As a global leader in education, Brisbane Girls Grammar School (BGGS) encourages its students to connect to people and places around the world by providing interesting and unique opportunities for international exchange.
These experiences allow students to expand their worldview and cultivate an open-mindedness that supports them to become mature and engaged global citizens.
In an increasingly interconnected world, global thinking is an essential aspect of the School’s approach to learning. Grammar girls are empowered to venture beyond the School to test the unfamiliar and gain different perspectives. By interacting with diverse people and cultures, technology, texts and contexts other than their own, girls practise life-wide learning and gain experiences that shape their decision-making and personal growth.
“We know there is a direct link between adolescent travel and positive educational outcomes—being out of one’s comfort zone requires adaptation, quick decision-making in unfamiliar environments, and develops resilience, self-confidence, positive life values, maturity, and an understanding of our place in the world,” the School said.
“And, Girls Grammar students’ interest in international adventures—Space Camp in the US, experiencing life as French or German students at our international affiliate schools, or visiting tertiary institutions—strongly suggests a deep desire to experience the truly unforgettable moments travel offers us all.”
Global trade, tourism and technological connections will require today’s students to operate in a range of languages and cultural spheres, and to value the associated economic, human and cognitive impacts of each. From staff research and study, through to partnering with international experts and student exchanges, Girls Grammar has valued, always, the invaluable insights gained from global perspectives—be it at the School itself or through travel overseas.
International learning opportunities provide Grammar girls the chance to expand their horizons, immersing themselves in new cultures while completing a range of academic and co-curricular activities. Some of the many global experiences on offer at Brisbane Girls Grammar School include:
Language Study Tours
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 can visit and study at one of our international affiliate schools, located in France, China, Germany, and Japan. These tours extend classroom language learning by cultivating linguistic, social and cultural experiences. Students undertake formal language study, live with a host family, and visit significant local attractions.
US Space Trip
The School’s biennial trip to the US Space and Rocket Centre’s residential program, commonly known as Space Camp, allows girls to participate in one of two programs—Advanced Space Academy or Aviation Challenge— in a simulated and safe environment. Space Camp programs incorporate curriculum subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Digital and Design Technologies, but importantly also help students develop teamwork, self-confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility while developing their problem-solving and decision-making capacities.
International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT)
This premier international physics competition involves extensive research and requires students to compete in a national qualifying tournament, which informs selection for the Australian team. There has been at least one Grammar girl in the Australian team since the School’s involvement began in 1998.
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an internationally recognised program offered at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. The Scheme encourages young people aged 14 to 25 to participate in a large cross-section of experiences and activities, and aims to develop qualities of maturity, self-confidence, responsibility and willingness to help others.