Grammar Gazette-Issue 1, 2020

In Their Words Teaching and research

A Curious Climate Connecting with the environment

Dr Rashna Taraporewalla Head of Ancient History

Mr James McIntosh Director of Marrapatta

Slow moments in nature—a still day on the dam when the water is clear and the sun is warm, stargazing during camp-out or watching the butterflies flutter along the creek—are often the moments that spark students’ curiosity at Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor Education Centre (Marrapatta). These liminal spaces—the quiet gaps in time where girls discover, find meaning and connect to their own experiences—are often the ‘lightbulb’ moments in outdoor education We use these teachable moments to engage in conversations with girls about the importance of the wellbeing and sustainability of the environment These experiences with nature allow girls to develop a sense of appreciation and awareness that is vital in developing empathy and action to continue such environmental consciousness

Our girls have always shown an interest in learning about the different ecosystems at Marrapatta, but now more than ever, teenagers are curious about the environment and society’s impact on the planet. The movement started by youth activist, Greta Thunberg, advocating for climate change awareness and encouraging students to take it upon themselves to incite change, has seen a heightened interest in environmental sustainability from children and young adults around the world Grammar girls are among those passionate about making change and creating a better collective future, and while the environment has long been a priority of the School, our girls are eager to learn and do more in the environmental landscape ▶

‘I’m still seeking answers to the question which drove me to study Ancient History—why do humans behave as they do?’

Head of Ancient History, Dr Rashna Taraporewalla, shares her passion for Ancient History and the importance of the Humanities in a broad-based, liberal education. — I’ve always been curious about what motivates people to act in a certain way My fascination with ancient human behaviour can be credited to my secondary school Ancient History teacher, Ms Pamela Davenport Having travelled extensively and worked on archaeological digs, Ms Davenport shared stories about her travels and excavations It sounded so exciting and adventurous, and inspired my tertiary studies After school, I studied a Bachelor of Arts at The University of Queensland (UQ) and then completed a Masters in Classical Archaeology at the University of London I loved exploring ancient peoples’ motivations—why did the Spartans create a warrior culture? Why did Julius Caesar march against Rome? While these ancient cultures seemed so different from our own, deeply researching their past made me see that they were also very similar

I became increasingly interested in the Ancient Athenians So many ideas and institutions we accept as cornerstones of Western Civilisation can be traced to this one city—democracy, drama, the concept of university and free speech This led me to focus on Ancient Athens in my doctoral studies where I researched the placement of Athenian religious sanctuaries—and visited their ruins myself While completing my doctorate, I lectured in the UQ Department of Classics and Ancient History and realised that what excited me the most was teaching; sharing my knowledge with others There’s magic in being a storyteller within the classroom. I hope I’ve inspired my students to visit sites andmuseums as they journey through the world, just as Ms Davenport inspired me I have never stopped being curious about human behaviour Last year, I completed a Graduate Diploma of Psychology My psychology studies have led me to appreciate more acutely why Ancient History is such an important discipline

It allows us to discover aspects of human behaviour that are always present, regardless of time and society My students see these parallels when they read of how ineffectual Hadrian’s Wall was in Scotland, for example, and feel sceptical of politicians who seek to build walls today It’s becoming increasingly clear that what society requires are people who are not only qualified, but educated. Solving the big societal problems of the current century—including climate change, poverty and international health crises—require understanding humans from multiple perspectives Ancient History is particularly useful in this regard I encourage girls to follow their desire to study Ancient History, despite not being directly relevant to a career in the Sciences, Finance or Law Now, more than before, the understanding of what makes us ‘human’ attains a higher value within organisations and the broader world — To read more stories from BGGS staff In Their Words , visit bggs.qld.edu.au/in-their-words

above Year 8 students overlooking Borumba Dam

Gazette

Gazette

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

12

Issue 1, 2020

13

Issue 1, 2020