Grammar Gazette - Issue 2, 2023

FROM THE STUDENTS

Beyond the text UNITING IDE A S A ND MINDS THROUGH LITER A TURE Senior Literature Emma Readdy (12L)

From Dancing to Dumplings CHINESE CLUB EXPLORES L A NGU A GE A ND CULTURE Pippa Knox (7M)

‘The pen is mightier than the sword’. It’s an overused phrase. From pseudo-inspirational speeches to quotes on cheap tote bags, our

As ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, once said, ‘the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step’. My first step into Chinese started here, in the Brisbane Girls Grammar School

society has reused, repurposed, and recycled the phrase to the point it may be beginning to lose some of its meaning. But this doesn’t make it any less true. Literature at BGGS is more than just exploring different ways of writing. It’s more than learning how to navigate novels, prod at plays, and creatively create. Although of course these are integral components of the subject and its course, Literature provides its students insight into the true power of words, as well as the ability to use words to their fullest extent. At least, this is what I’ve found it to be. While regular English, like Literature, also takes a text-centred approach to learning, I’ve found that the two subjects couldn’t be more different. From a curriculum standpoint, Literature takes two of English’s focuses—creative writing and analysing texts—and extends upon them. From breaking down complex texts such as Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Shakespeare’s King Lear, to constructing our own texts by taking inspiration from the likes of Little Women and various adaptations of Medea, Literature’s in-depth approach has enabled me and my classmates to not only gain a greater appreciation of influential texts within our society, but has also provided us with scope to further explore our passions and personal interests through the subject’s focus on creative freedom. Although it is not a history subject, I particularly love how Literature has taught me the importance of cultural context, and how it encourages its students to look past their own beliefs to understand others—something we don’t do enough in the 21st century. When I was younger, I never particularly liked books. Each word I read was a chore, a distraction from the sport I wanted to be playing. However, since studying English, and then eventually selecting Literature at Girls Grammar, books, narratives, and storytelling have become my biggest passions. By supplying me with the skills to analyse and interprets texts, Literature has not only transformed books into an accessible medium but has also opened cross-cultural and era-based doors, allowing me to understand audiences who lead, or have led, different lives to my own. Studying Literature has taught me how to use my own pen to make my voice coherent, and has ultimately allowed me to gain empathy towards, and feel connection to, audiences throughout various eras of history—uniting powers a weapon as violent as a sword could never dream of accomplishing.

Chinese Club, which offers students the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the Chinese language and culture. The Club has been running for more than four years now and it has been a wonderful environment to develop a greater insight into the Chinese language through cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, traditional games, guest speakers and celebrations of Chinese festivals. We meet in the Chinese classroom every Monday lunchtime where we share our thoughts and ideas on exciting upcoming events such as Traditional Lion Dancing. There is much more to Chinese Club than just having fun: we also use the time to prepare and receive guidance for upcoming Chinese events such as speaking and writing competitions. These academic extension opportunities enable students from all Year levels and stages of Chinese language learning to showcase what they have learned in Chinese at a state level. I was lucky enough to be selected for the 2023 Chinese Language Teachers Association of Queensland (CLTAQ) State Speaking Competition and receive a merit place. I was so grateful to have achieved such a distinction in this district thanks to my Chinese mentors. This year the Chinese Club also held the Inaugural Brisbane Girls Grammar School Chinese Speaking Competition. Students from all Year levels prepared and presented speeches in Chinese to our guest judges. Year 7 student, Chloe Yang (7B) and Year 8 student, Abigail Walker (8R), both received first place overall followed closely by Year 8 students, Ella Busteed (8W) and Sofia Lauder (8W). Other highlights from previous years of the School’s Chinese Club have been a presentation delivered by alumna, Molly Pate (2016). She spoke about her studies in Beijing, inspiring Chinese Club members to pursue their studies of Chinese and giving us a connection to the journey of learning Chinese. The dumpling cooking class was also another highlight, as even something as simple as making a dumpling gives us a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. Dumplings are an integral part of Chinese cuisine with a long history. Learning to make dumplings has allowed us to engage with a traditional culinary practice that has been passed down through generations, giving us a glimpse of how food has played a significant role in Chinese culture over time. Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s Chinese Club has given all members of the Club a deeper understanding not only of the Chinese culture, but also the stories behind what makes the language so special and unique.

ABOVE PIPPA KNOX (7M)

ABOVE EMMA READDY (12L)

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BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

GAZETTE • ISSUE 2, 2023 ISSUE 2, 2023