Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2015

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JUDICIOUS AND ETHICAL ACTION GUIDING PRINCIPLE

Service Caption Anna McArthur-Dowty (12R) encouraged girls to show their support by lending their handprint on National Close the Gap Day.

AUTHOR Mrs Anne Ingram Dean of Students

A GIRLS GRAMMAR EDUCATION AIMS TO ENGENDER IN OUR STUDENTS A SPIRIT OF EMPATHY AND CARE FOR THEMSELVES AND EACH OTHER AND TO FOSTER IN THEM THE ABILITY TO ENGAGE WITH THEIR WORLD WITH CONFIDENCE, DIPLOMACY AND CAREFUL CONSIDERATION. In addition to exceptional academic preparation, students need to be equipped with the necessary skills to form positive relationships and to act in a principled way to do what is right. A student who is schooled in the art of careful discrimination will know: when to engage firmly, when to let things go. Who and what to trust. When to be cautious and when to take a risk. When to be skeptical and when to be optimistic. How to treat others fairly and honestly (Dale, 2011). The Brisbane Girls Grammar School philosophy has been shaped by judicious and ethical engagement with the world since the School was founded. Across its many years, the School has assisted its students to develop a sense of discernment, of informed and sound judgement. The culture of the School is grounded by the ethical principles that have shaped it throughout history, and the community is proud to this day of what being a part of this exceptional school represents. In a world of globalisation, it has become ever more vital for students to foster the ability to work with purpose, to invite challenge and to show good character by engaging with others in a considered and ethical way. This guiding principle is evident in the classroom as students engage with the curriculum, their teachers and

their peers, guided towards a sound knowledge and a keen appreciation of the key issues facing the world today. Through research and collaboration, students are able to develop a deep and conscious understanding of their world and of their place in it. The School’s well developed House structure and Ethics Programme provide girls with an emotional and social foundation within the School, shaping students over time with the confidence and belief to become their best selves. Within this social cluster, students are valued as individuals, they develop a sense of belonging and the longstanding culture and traditions of the School are passed on. Student leadership roles encourage girls to set goals, to work in teams, to mentor younger students and to understand the needs and perspectives of others. The School’s outstanding Service Programme provides girls with a rich diversity of experiences that assist them to develop confidence, social understanding, appreciation of difference and resilience of spirit. With maturity, students come to learn to focus outside of themselves as they seek to identify their place in the world. Through this guiding principle of judicious and ethical action, students are challenged to embrace the holistic nature of their school experience and to engage with their

School community and their larger world with a sense of wisdom, imagination and integrity.

REFERENCES Dale, A, (2011) Judicious and ethical engagement with the world. Grammar Gazette (Spring), p. 7.

GRAMMAR GAZETTE