GN winter 2020

Grammar News

BGS COMMUNITY WINTER 2020

In This Issue BGS Together The future is here – BGS STEAM Precinct Innovation

Our Purpose Brisbane Grammar School educates boys within a strong learning culture that is innovative yet respectful of its traditions, by nurturing their intellectual, physical and emotional wellbeing to become thoughtful and confident men of character who contribute to their communities.

Our Ambition Brisbane Grammar School aspires to be the best school for boys in Australia and an international leader in teaching and learning. The School is committed to offering premium educational and leadership opportunities for boys of all backgrounds, to strengthening its global connections, and to building a vibrant school community among students, parents, staff, Old Boys and the broader society.

Our Values Endeavour Learning Respect Leadership Community

Our Motto nil sine labore – nothing without work

The School is committed to a liberal education philosophy.

Our major goals for each boy are: To develop attitudes, skills, and a base of knowledge as a foundation for critical intelligence, imaginative and creative powers, effective communication and the capacity and enthusiasm for independent, lifelong learning.

To develop and extend personal character and talents.

To develop a strong sense of service, community, leadership and loyalty to others.

COVER IMAGE The BGS STEAM Precinct will provide a collaborative environment combining the sciences and the arts, to excite, engage and inspire our students and their teachers and promote deeper and richer learning. The precinct will be a hub for ideas, for innovation and for educational and social interaction. Read more in this edition of Grammar News.

Registered by Australia Post Publication No. QBN 4259

CONTENTS

BGS TOGETHER P4

ACADEMIC OUTCOMES P12

STEAM FEATURE P14

GENERATIONS P20

PHILANTHROPY P32

INNOVATION P34

gn is produced by Advancement and Community Relations Brisbane Grammar School, Gregory Terrace Brisbane, QLD 4000 phone +61 7 3834 5379 email grammarnews@brisbanegrammar.com www.brisbanegrammar.com

EDITORIAL TEAM Chris Walker Marketing and Communications Manager Shannon Breen Marketing and Communications Officer

Elise Browning Marketing and Communications Officer

Inma Beaumont Executive Director Advancement and Community Relations

Andy Copeland Marketing and Communications Officer

Designed externally by: Naomi White Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTORS

Paul Brandist Graphic Designer

David Carroll Michael Forrest

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Carla Hardy Vivien Harris Bronwyn Jerrard Angela McCormack Chris Price Karen Scott Grace Tudehope

BGS Together

Now, more than ever, community is vital.

via the Community section on the Brisbane Grammar School website at brisbanegrammar.com. By using this online directory to connect, we can help each other through these hard times.

The health and economic crisis we are facing is something none of us have experienced before.

The BGS community has proven, time and time again, to be generous, inclusive and supportive. From family businesses sponsoring school events to the spirit of parent volunteers, we have shown that when help is needed, we know how to contribute.

If you wish to promote your goods or services to the community, please email communityrelations@ brisbanegrammar.com and include your business name, contact number, website, offering, information on how your business has been impacted, and attach the business logo.

During this unprecedented and uncertain time, one practical thing we can all do is support BGS families and their businesses.

We thank all BGS parents, teachers, students and staff for their hard work, and we know that as a strong community we can overcome these challenges.

For this reason, we are offering to promote goods and services offered by the BGS community to the BGS community. The BGS Together initiative is accessible now

Together, we can make a difference.

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H E A D M A S T E R ’S M E S S A G E

Thriving in the face of change Acting Headmaster David Carroll

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ince the previous edition of Grammar News, the COVID-19 pandemic and the requirements for physical distancing have changed the way we socialise, work and learn. In the early weeks of the crisis and with the official advice changing almost daily, here at BGS we began planning for the possibility of home-based, online learning, to begin at the start of Term 2.

If we needed reminding, the pandemic has illustrated just how vital scientific knowledge and research will continue to be into the future. Our boys are the future. I invite you to read about the School’s transformative STEAM project, which we hope to deliver by mid-2023. Read the six-page feature on STEAM on pages 14-19.

Several Old Boys have made impressive achievements in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. Old Boy Bob Bryan ’52 is one such alumni. You can read about his career and connection to BGS as part of the Generations story on pages 20-21.

Supporting our students and maintaining educational standards through quality teaching is always our priority, even more so at this unprecedented time.

I am very pleased to report that our teaching, ancillary and business services staff all adapted quickly to ensure BGS students were given the tools and training to make both the transition to learning online, and the subsequent transition back to the classroom.

While many BGS events had to be cancelled or postponed, we are fortunate the BGS Art Show will go ahead as a virtual exhibition this year. You can read more about it on page 30, along with the delightful story of two of the School’s strongest art supporters, former Board member Judith Bell and her husband Graham (pages 32-33).

BGS boys continued to see teachers and classmates each day in their virtual classrooms during the period of home-based learning and were given access to cocurricular activities such as sport-specific fitness programs and music lessons. Read about our innovative online fitness platform, GrammarFit, on page 34.

Despite the challenges 2020 has delivered so far, I take great pride and comfort in the ongoing strength of the BGS community.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

STAY CONNECTED

facebook.com/brisbanegrammarschool instagram.com/brisbanegrammar

Brisbane Grammar School 16 March

Congratulations to the BGS First VIII for winning the GPS Rowing Head of the River on Saturday. The win capped off an undefeated season for our premier team.

Well done to the coaches and parents involved in the program for their incredible support.

linkedin.com/brisbanegrammarschool twitter.com/brisbanegrammar

Brisbane Grammar School 3 April

Brisbane Grammar School 3 April

I am incredibly grateful to BGS staff for managing the COVID-19 crisis with such courage and good grace. We have all been challenged and unsettled by what is transpiring across the world and at home, but these remarkable people are here for the boys at Brisbane Grammar School. I feel very privileged to work with such an amazing group of people – trustees, senior leadership, teachers, business services and auxiliary.

Headmaster Anthony Micallef.

Earlier this week, we put the call out for photos showing BGS students learning from home. The entries had to make sure the BGS logo was visible in the photo. We had a great response.

See the gallery of photos on the BGS Facebook page.

ROWING CHAMPIONS Reach 22,630 1467 likes

39 comments

16 shares

LEARN FROM HOME Reach 19,428

THANK YOU Reach 10,477

Rebecca Goodman It was wonderful to witness such a historical result.

Congratulations to all that combined to achieve this result – rowers, coaches, parents and supporters.

Nadene Whittome So very excited for the team after so much hard work, and a brilliant season. They really deserve this win.

Fleur Weier Absolutely magnificent performance, this day will never be forgotten!

Ross Hirst Undefeated! Says it all.

Congratulations.

Tom McGhie Congratulations to the boys and all of BGS Rowing.

Great to see the light dark blue with the O’Connor Cup again.

1123 likes

937 likes 25 comments 39 shares

72 comments 13 shares

David Bunce I listened in on Year 9 French and Year 7 German classes as well as Year 7 Maths and Year 9 PE and was blown away at the quality of the lessons and the professionalism of the teachers. The whole school has continued to deliver amazing quality.

Congratulations to the staff, leadership and students!

Anne Hewitt In good times and challenging times...BGS is remarkable.

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Jo Butler A huge shout-out to all kids for adapting to new ways of learning - and to the teachers who helped them get there!

David Stafford What a great initiative to keep everyone connected.

Kylie Tolhurst I love all the pets helping out with online school.

Jan Connors Brilliant idea, love it!!

Brisbane Grammar School 10 March

Congratulations to the BGS Swimming team for claiming second place in the GPS swimming championship on Friday.

It was another excellent team performance and ensured BGS has finished first or second for six straight years.

Brisbane Grammar School 29 January

The Class of 2019 achieved 36 OP1s (ATAR of 99) and 58 OP1 equivalents, with a median OP5. This equates to an ATAR median of 93, placing BGS among the best-performing schools in Australia.

OP1 and OP2 results combined account for 30.7% of students – the third-highest outcome for BGS historically.

Brisbane Grammar School 28 February

Today, BGS celebrated Foundation Day at a special assembly. BGS Old Boy Arjuna Kumarasuriyar ’98 – who works in the field of genome sequencing – gave an inspiring address as guest speaker.

Another standout moment was the presentation of the Prince Albert Cup to BGS Old Boy Nicholas Salmon ’12 – the 25th Rhodes Scholar to attend the School.

The cup was presented by the Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations, the Honourable Grace Grace MP. Major scholarships and bursaries were presented both to students who recently graduated with distinction and to young men beginning their BGS journey.

SWIMMING SUCCESS Reach 11,891

854 likes 12 comments 8 shares

Bill Ross Great effort and congratulations to all involved – coaches, swimmers and supporters. So close – well done.

Also, not forgetting the parents who ably assist with very early morning training sessions.

Josie Parry Brilliant effort! Well done all.

David Logan Good on the staff for training the boys so well.

CLASS OF 2019 RESULTS Reach 14,301

842 likes 31 comments 40 shares

BGS FOUNDATION DAY Reach 9298

Lucy Geraghty Great team work by this class!

Samantha Edwards Excellent achievement! Well done Class of 2019.

510 likes 15 comments 14 shares

Alison Crane Well done Larry Carmichael, couldn’t have done it without you and the School. Harry is all set for his new adventure. Thanks again.

Will Jackson Really enjoyed listening to Arjuna today, he had some truly incredible messages and wisdom to share.

James Cowlishaw Outstanding achievement to the entire cohort and staff.

Hilary Roberts Good choice of speaker BGS. Arjuna was a delightful young man during his years at BGS. Leisa Harper I am sure your speech was inspiring, Arjuna. Congratulations!

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NEWS SNAPSHOT

THE FUTURE OF BGS

STAN TURNS 100

BGS staff attended the first ‘Future BGS Conference’ led by UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies Professor Sohail Inayatullah in January. Professor Inayatullah is a Pakistani-born Australian academic and futurology researcher. He presents on futures thinking, strategy development, innovation and foresight, and bio-securities futures around the world.

As part of the foresight conference at BGS, staff collaborated and focused on the future of the School. Professional and teaching staff worked together to explore futures and create scenarios for BGS, examining different risks and opportunities.

The School’s oldest-known Old Boy, Stan Mellick ’34 OAM, celebrated his 100th birthday in February.

A soldier, pharmacist, poet, author and university English lecturer, Stan was the cover story for the summer 2020 edition of Grammar News. He attributes his long life to respecting his liver with moderation in liquor intake and maintaining an exercise regime he developed almost 60 years ago. He is pictured above with his wife Sally.

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YEAR 11 OUTDOOR EDUCATION LEADERS A new leadership role has been introduced for BGS Year 11 students this year. Successful applicants become Year 11 Outdoor Education Leaders and accompany Years 5 to 9 classes to the BGS Outdoor Education Centre. This position is a unique opportunity for boys to develop their leadership skills through practical and theoretical training. They first undergo training at the School before being given the responsibility to mentor younger students through the Outdoor Education program.

ASSEMBLY GUEST SPEAKER BGS Old Boy Dean Parkin ’98 was our assembly guest speaker in February.

Parkin is from the Quandamooka people of Minjerribah and was a facilitator for 13 regional dialogues and the Uluru Constitutional Convention. His assembly address was stirring and a salient reminder that we all have a responsibility to care for each other and to aid others to prosper. Parkin was a Vice-Captain of Harlin House, and he enjoyed hearing about our Indigenous boarders’ experiences at the School.

2019 ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS The BGS Class of 2019 were celebrated in the media for their academic results. Congratulations to Old Boys Tim Weber and Jian Lin, who were named Distinguished Academic Achievers at the Queensland Certificate of Education Achievement Awards. Tim also received the award for the highest result in the final QCS Test.

Jian appeared in The Courier-Mail on 17 February, sharing his study tips with current Year 12s.

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YOUNG HISTORIANS Five BGS boys travelled to Parliament House in Canberra to receive National History Challenge awards late last year.

The Year 10 team of Rohin Bagga, Vijay Hari Kannan, Tom McCarthy-James and Patrick Moore were presented their award as national winners of the Australian Wartime Experiences special category. Year 10 student Angus Duncan was presented the Queensland Premier’s Young Historian Award for best entry in the state across all age groups. Angus was commended for his essay The People Had Spoken, an exploration of the role of Australians and key individuals during the Freedom Rides of the 1960s.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

2019 to place fourth this year. Across both Senior and Junior events, many personal best times were recorded.

Archer Boorer (Year 6) was a standout performer, marking a new GPS record, and Cashy Luo (Year 6) won two individual races. Our U14, U15 and Open Medley Relays showed strength and determination to win their respective events. Supporters witnessed a wonderful team effort by BGS that showed both individual talent and team depth throughout the championship.

ROWING BGS Rowing had a year to remember, with the First VIII winning the GPS Head of the River following an undefeated season, putting this crew in a rare position in GPS Rowing history. They are the 19th BGS crew to secure the O’Connor Cup. This year, the program comprised almost 190 boys as enthusiasm grows around BGS Rowing. We thank the boys, our passionate coaches and the dedicated support network of families that form our wonderful community.

VOLLEYBALL The BGS Volleyball community embodied the 2020 theme, We Don’t Quit, as they continued to lead the GPS competition. For the second year running, the School finished the season on top of the overall ladder on aggregate. The program grows stronger, with 86%

SWIMMING The BGS Swimming team had a successful 2020 season, placing second in a tightly fought GPS Championship.

The BGS Junior team maintained their overall result from

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wins in all matches played, compared to 80% in 2019.

An incredible 20 from 21 teams completed the season with a podium finish, including the First VI who proudly shared the premiership with Churchie and Gregory Terrace.

We were grateful for the opportunity to represent all BGS families this season.

selected in the Queensland U15 team to play in the National Championships in Ballarat. Hugh was awarded player of the championships.

DEBATING More than 400 students were selected to represent BGS in GPS and QDU Debating this year. Highlights from the GPS competition included six teams finishing as competition leaders and 14 of 20 teams finishing top three.

In QDU, boys in Years 8 to 12 completed one debate before the competition was suspended. We hope the competition will resume later in the year to provide our young debaters in Years 5 to 7 with an opportunity to debate.

After a challenging trial process, Jaguar Ngo (Year 11) was announced in the top 12 of the Queensland Schools Debating team trials.

CRICKET Almost 420 boys represented BGS Cricket in 2020.

Three teams finished the season as undefeated competition leaders with a further 13 teams finishing top three.

Following an outstanding season with both bat and ball, Hugo Spencer (7A) was awarded Senior Cricketer of the Year. In his first season at BGS, Jonathan Tennakoon (5A) was awarded Junior Cricketer of the Year. Hugh Weibgen, Will Sheedy, Angus Tolhurst and Charlie Thomas were

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ACADEMIC OUTCOMES

2019 Academic Results

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n the final year of the OP system, the Class of 2019’s academic results continued the School’s strong tradition of excellent outcomes. A median OP5 showcased the consistency of the cohort. This broadly equates to an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) median of 93, placing BGS among the best-performing schools in Australia.

who earned bonus ranks. An impressive 30.7% of students earned an OP1 or OP2, the third-highest result for BGS historically. In another example of the cohort’s consistency, 51.7% of students achieved an OP1-5, or ATAR of 93 or above.

Two BGS 2019 graduates were recognised at the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Achievement Awards for the top 32 students in the state.

Two students achieved an ATAR of 99.95, the highest score possible, with a further two achieving an ATAR of 99.90.

In addition to a strong 2019 academic year, BGS boys continued to excel in many other areas – including cultural, sporting and public purpose pursuits – which should in part be attributed to the support provided by parents, families, volunteers, and teaching and professional staff.

A total of 36 students, 17.6% of the cohort, achieved an OP1 or ATAR of 99. This number increases to 58 when combined with OP1 equivalents received by students

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DESTINATIONS > Jian Lin accepted a Chancellor’s Scholarship to study at the University of Melbourne. > Tim Weber received a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship to study Law at The University of Queensland. > Cameron Cormack-Thomson was offered scholarships by four universities, and accepted a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship at the University of Melbourne. > Yi An accepted a Chancellor’s Scholarship International at the University of Melbourne. > Josh Khoo accepted the Excellence Scholarship at The University of Queensland. > Thien Bui accepted an Excellence Scholarship at The University of Queensland.

He was also offered a scholarship to the University of Melbourne. > Josh Neil was awarded a scholarship to the University of Melbourne and accepted an offer to study at the University of Oxford. > Chris Sole received scholarship offers from the University of Sydney and The University of Queensland, and will study at Dartmouth College in the USA. > Jialin Guo will study at King’s College London. > Will Rayner was awarded the QUT Academic Excellence Scholarship. > Tom Bizzell was awarded a National Merit Scholarship from the University of Melbourne and accepted an offer at The University of Queensland. > Noah Rosemann was offered a scholarship at the University of Sydney.

SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS As in previous years, 100% of BGS students who applied received an offer of further study in Semester 1 of 2020. Overseas offers came from some of the world's leading academic institutions, including Oxford University, Dartmouth College and King's College London. The Class of 2019 earned scholarship offers valued at more than $1.1 million, including numerous Vice Chancellor's and Excellence Scholarships from The University of Queensland, ANU, the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, UNSW, Monash University, and QUT.

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> Jude Forrest was awarded the Ramsay Scholarship at The University of Queensland. > Angus Watson-O’Donnell was awarded the Ramsay Scholarship at The University of Queensland. > Michael Giles was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship at the University of Southern Queensland. > Josh Hardess was awarded the Elite Sportsman Scholarship at QUT.

F E AT U R E

STEAM The future is here

Brisbane Grammar School’s unrivalled reputation for the teaching of science and the arts will be enhanced with the completion of the new STEAM precinct in mid-2023.

The $70-million project has been designed by architect Hamilton Wilson ’78, a third-generation BGS Old Boy who also designed The Lilley Centre, built in 2011. “To match the School’s highly developed pedagogy, our design brings the sciences and the arts together in one building,” Wilson said. “The open atrium promotes collaboration, and students can work across disciplines in an incredibly imaginative and powerful way.”

The acronym STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics – refers not just to these standalone disciplines but rather to a way of thinking. STEAM represents the skills required to process scientific method.

This includes observing, forming questions, making predictions, designing and carrying out experiments, hypothesising and discussing projected outcomes.

Headmaster Anthony Micallef said the creative environment will inspire boys and teach them to tackle real-world problems across diverse disciplines.

“With industry leaders demanding graduates skilled in critical and creative thinking, now is the time to invest boldly in infrastructure that will foster future innovators and problem solvers,” he said.

STEAM education uses these disciplines as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking.

The STEAM project represents a progressive shift in teaching and learning, promoting the sharing of ideas across science subjects, the arts and humanities.

QUT Professor and BGS Old Boy Michael Milford ’98, an expert in artificial intelligence and robotics, agrees.

“I think blending the traditional sciences and the arts is absolutely critical. They were once seen as separate areas, but we now realise there’s a common theme of creativity

A four-level precinct will replace the School’s ageing science classrooms with flexible learning and exhibition spaces; design, dissection and chemistry laboratories; and a 300-seat open auditorium in the building’s atrium.

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and inspiration running through them. Merging them together makes eminent sense,” he said.

3D printing and biotechnology, BGS graduates need both the technical and social skills the STEAM Precinct will promote.

“When you already have great students and great teachers, having an amazing physical location to inspire, to learn and to nurture the future careers of our next generation of scientists is the missing piece of the puzzle.”

“The leaders of the future will need to collaborate and communicate and think critically and creatively,” Mr Micallef said. “It is these skills that will enable our graduates to adapt to the changing professional landscape and prepare them for jobs that don’t yet exist.”

Having built a career in the emerging field of genome sequencing, BGS Old Boy Arjuna Kumarasuriyar ’98 said he too is excited by the possibilities for current students.

BGS has educated generations of leaders in Queensland, Australia and the world. Australia’s competitive edge depends largely on the quality of its leaders and their critical thinking.

“When I look back to doing a lot of science at BGS, particularly in my senior year, we covered the theory really well, but it was clear that facilities were adequate but basic,” he said. “With STEAM, BGS facilities will be on par with ‘real world’ laboratories. Students will learn in the same conditions – if not better – than some of the lab facilities scientists are working in, which gives them an incredible foundation.”

Exposure to a collaborative and creative environment where diverse disciplines work together to solve real-world problems will equip BGS boys with vital technical and social skills that will give them a competitive advantage at university and in the workplace.

Learn more about the new BGS STEAM Precinct in the coming pages.

Given the rapid emergence of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, DNA mapping, robotics, nanotechnology,

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F E AT U R E

Inside STEAM The new STEAM Precinct will transform the western corner of the campus into a dynamic learning space. Inside, every area will link to a large, open atrium – the ‘incubator’ – bringing together each discipline. The building’s special features will include: >

A 300-seat open auditorium with enough space for exhibiting Science and the Arts – scientific experiments, robot wars, artistic displays and anthropologic artefacts. Students can showcase their projects and experience shared learning.

> Flexible learning areas to accommodate between 30 to 150 students. > Design labs to devise, design and test prototypes. >

Adaptable Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Technology, Design and Art classrooms so teachers across disciplines can combine and teach classes together.

> Chemistry laboratories of university standard, to promote advanced and practical scientific enquiry. > A specialised dissection laboratory. > A new home for the School’s Physical Education classrooms, adding the discipline of Sports Science.

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The difference between STEM and STEAM The challenges we have experienced in the first half of 2020 illustrate just how important collaboration, scientific endeavour and creative problem-solving will be in the 21st century.

STEAM is about meeting these challenges head on – combining scientific skills with the imagination and creative thinking associated with the arts to identify problems and design solutions.

STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics – refers to an approach to learning that uses these disciplines as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

Educators now recognise content knowledge, while important, is not enough. Creative collaboration through inquiry, lateral thinking and communication enhances the traditional STEM subjects.

Now, more than ever, scientists are required to engage with society, step outside the lab and address real-world problems. By incorporating the Arts, human concepts of ethics, morals and responsibility are introduced to technical discussions and thinking.

The STEAM Precinct will help us educate Australia’s future leaders, who will in turn work to improve the lives of those within their communities and solve some of the world’s most complex challenges.

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F E AT U R E

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Effective Thinking Cultures (ETC) At BGS, we intentionally and actively research the best teaching practices to ensure the best education for our students. For the last two years, we have been preparing for the major change to tertiary entrance – from OP to ATAR. We have researched, designed and implemented a new learning methodology called Effective Thinking Cultures (ETC).

ETC places an emphasis on extending BGS students’ capacity for critical thinking, self-regulation and autonomous learning. For our boys to gain the most from this new method of learning, they need the practical, theoretical and social benefits of the STEAM Precinct.

ETC embraces the concept of STEAM education, which will bring together cross-disciplinary teaching and encourage exploration, creativity, design, testing and the virtue of failing and trying again – independently and collaboratively.

In the past, teachers were content experts who tested how well boys listened. Now anyone can get an answer from their smartphone. What’s more important is learning through problem solving and learning about the process, with solutions found through combining multiple disciplines.

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G E N E R AT I O N S

A leader in business and philanthropy

Few individuals have had the impact in their chosen field of endeavour as BGS Old Boy Bob Bryan ’52 AM. His 50-year journey in the mining industry has been characterised by innovation, expertise, intelligent risk-taking and sheer hard work.

In modest fashion, Bryan has said that luck played a part in his success, but he made his own luck by grasping opportunities and being a lifelong learner. An industry leader and pioneer in the coal seam gas sector, he is now a remarkable philanthropist.

Bryan began his schooling at BGS in 1949, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers and a sister who attended Brisbane Girls Grammar School. His father was a Professor of Geology at The University of Queensland and had a significant influence on Bryan’s studies. Just as important was his mother, whom Bryan described as “an educationalist through and through”.

“One of the strongest goals of her life was to see all four of her children get through secondary education and university, an option that had never been available to her,” he said.

Bryan remembers his time at BGS fondly, saying it “represented some of the happiest days of my life.

It was a fun place. I loved coming to school.”

One of the brightest of Bryan’s contemporaries was Don Nicklin, whom he regarded as head and shoulders above the class academically. Nicklin had a distinguished career at The University of Queensland, as well as serving as Chairman of the BGS Board of Trustees.

Bryan was conscious of taking the opportunities provided to him at BGS and believed the School offered boys an

ideal precursor to university. Rugby games against Churchie and Nudgee were always a highlight, and he was a regular in the second row.

At university, Bryan followed in his father’s footsteps and majored with Geology honours in 1956. From there, he moved to the Bureau of Mineral Resources, which was the Federal geological group based in Canberra.

“I started my career as a Federal public servant in Canberra, but was equally determined not to end that way,” he said. Bryan was bonded to the BMR for five years as a condition of his Atomic Energy Commission Scholarship. He saw out his bond and moved to the private sector in 1968.

His initial involvement in mining was frustrating, unable to convince his company of a golden opportunity to orchestrate the redevelopment of gold mining at Meekatharra. Another party jumped in and turned Meeka into a major open-pit gold mine. He wasn’t going to let a similar opportunity slip through his fingers again.

That second chance came after a subsequent employer was taken over, and Bryan and his partner orchestrated a management buyout of its Australian mineral interests.

These assets were then floated on the stock exchange as Pan Australian Mining.

Bryan retained a controlling interest in the company, and in a gold prospect at Mount Leyshon that was developed into a major gold mine, using heap leach technology.

In his capacity as Managing Director, Bryan secured the services of former Deputy Prime Minister Doug Anthony AC as Chairman.

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After Mount Leyshon, Bryan’s involvement in the minerals industry flourished. As Chairman of PanAust Ltd, he oversaw the development of two major copper gold and silver mines in Laos. He was also involved in PNG nickel and cobalt development as Chairman of Highland Pacific.

The Bryan Foundation has disbursed more than $20 million to philanthropic groups, mainly in the education and training space, that are creatively addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable young Queenslanders.

In 2013, Bryan was awarded the QRC Medal for his long and outstanding contribution to the State’s resources industry.

In the same year, he became a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the mining industry and philanthropy.

He later became the founding Chairman of the Queensland Gas Company, which blazed a trail in establishing the coal seam gas and liquefied natural gas business in Queensland.

In addition to his business success, Bryan has contributed to research and the broader development of the minerals sector.

It is 70 years since Bryan first walked through the front gates of BGS as a student; his children and grandchildren have since followed in his footsteps. Associate Professor of Earth Sciences at QUT Scott Bryan, Bob Bryan’s son, graduated in 1987 and his grandson Lucas is currently enrolled, with younger brother Sebastian soon to follow.

In 1991, he provided the initial funding that led to the establishment of the Bryan Research Centre (BRC) in honour of his father. Based at The University of Queensland, the BRC operates within the Sustainable Minerals Institute, bringing together expertise to overcome challenges facing the mineral exploration sector.

Another grandson, Tom Simes, graduated in 2016. Tom is the son of Bryan’s daughter Jill, her husband Michael ’79 also an Old Boy. Bryan recalled Tom’s comment that coming from a small public school in Brookfield to BGS was like moving from a small pool in which he excelled to a great big pond. “Tom had to work much harder to get to the top in that pond,” he said.

Bryan became the first Honorary Life Member of the Queensland Mining Council in 1995. He was instrumental in the development of the council, which would later evolve into the Queensland Resources Council.

In reflecting on three generations at BGS, Bryan advised today’s students to make the most of their time at the School.

“Students should absolutely make the most of the educational opportunities available, it is the best possible grounding for future careers,” he said.

In 2009, Bryan was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame. In the same year, he began perhaps his most significant project, the establishment of the Bryan Family Foundation. The Foundation centres on empowering young Queenslanders from disadvantaged backgrounds through focused education.

“If you are prepared to take calculated risks and have done your homework, there’s every chance that you are going to do well career-wise too.”

“I had been blessed career-wise,” he said. “I’d had tremendous support in the regions. However, I had seen the terrible inequalities in these communities, and I wanted to do my bit towards closing the gap.”

Pictured is Bob Bryan with son Scott and grandsons Lucas and Sebastian.

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Audi Centre Brisbane

An exclusive offer for BGS community at Audi Centre Brisbane

Enjoy Audi ownership at Audi Centre Brisbane with this exclusive offer, available only for friends and family of Brisbane Grammar School.

Audi Centre Brisbane will donate $500 to the Brisbane Grammar School Bursary Fund when you purchase a new or demonstrator vehicle from Audi Centre Brisbane^

Audi Centre Brisbane - proud supporter of Brisbane Grammar Rowing.

586 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley QLD Phone: (07) 3251 8222 | sales@audicentrebrisbane.com.au | audicentrebrisbane.com.au ^This promotion is valid for new and demonstrator vehicles sold and delivered between November 01, 2019 & December 31, 2020.

Offer must be redeemed at time of purchase. Please confirm your relationship with Brisbane Grammar School or have your details verified by the School to take advantage of this offer.

Audi Centre Brisbane supports BGS bursaries

Since becoming a major sponsor of BGS Rowing in 2014, Audi Centre Brisbane has strengthened its relationship with the School, helping to raise almost $240,000 for the BGS Bursary Fund.

just the beginning,” he said. “We’ve also facilitated a few social events, such as the Lads and Dads evenings at Audi Centre Brisbane.”

“Our relationship with Rowing has been mutually beneficial, and we’ve extended our sponsorship to major events such as the BGS150 Sports Lunch and BGS Golf Day, and the BGS Old Boys' Association Annual Reunion Dinner.”

Chris Chamberlain, Dealer Principal Audi Centre Brisbane, part of the Autosports Group (ASG), said Audi prides itself on contributing to the local community, and the alignment of core values makes its partnership with BGS a natural fit.

Chamberlain said Audi’s support for the BGS Bursary Fund will continue. “We like to show the Brisbane Grammar School community that we’re contributing to the aims of the School,” he said.

“Brisbane Grammar School has a long history of excellence in education, and excellence is a quality we appreciate,” Chamberlain said. “Making a BGS education accessible to capable students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend is a laudable aim, and Audi is proud to contribute to the bursary program for that reason.”

“As part of our ongoing commitment over and above our commercial agreements, we donate $500 to the Brisbane Grammar School Bursary Fund when a BGS community member purchases a new or demonstrator vehicle from Audi. We’re delighted to provide this ongoing support.”

While donating three brand new vehicles to the School’s Art Union raffles has been Audi’s “most significant” philanthropic contribution to the School, Chamberlain said getting involved in major events has also been rewarding.

In another sign of the ongoing relationship, a Professional Networking Law Evening for Old Boys is scheduled for Thursday 10 September at Audi Centre Brisbane, if social distancing restrictions allow. If not, the event will move online.

“Providing BGS Rowing with an Audi Q7 vehicle for towing the boats, including insurance, rego and maintenance was

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REFLECTIONS

A trailblazer in science education The young, bespectacled senior science master, tasked with supervising the running of the 1912 science wing, would have undoubtedly given the thumbs up to the concept plans for the STEAM Precinct's state-of-the art science facilities.

Robert Thwaites, an M.A. science scholar from Trinity College, Oxford, was appointed in January 1911 to oversee the fitting and equipping of what was also regarded as a leading art facility for its day.

He submitted a £500 budget for equipment as well as structural changes needed to the building plans, which were both granted by the Trustees.

The £6,000 science wing was officially opened on 26 July 1912 by His Excellency Sir William MacGregor, the Governor of Queensland, when he placed the last brick in position with an inscribed silver trowel.

Sir MacGregor said that the opening of the laboratories marked “an epoch in the history of education” in Queensland and showed that the Trustees were noting advances in education elsewhere.

George Payne designed the science wing, now the Administration Centre, as a contemporary and complementary interpretation of James Cowlishaw’s Gothic-inspired Great Hall, which opened in 1881.

The science wing comprised a large chemistry laboratory and smaller physics laboratory with timber galleries, store room and dynamo room. These classrooms were impressive double-storey height spaces with exposed roof structures, clerestory lighting and ventilation.

Headmaster Frederick Bousfield (1909-1927) said that the new science wing was the most important event in 1912, requiring extensive and beneficial changes to the School’s organisation and curriculum. Chemistry and Physics courses were extended to four years to prepare students for a range of scientific studies that might include engineering and medicine.

By the time Thwaites resigned in 1920, more than 250 boys were studying Science. His Sixth Form students were influenced by his inspiring teaching, not only in the Senior Public Examination, but also in their subsequent successes at The University of Queensland.

Thwaites was an avid researcher, a passion he pursued when he left Brisbane for Melbourne with his young family in 1921 to promote a scheme for making petrol.

This prompted Chairman of Trustees John Laskey Woolcock to say that Thwaites could become one of the leading exponents of Applied Science in the Commonwealth.

In 1923 Thwaites published a book on producing liquid fuels from oil shale and coal in Australia, and in the mid-1920s relocated to Yallourn where he was employed as a research chemist with the State Electricity Commission for two years.

Thwaites later returned to teaching and was the principal of Ballarat College from 1933-1945 where he was responsible for a considerable revival in student numbers.

By Vivien Harris – School Archivist

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O L D B O Y S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

OBA President’s Message Michael Forrest

H

ow the world has changed in such a short time.

It’s hard to believe that it is just a few months since I travelled to Wyaralong with a bus of Old Boys and partners to watch the BGS First VIII bring the O’Connor Cup back to where it belongs. Although most Australians are thankfully untouched personally

by COVID-19, none of us are immune to the impact that this disease has had on our social interaction, our businesses, our lifestyles and livelihoods. For some, this has been a time of increased work and increased demand, but most of us have seen our incomes fall off a cliff and our social lives shut down.

All of this is, of course, necessary to save lives. The world we live in and the Australia we live in are different to the world and the Australia that faced the last comparable major global pandemics, the 1968 and 1918 influenza pandemics. We’ve all learned lessons from the 2009 ‘swine flu’ pandemic that infected more than

37,000 Australians, and we generally agree as a nation that the economy is subservient to our lives rather than the other way around. Voices to the contrary are few.

I’ve been a doctor for more than 25 years and I’ve never seen anything like this. Governments are taking advice from medical experts and working with an unprecedented degree of bipartisanship. And ordinary Australians are largely following the advice given to slow the spread of the disease. The result is that, at the time of writing, Australia has been less severely affected than almost any comparable country, and much less severely affected than the worst-case scenario predictions.

But the pain of financial uncertainty, stresses on businesses and loss of employment, and the impact of social isolation are severe. Now, more than ever, we need each other.

Our communities, and all our social networks, will get us through this

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crisis if we nourish and support them.

The BGS OBA Committee, and our wonderful OBA Manager Carla Hardy, are working to develop new ways for us to connect with each other without physically coming together.

We are developing a platform to bring you podcasts from the Old Boy community, and we are moving our Professional Networking events online. I encourage all Old Boys to join Brisbane Grammar Connect, and if you’re on Facebook follow the OBA Facebook page. Please share photos and memories. Check in with each other. Ask for help if and when you need it.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the incredible BGS teachers and staff, and the Board of Trustees, who have all made a prodigious effort to navigate this crisis. Two of my three boys are still at BGS, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more glad to have chosen BGS for them.

F O U N D AT I O N D AY

Foundation Day 2020 Foundation Day in February gave the BGS community an opportunity to celebrate the School’s 152-year history, congratulate a Rhodes scholar and think about the technology of the future.

In his opening remarks, Headmaster Anthony Micallef spoke of the School’s foundation in 1868, and how the years from 1869 to 1918 were interrupted by conflict. “During that first 80 years of the School’s history, Brisbane Grammar School benefited from the sacrifices of those who had gone before, and an educational philosophy of hard work,” Mr Micallef

said. “Today’s modern school owes a great debt to this period.”

were just emerging when he finished at BGS in 1998.

Mr Micallef also asked the boys to reflect on how they could continue the School’s legacy and make a difference to a quickly changing world. “Rapid developments in robotics and artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, fifth generation wireless technologies, 3D printing, nanotechnology and biotechnology are all shaping our world, and we need to know how to respond,” he said.

“The company I work for was founded in 1999, the $3 billion human genome project was published the year after that, and my current role has only been around for five years,” Kumarasuriyar said. “How do you plan to work in an industry that barely exists, for a company that hasn’t been founded, in a job that no one has heard of yet? The answer is you don’t; not really. You embrace the non-linear career path… The degree you do doesn’t dictate what you spend the rest of your life doing, it’s just the start.”

BGS Old Boy Arjuna Kumarasuriyar ‘98 took up this theme as the Foundation Day guest speaker. He told the boys that answering the question, ‘What will you do when you finish school?’ requires flexibility. The fields of biotechnology and genome sequencing

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Kumarasuriyar also spoke of the importance of living by the dictum nil sine labore, and shared anecdotes with the boys from his school days and career

that taught him important lessons: seek to belong; embrace the help offered by your teachers and others who believe in you; try new things.

“While you’re seeking a sense of belonging and learning to be adaptable to try new things, I implore you to find your why,” he said. “My why is to keep finding better ways for people to do what they do, so they can spend time and energy adding value to others.

Your why should be what drives you, and it absolutely needs to be about the difference you make to others.”

“Best of all, you don’t need to know your why now. You get to spend the rest of your life exploring to find it.”

The Foundation Day assembly also honoured Old Boy Nicholas Salmon ’12, Queensland’s Rhodes Scholar for 2019.

Special guest Queensland Minister for

Education and Industrial Relations The Hon. Grace Grace awarded Salmon the Prince Albert Cup, which is held by the School attended by the most recently awarded Rhodes Scholar.

Salmon will undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) Engineering Science at the University of Oxford.

Scholarships honouring the service of former Headmaster Reginald Heber Roe, acclaimed student Arthur Stanley Roe and teacher AJ Mason were also awarded to recent graduates.

Congratulations to: > Nicholas Miller – RH Roe Scholarship > Timothy Weber – AS Roe Scholarship > Noah Rosemann – AJ Mason Scholarship

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Other historically significant scholarships were awarded to Year 7 students who did particularly well on last year’s Scholarship Examination.

The JG Nowlan Bursary for the student who performed commendably in the Scholarship Examination was awarded to Dennis Zhou, and the Frank Shaw Bursary was awarded to Alex Prowse, a boarder who performed well in the examination.

To conclude the awards, former Chair of the Board of Trustees Howard Stack presented the Trustees’ Scholarships for 2020. These young men have an important responsibility in setting an example of good scholarship. Congratulations to Sebastian Hazzard, Jackson Leong, Benjamin Li and Anson Qiu-Tang.

OLD BOYS

Sharing a sun smart message fixture in the Australian senior men’s Lightweight squad until 2015, with a World Championships gold-medal win just one of his career highlights.

Since his diagnosis last year, Purcell has made sharing a Sun Smart message a priority, and his talk to current BGS students about his youth as a fair-skinned rower, first diagnosed with a melanoma at 15, resonated with the boys.

A champion rower’s words of advice are always welcome at the BGS Rowing Shed, but Old Boy Darryn Purcell ‘02 had a particularly important message for BGS rowers when he visited recently.

While he shared the lessons and highlights of his 10-year international rowing career, Purcell also spoke to the boys about his biggest challenge yet – fighting a life-threatening metastatic melanoma.

“I have always been quite vigilant about sun protection, wearing long-sleeved shirts, consistent application of sunscreen, broad brimmed hats, avoiding being outside at peak times of day, all of the prescribed things,” he said.

“But it’s also important to be aware of how damaging the sun can be at different times of the year and day.

For instance, Queensland winter sun still causes damage to your skin, and the clean air down here in Tasmania means the UV isn’t filtered through smoggy skies.”

“The only mole I had removed was when I was at school, shortly after the U15 rowing season. The disease came back with a vengeance after being in check for almost 19 years.”

The melanoma’s recurrence has turned Purcell‘s life in Hobart as an engineer with John Holland, and dad to young boys Jude, 3, and Francis, 18 months, upside down.

“Having been involved in rowing for so long, it has shaped so many aspects of my life,” Purcell said. “It was really great to talk to the boys about taking care of their skin, but also to pass on some of what I’ve learned from nearly 20 years of rowing.”

“The first six to nine months were quite volatile. I had a large lesion in my skull and had several surgeries to remove a decent section of my skull and replace it with titanium mesh. I’m now on some immunotherapy treatment, and I’ll be balancing the fatigue and other side effects for another year or so,” Purcell said.

Part of his message was the importance of endurance and persistence. “In the early part of my career, I didn’t really grasp the effort that was required. However, the constant was that I was consistently seeking improvement each week, month or season and the results started to come as the seasons came and went,” he said.

“While we only have a handful of opportunities in sport to achieve massive goals like winning Head of River, or making a national team, every time you turn up to training is a new chance to make some gains towards that goal.”

Selected in the Queensland Schoolboy Rowing Team for the Henley Royal Regatta, Purcell went on to become a

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Looking back at his time at BGS, Purcell said developing a work ethic and the lasting friendships are what’s stayed with him. “Years later, with plenty of things going on in our lives, when we do get in touch the conversations and friendships have grown stronger, even if it has been some time since we last spoke.”

Despite facing months of treatment, Purcell remains positive and enjoys having time to spend with his sons.

“My wife Kate and I have two little gremlins that are really keeping us on our toes. The biggest goal that I have for their futures is to be around and see them start school.”

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ART SHOW

BGS Art Show 2020 Iridescence

2020 heralds a new era in the BGS Art Show’s 51-year history, with an online exhibition of 2D works titled Iridescence.

The term ‘iridescence’ describes how surfaces may appear to change colour with changes in viewing angle and light. The Art Support Group chose this theme to emphasise how people can view situations differently if they change their perspective. The past few months have required us to see much of everyday life differently, and Iridescence aims to capture the idiosyncrasies of the world we live in.

In a gesture to mark the new decade, 20 artists with one work each (20/20) will be presented. Our featured artist, Lyn Barnes, hails from Quilpie in the Channel Country, south western Queensland. She has worked as a professional artist for 18 years and contributes to her community as a member of the local council. She also runs Eagle Gallery in Quilpie, which is popular with locals and outback visitors who wish to return home with images of the blue sky and red earth of outback Australia.

When Barnes was invited to be the 2020 BGS feature artist, Quilpie

was gripped by a cruel drought, living up to its nickname ‘Heartbreak Corner’. Rains fell in November 2019, and water flows through the Channel Country once more. In our exhibition, Barnes will present works illustrating the iridescence of the Channel Country now that it has been replenished by life-giving water.

Applications are now open for the Old Boys’ Scholarship, which assists recent graduates to participate in the Art Show. Although we have moved to a virtual format, we are committed to supporting and promoting our aspiring Old Boy artists.

The show will be opened by Churchill Fellow, Andrea Perry-Petersen, who has a passion for human-centred design, multidisciplinary collaboration and digital innovation with the intention to improve access to justice.

Perry-Petersen is a consultant and lawyer with a background in community law, human rights and community development, legal design and technology, tertiary education and research.

She believes creativity is an important skill for all professionals and is interested in how good design –

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of information, process and systems – might improve people's engagement with the law. As an academic at QUT Law, her focus is teaching students the practical applications and ethical implications of incorporating technology in legal practice.

Perry-Petersen designed the A2J & Innovation clinic, the first of its kind in Queensland, to examine practically how digital innovation could assist the community legal sector and self-represented litigants.

As a researcher with the TC Beirne School of Law, she subsequently undertook empirical research about the benefits and challenges of using technology to deliver legal services.

Perry-Petersen is a member of the Queensland Law Society Innovation Committee, and 2019’s Innovation in Law Award recipient.

We look forward to sharing this unique and very special BGS event with you and our wider community on 24 July 2020.

Angela McCormack – Head of Art Bronwyn Jerrard – Art Support Group President

THE VIRTUAL 51ST ANNUAL ART SHOW 2020

FRIDAY 24 JULY Visit brisbanegrammar.com and click on Events for more information

Virtual Open Day on Saturday 25 July Discover the opportunities for day and boarding students at Queensland’s leading school for boys.

Gregory Terrace Brisbane QLD 4000 T +61 7 3834 5200 E enrolments@brisbanegrammar.com

Check out our virtual tours and live Q&A sessions with key BGS staff.

Full details at brisbanegrammmar.com.

CRICOS Provider Number 00489C

PHILANTHROPY

Above and beyond for the BGS community

Graham and Judith Bell’s light-filled apartment reflects a lifetime of passionate art collection and patronage – paintings hang on every inch of wall space, and ceramics, carvings and beautiful rugs colour every surface.

One work no longer on their walls is a four-panel etching

by Melbourne artist Graham Fransella, which now hangs in Brisbane Grammar School’s Centenary Hall.

“Our son (Patrick, BGS School Captain 1991), went looking for it one day and was surprised to hear Mr Micallef now gets a chance to admire it every time he addresses the school assembly,” Graham laughs. “He keeps telling me not to have another ‘Fransella moment’ – he’d like to choose a few paintings for himself, and he will, of course.

But by giving art to schools, the boys have a chance to appreciate it.”

The couple’s generosity springs from a sincere belief in the power of art, a theme Judith touched on when she opened the 50th BGS Art Show Aurum last year.

“This is a civilised place, an egalitarian meritocracy, and art benefits all… It is a shared environment which gives

pride, comfort, a sense of belonging. It lifts the spirits.

It makes one thoughtful,” she said.

Meritocracy is a value close to her heart. Judith tested the School’s sense of meritocracy when she became one of the first two women appointed to the BGS Board of Trustees in 1995. Initially, Judith said, her welcome was less than warm. “It was new territory for an old institution with its strong masculine ethos. But gradually, over the years, these people became my good friends. And the place didn’t fall down.”

Far from it. Her very productive 16 years on the Board saw the opening of the Northgate Playing Fields, the Indoor Sports Centre, the Middle School and The Lilley Centre – all achievements Judith credits to the leadership of recently retired Chair, Howard Stack.

“One of Howard’s great achievements was that he created a sense of collegiality. I came in for a lot of ribbing, but it was warm. Not only did they get a woman, but they got a woman of progressive views. Diversity of opinion around the board table can only be a good thing,” Judith said.

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Before her appointment, Judith and Graham knew the School well because of Patrick’s prowess on the cricket field.

“I was never a cricketer,” Graham said. “Patrick just seemed to have natural skills, and he and Dean Reeves were chosen for the First XI in Year 9. I was standing under a tree one day and I think it was Ronnie (Cochrane) who said, ‘You’re going to be around watching the cricket for a long time, why don’t you start a cricket support group?’

And here I was thinking I was just enjoying the cricket.”

“Ian Reeves and I started modestly, but when Greg Chappell turned up to a meeting, because his son Stephen played, that gave us a bit of cachet,” Graham said.

“We introduced things they still do. We thought the cricket boys needed a bit of civilising, so instead of them packing up their kit bags and going home we started little functions where the captains of both teams made a speech and had tea and bikkies.”

“But the best thing we did was name it The Willow Club.

It’s the best name of all the support groups,” Graham laughs.

Like many people with a long-standing relationship to the School, Judith says the friendships she’s made have been

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important. “I play bridge with a group of women, and we became friends when our boys were at BGS. Our sons are now 45, so it’s almost 30 years. That’s great. And when we go to the sports events, such as the cricket breakfast, there are so many people we know, and that’s lovely.”

Graham also sees the practical need for volunteers. “You do feel a part of the community of the School, but it’s a way of keeping fees down. Parents do a great deal of work that raises a lot of money. This would have to come from fees otherwise. The excellence of these schools often depends on the commitment of the parents. They make an enormous contribution.”

Judith and Graham Bell’s own contribution was recognised at last year’s Betty Howell Awards, which acknowledge the actions and achievements of those who have gone above and beyond expectations for the School community.

Inevitably, the conversation turns back to art. “The Art Show is a very important part of that,” Graham adds.

“It involves many parents and much work, and as a result BGS is developing a significant collection.”

I N N O VAT I O N

A daily dose of physical activity During the home-based learning period, with Cocurricular sports and GPS competition suspended, BGS boys stayed active through the School’s new online fitness platform, GrammarFit. Each weekday morning from 7.00am, boys, parents and staff logged on to the GrammarFit channel to get their heart rates up in a 30-minute body weight, strength and core workout session.

Run by the BGS Performance Development Team, the concept came from a collaboration with the Cocurricular Office. “I was looking for the best possible response to the lack of daily exercise facing our students, as they commenced home-based learning,” Deputy Head – Co-Curriculum Greg Thorne said.

Parent and BGS staff member Louise Evans, PA to Deputy Head – Co-Curriculum, brought her motivation and fitness industry background to the project. Like many Year 5 students, her son Bryce is a ‘handful’ if he doesn’t get enough physical activity.

“I knew providing the boys with a handout encouraging them to stay active wouldn’t be enough. I wanted the School to provide something for him every weekday that was challenging, would encourage exercise and was fun,” Ms Evans said.

The Cocurricular Office worked with the Performance Development Team on a plan to meet the brief. “To brainstorm ideas, we had a vision board and watched fitness video after fitness video to find the perfect balance of fun and structure to set our baseline,” Ms Evans said.

After the groundwork was set, the dedicated staff in the Performance Development Team, put the plan into action and continued to grow and develop it as a team.

The sessions proved popular, with the 27 initial episodes gaining over 4000 views. More than 2500 student workouts were logged in the first four weeks. Feedback was positive from students, and the program prompted a 7% increase in physical activity compared to normal.

BGS Coordinator of Performance Development Adam Bloch encourages boys to start the day with a workout. “GrammarFit provides a daily dose of physical activity,” he said. “We cater for all levels of ability through our session design. Boys simply need to bring one thing – a willingness to work hard!”

With students back on campus, GrammarFit will become a holiday program, with new episodes available to keep students active when they are away from campus.

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