2014 School Magazine

Humanities

YEAR 8 HUMANITIES JORDAN LEE (8W)

At the start of the year I was apprehensive about studying this subject called Humanities. To be honest, I found it difficult to understand Geography and History in primary school. However after a year of Humanities at Girls Grammar, I have developed an interest in this fascinating subject (mostly thanks to my wonderful teachers). We started the year with History and the study of artefacts. I personally enjoyed analysing and comparing and contrasting the photos from the early days of Girls Grammar to the current architecture of the School. We then explored Ancient Rome where we learnt ECOMAN BRIANNA BLACK (11L) AND EMMA COCKBURN (11M) Ecoman 2014 saw nine Brisbane Girls Grammar School students establish invaluable links between our studies in Economics and the real world of business. Over three days we worked in four collaborative groups with Brisbane Grammar School students. In these groups we inherited a business in turmoil. Our goal was to make decisions that would benefit the reinvention of our businesses. The aim was for the teams to attain the highest share price, and the standard of completion by the teams was superb, with everyone making exponential increases to their company’s value. Throughout the course of this programme and via the business simulation, we gained valuable insight into negotiation, teamwork and how to conduct ourselves in a corporate sense. A deadline is a deadline; it is one thing you cannot negotiate. Additionally, we were very privileged to have such fantastic, engaging mentors guiding us as well as the wonderful teachers who accompanied us. We were privileged to complete this task in a corporate environment with amazing views of the Brisbane CBD. Ultimately, the Ecoman programme was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allowed us to indulge in our love for economics in a wonderful, productive and fascinating way.

about what had happened in Pompeii and how objects from the past can tell us so much about a particular civilisation. Geography was also really interesting and enjoyable too. I particularly liked working in groups and learning through teaching and listening to others. This not only helped us consolidate our understanding of the subject but it also improved our communication skills. I definitely enjoyed Humanities this year at Girls Grammar, as it was both engaging and stimulating. ■

Emma Cockburn (11M), Brianna Black (11L), Sophia Bruggemann (11B), Katherine Bartlett (11E) and Elizabeth Trusler (11E) were invited to the Brisbane Central Regional Ecoman final where we took part in an all-girls final against Somerville House, Brisbane State High and Carmel College. Our AGM presentation enabled us to accrue additional points which saw us cross the line first in a closely contested competition. We won the event with the highest share value after trading for two years. ■

ECONOMICS ISABEL HARDY (12H)

I have loved studying Economics because I have learned that it has an impact on almost every aspect of our lives, and learning its basic principles means I’ve gained a greater understanding of how the world works. This year we explored a variety of macroeconomic topics such as fiscal and monetary policy, income and wealth inequality and global economics. We have drawn out and analysed various issues within these topics, and discussed possible solutions. Ultimately, this has given us a completely different way of looking at these issues in our society.

Economics really is a subject for the real world — don’t leave school without it! ■

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