Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2023

MS CATHY LU DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

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OUR global ENG A GEMENT

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AS THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL, ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, STATED IN A UNICEF REPORT, ‘THE PANDEMIC HAS CREATED THE MOST SEVERE DISRUPTION IN THE WORLD’S EDUCATION SYSTEMS IN HISTORY, WITH DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES ON LEARNING’.

meaningful engagement with our affiliate schools. As outlined in the PISA Global Competence Framework, the study of languages helps students to develop the capacity to examine local, global, and intercultural issues, to understand and appreciate the perspectives and world views of others, to engage in open, appropriate, and effective interactions with people from different cultures (OECD, 2018). Learning languages truly enriches our students intellectually, educationally, and culturally. OUR AFFILIATE SCHOOLS Brisbane Girls Grammar School has always been a pioneer in providing a holistic education with an international outlook for young women. With this vision in mind, the Affiliate School program at Girls Grammar began officially in 1978 under the leadership of Principal, Mrs Judith Hancock. Over the years, our International Affiliate Schools program has evolved to provide a wide range of opportunities for regular student exchange experiences. While the pandemic travel restrictions placed our exchange partnerships on hold for several years, with borders now open and an ever‑increasing appetite to travel and explore, Girls Grammar is looking to reignite relationships with our affiliate schools.

T hree years have passed since the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic. During these tumultuous years, we have experienced an unprecedented scale of lockdowns, school closures and travel cancellations worldwide. However, global issues require global solutions. The unparalleled challenges of COVID-19 also surfaced extraordinary human resourcefulness, resilience, and potential. The pandemic has become a catalyst to strengthening our global engagement and solidarity. We need to leverage our connections and strengthen international collaboration. Our global engagement is the key to creating a better future for us all. ‘IF YOU TALK TO A MAN IN A LANGUAGE HE UNDERSTANDS, THAT GOES TO HIS HEAD. IF YOU TALK TO HIM IN HIS OWN LANGUAGE, THAT GOES TO HIS HEART.’ – NELSON M A NDEL A

LANGUAGES AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

Language learning has been an indispensable part of the curriculum at Brisbane Girls Grammar School since its establishment in 1875. The study of languages is one of the School’s five foundational subjects and it supports the educational philosophy of a broad based, liberal education. From the start of Year 7, students can elect to study two of the five available languages: Latin, French, German, Chinese and Japanese. In International Studies, our students develop empathy, cognitive agility, and critical thinking skills while they explore languages and cultures. The study of languages gives students myriad opportunities to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of humanity, to recognise and challenge stereotypes, and to reflect on their responsibilities as a global citizen. Through thoughtful interactions in languages, our students connect across cultures and celebrate diversity; they understand, appreciate, and articulate multiple perspectives; they value opportunities to collaborate and engage with our global society; they develop global competence and valuable transferable skills through

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GAZETTE • ISSUE 1, 2023 ISSUE 1, 2023

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL