The School’s solid foundations in physical activity and sport are integral to the life of our students. Ms Sally Northcroft, Director of Sport, surveys how Grammar girls are defying the national and international trends by continuing to participate, pursue and actively engage in the challenge of competitive sport.
Across the education spectrum, the essential elements that are arts skills are appearing in academic theory and in practices beyond schooling. Director of Creative Arts Ms Lorraine Thornquist discusses the highlights of arts education theory and practice that are taking hold in these first decades of this century.
Current debate and research cautions parents about their teens constantly using mobile devices as a means of connection. Ms Sarah Boyle, Head of O’Connor House, advises adults to become informed and savvy in the developmental impacts of this new norm — and to learn how to effectively engage with it.
Friedrich Nietzsche’s ‘What does not kill me makes me stronger’ is an often-heard axiom. The ‘adversity hypothesis’ relates to people needing difficulties, trauma or setbacks in order to grow and develop as a person. School Psychologist Miss Lauren Phillips asks if this can be true; are stressors and challenges ‘good’ for us?
As a society, we are obsessed with the notion of talent. We see someone do something that we can’t and we immediately think of it as being innate; but what if this thinking is wrong? Mr Stephen Fogarty, Director of Health Studies, discusses the idea that purposeful practice is more important than talent.
Inspired by the Dalai Lama, Head of Griffith House Ms Jan O'Sullivan asks, ‘How do we grow a good person?’ Living a happy life depends on the nature of the society in which we live. We are social animals and a good person can only be ‘grown’ in a family or community of people who demonstrate genuine affection.
In an arguably extrovert-centred world, there is a need to foster different types of engagement and participation to individually cater for every girl. Mrs Emma Lowry, Head of England House, contends that what constitutes ‘engagement’ differs for everyone, particularly for students who are introverted.
Seeing the lights come up on the opening night of the Senior Production, The Chosen, will be incredibly exciting. Drama teacher and Head of Lilley House Mrs Sybil Edwards tells why — after two years of dreaming, workshopping, scripting and shaping — this will be a School event not to be missed.
Just as we struggle to make meaning of text without gaps between words, we struggle to make meaning of learning without the gaps in our day in which to ponder. Ms N Smith, Dean of Studies and Planning, encourages us all to find the space to draw breath in order to find meaning.
Manners — politeness, etiquette and charity — are the basis of our society; they are what give us our humanity. Mrs V Ross, Head of Woolcock House, discusses how changes in the way we communicate have put values such as respect and consideration for others under pressure.