communication; teamwork; perseverance; and creativity. There are four categories within the competition: Language Literature; Media Communications; Social Sciences; and Science Engineering; so, there is a challenge for everyone. This year, the teams from BGGS performed extremely well, with Team 2 and Team 3 placing first in the Language Literature category and Teams 8, 10 and 12 receiving first place in Social Sciences, Science Engineering and Media Communications respectively. These teams will advance to the state-level competition in Term 4, proudly representing the Brisbane North region. In addition to this, Team 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 all received honours in their respective categories. Opti-MINDS is a highly enjoyable and challenging experience and I would recommend it to anyone interested in giving it a go! Jiya Dhanani (10L)

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