Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2004

Staff Profiles Mr Alan Allinson, Head of Physics

Serendipity is a well-known phenomenon in Science. It occurs when fortunate discoveries are made by accident, like the discovery of penicillin and Velcro. Another recognised case of serendipity was the appointment of Mr Alan Allinson as Head of Physics at Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 1995. Mr Allinson has depth as well as breadth of knowledge. His success can be attributed to that enviable combination of intelligence and dedication. Today, Mr Allinson ’ s colleagues describe him as extremely generous with his time and resources, and feedback from students indicates how much they appreciate the extra time and effort he puts into all of his classes. Mr Allinson ’ s particular talent lies in the area of getting the best out of students. He has sought to integrate into Junior and Senior Courses the most up-to-date data collection and analysis technology available to secondary schools as well as establishing beneficial tertiary and industry links. Mr Allinson has played a key role in all aspects of the development and implementation of curriculum in the areas of Junior Science and Senior Physics. He has made significant contributions to the development of our curriculum philosophy and policy, and has designed relevant units based on these platforms. Laurence Houseman once said, “ A saint is one who makes goodness attractive. ” which inspired John Trimble to comment that, “ Surely, a great teacher does the same thing for education. ” It is certainly what Alan Allinson has done for Physics at Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

Mrs Ruth Lang, Dean of Curriculum With a Masters degree in Educational Studies and extensive experience in curriculum leadership including roles as a foundation Principal and foundation Deputy Principal, Mrs Lang was appointed to the newly created role of Dean of Curriculum at Brisbane Girls Grammar School in January 2003.

Mrs Lang combines her Dean ’ s role with teaching Junior Science and Senior Biology.

The philosophical foundation upon which the curriculum is reviewed, designed and enhanced is that learning is a personal event which is nourished through quality teaching, focussed interactions with peers and genuine engagement in the curriculum. When speaking of this philosophy Mrs Lang says that “ A Brisbane Girls Grammar School education should ultimately provide a solid foundation for personal well being, ongoing academic endeavour, flexibility and the ability to work both interdependently and independently ” . The teaching staff at Brisbane Girls Grammar School is committed to delivering a curriculum in a supportive classroom environment, which is broad, liberal and relevant to the needs of today ’ s learners. The Habits of Mind initiative in Year 8 is an example of a set of skills, which are applicable well beyond the classroom setting and into adulthood. Mrs Lang ’ s priorities include the enhancement of opportunities for girls to develop intellectual quality, a futures orientation, a connectedness to the local community and global village and openness to continuous learning through rich, meaningful and diverse school experiences.

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