Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2015

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EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

AUTHOR Mrs Anna Owen Deputy Principal

is the way our youngest girls have integrated into the School, embracing all it has to offer. Grammar girls are encouraged to balance their studies with enriching co-curricular and service activities that nourish their interests and talents, helping them develop as individuals who seek diverse experiences and different perspectives. Ninety-four per cent of Year 7 students are participating in a wide range of co-curricular activities, truly exhibiting the Girls Grammar spirit of adventure in testing the unfamiliar. As Assistant to the Dean of Students Mrs Emma Lowry wrote in her recent Insights article: Year 12 Prefects and Buddies have made particular comment on the younger girls’ levels of exuberance and often playful approach to school-life, and have actually questioned ‘where does it come from and why aren’t we like that? (2015). Welcoming our first Year 7 students in our School’s 140th year has been particularly special. We are pleased with how they have transitioned into the School and delighted by their initial academic results, and those of their Year 9 counterparts. We look forward to continuing to support all students to excel as Grammar girls.

FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR, OUR YEAR 9 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN THE TOP PERFORMERS IN THE STATE IN THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM FOR LITERACY AND NUMERACY (NAPLAN) TESTING.

While we acknowledge that the true value of education lies beyond standardised testing scores, it is always reassuring to see the exceptional work of our teachers and students endorsed by these impressive results. As an academically non-selective school, this is a remarkable achievement for the girls and reflects the incredibly professional and committed teaching staff who create a culture where deep, inquisitive learning is highly valued. With the introduction of Year 7 into secondary school in Queensland this year, Girls Grammar has received its first Year 7 NAPLAN results, which were outstanding. Across all dimensions of the NAPLAN test, the girls performed well above the National Minimum Standard and state and national averages. The Year 7 cohort was placed fourth in the state, a wonderful start to their schooling at Girls Grammar. What has been even more gratifying than these results though,

REFERENCES Lowry, E. (2015). Will you be my PAL-Date? Retrieved from http://www.bggs.qld.edu.au/2015/05/pal-date/.

Our first Year 7 students (pictured with Technology Studies teacher Ms Nisha Dave) have settled in and achieved outstanding NAPLAN results in their first year at Girls Grammar.

SPRING ISSUE / 2015