Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2013

/ 05

Katie Ward’s exceptional scholarship ARTICLE

Millie goes to Millfield

ARTICLE

IMAGE Millicent van der Velde and Ms Ruth Jans

IMAGE Dr Sally Stephens and Katie Ward

AFTER A CHALLENGING THREE–STAGE application process and a nerve-wracking two days of interviews, Brisbane Girls Grammar Year 12 student Katie Ward learned she had been selected as one of The Australian National University’s inaugural Tuckwell Scholars. In 2014, she will move to Canberra and commence her degree studying Astronomy and Astrophysics. The highly competitive Tuckwell Scholarships — only twenty-five scholars were chosen from 657 applicants — provide up to $100,000 per student for their undergraduate degree and are funded by Graham and Louise Tuckwell’s donation of $50 million to ANU, the largest-ever single donation from individuals to an Australian university. ‘I am honoured to receive this scholarship because of its emphasis on excellence in all areas and not just academics. As someone doing an esoteric course, the support is particularly significant,’ Katie said. ‘The Tuckwell Scholarship emphasises the importance of contributing to ANU and to the wider community by participation outside the classroom. The generosity of the Tuckwell family is remarkable, and it has given me confidence that what I want to do is valued and important in society.’ The week before the Tuckwell Scholarship interview marathon, Katie undertook work experience at ANU’s Mount Stromlo Observatory. ‘It was a terrific experience and confirmed for me that Astronomy is what I want to study,’ she said. As Katie’s Physics teacher, Director of Science Dr Sally Stephens is delighted for her, and looks forward to Katie’s contribution to the scientific world in the future. ‘Katie is a wonderful example of a curious human being with a yearning desire to understand the world around her. She is an intensely inquisitive and unusually capable young woman. She is a ponderer, yet is still extremely practical when researching the objects of her fascination. Young women such as Katie bring wonderful characteristics and attitudes to the research process — characteristics and attitudes that benefit all society.’ Through her achievements and enthusiasm for scientific endeavours, Katie is an inspiring role model for younger Grammar girls considering science for their studies and for their future careers.

A SCHOLARSHIP TO THE MILLFIELD School in Somerset, England, has Millicent van der Velde (Year 11) anticipating the chance to compete in Europe against some of the best fencers in her age group. Head of Mackay House Ms Ruth Jans was instrumental in Millie receiving the scholarship. ‘The School fully supports Millie in this endeavour. We want all our girls to achieve their full potential, which was why I was happy to provide a recommendation to Millfield outlining her academic, co-curricular and sporting achievements. Although we are sad to see Millie leave Girls Grammar and Mackay House, it’s a wonderful opportunity for her.’ Millie will attend Millfield for two years, completing her A levels and training in their Fencing Academy under the guidance of experienced UK National Coach Professor Sue Benney. Millfield has a distinguished sporting history with many Olympic athletes among its alumni, including fencer Sophie Williams who represented Great Britain the 2012 London Olympics. Millie will board at the school, and she is looking forward to meeting people from different parts of the world and to experiencing life in a different country. ‘The staff and students at Millfield were very friendly and very encouraging when I visited earlier this year. The campus is amazing — it has international standard sports facilities, a concert hall and theatre, and it is in a As with any significant life change, Millie’s feelings of excitement are tinged with a little sorrow. ‘After three and a half years at Girls Grammar, I’ve made some great friends, and I’m sad to leave them. And I’m sure I will miss the Brisbane sunshine. It will be a big change going to England and being so far away from my family, but I am looking forward to this fantastic opportunity.’ beautiful part of England.’

SPRING ISSUE / 2013