Grammar Gazette-Issue 1, 2021

Life-wide Learning

Choose Your Own Adventure A life-wide approach to learning

Sport

After winning Head of the River in 2020, Girls Grammar rowers are excitedly preparing for another big season ahead

Sport is wholeheartedly fostered by the school for its many physical, mental, and social benefits. Through 18 competitive and five non-competitive activities, all Girls Grammar students are encouraged to participate in activities that complement their interests and abilities This include a competitive sport, including netball, rowing, swimming and cross country, non- competitive sports such as rock climbing and activities like early morning strength and conditioning classes

It's a crisp, clear morning at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. A soft breeze carries faint music from an early Strings rehearsal, occasionally interrupted by a high-pitched squeak of sneakers on the McCrae Grassie Sports Centre floor. A group of girls sit in the shade of an enormous old fig tree discussing To Kill a Mockingbird's literary themes with their teacher. Another group, with canvas book bags slung over their shoulders, pass by chatting and laughing until they disappear behind the sliding glass doors of the Elizabeth Jameson Research Learning Centre.

‘What gets me out of bed so early in the morning is the community that surrounds you as soon as you arrive at the sheds. The coaches, the rowers and the parents make the Rowing community a true family and I believe it is the ultimate team sport. ‘Head of the River last year was an amazing day filled with true Grammar spirit and pride: the hard trainings; the early mornings; the lack of sleep—it all paid off. To have both the First and Second VIII win for the first time in Girls Grammar's sporting history was awesome. I hope we can do it again this year.’ —Sarah Hopkins (12B)

Visitors to BGGS outside of school hours are often struck by how busy the campus can be—it is alive with activity well before House Group begins, and its buildings remain lit well after dark Water Polo players brave the water as soon as the sun is up, and the emphatic exclamations of debaters making their case ring through the night air, often after 8 pm When initially introduced to this plethora of co- curricular opportunities, Year 7 students generally have an appetite to try everything And this instinct is encouraged—secondary school is the place where young people discover and develop the talents and interests that will stay with them for a lifetime, and the process of understanding and exploring their own skills is a developmental process that the School seeks to promote As girls continue through school, they are supported to identify their personal strengths, andwhat brings them the most joy and accomplishment An important part of this process is learning to prioritise their commitments, to learn the value of their place in a team, and how to balance their academic obligations with their activities outside of the classroom With the support of their teachers, coaches, tutors, and peers, they craft their own unique adventure and engage with sport, music, and interest groups that will shape their lives beyond school ▶

Music

Violin Soloist, Courtenay Cleary, delivering a Violin Masterclass with Madeline Khoo (11E)

Early morning Strings practice is just one of the many beautiful sounds filtering through the School on any given day Girls Grammar students are enthusiastically encouraged to explore their musical curiosity—from absolute beginner to those looking to challenge themselves and grow their technical skills—through myriad opportunities that span percussion and wind to band and choirs ▶

left Year 7 students walking through campus near the Elizabeth Jameson Research Learning Centre

Gazette

Gazette

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

04

Issue 1, 2021

05

Issue 1, 2021