Brisbane Girls Grammar School students can study different languages and cultures through the school’s prestigious International Affiliate Schools Program.
Language learning has been an indispensable part of the curriculum at Brisbane Girls Grammar School (BGGS) since its establishment in 1875. The study of languages is one of the school’s five foundational subjects and it supports the educational philosophy of a broad-based, liberal education.
From the start of Year 7, students can elect to study two of the five available languages: Latin; French; German; Chinese; and Japanese. In International Studies, students develop empathy, cognitive agility, and critical thinking skills while they explore languages and cultures1.
As outlined in the PISA Global Competence Framework, the study of languages helps students to develop the capacity to examine local, global, and intercultural issues, to understand and appreciate the perspectives and world views of others, and to engage in open, appropriate, and effective interactions with people from different cultures.1
Learning languages truly enriches students intellectually, educationally, and culturally. The study of languages gives students myriad opportunities to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of humanity, to recognise and challenge stereotypes, and to reflect on their responsibilities as a global citizen.
Through thoughtful interactions in languages, students connect across cultures and celebrate diversity. BGGS students understand, appreciate, and articulate multiple perspectives, and they value opportunities to collaborate and engage with our global society. Furthermore, they develop global competence and valuable transferable skills through meaningful engagement with affiliate schools.
Affiliate schools
Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s International Affiliate Schools Program began in 1978 under the leadership of Principal, Judith Hancock. Since then, the program has evolved and grown, offering students regular opportunities for exchange experiences, and building upon their classroom learning by allowing them to experience the culture and day-to-day routines of people from different backgrounds.
Werner-Heisenberg Gymnasium, Germany
Located north of Munich, Werner-Heisenberg Gymnasium was founded in 1707 as a Latin school with a strong focus on academic achievements. The Affiliate School relationship between Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Werner-Heisenberg Gymnasium was established in 2014 and, following a three-year COVID hiatus, students and staff from the German Affiliate School will be reconnecting with BGGS families again in October 2023 when they visit Australia. The German students will live with BGGS host families, attend classes at BGGS and participate in excursions to explore various sites in Queensland. Through this authentic learning opportunity, students from both schools will interact with their peers by putting their language skills into practice in a real-world setting.
Lycée Saint Paul, France
Lycée Saint Paul is a private, academically focused school located in Angoulême, Southwest of Paris. Lycée Saint Paul and Girls Grammar first established their Affiliate School relationship in 1990, and this long-standing affiliation has created many lifelong friendships between families in Australia and France. The next exchanges, scheduled for 2024, will reinforce the schools’ relationship and spark a new generation of cross-cultural exchange.
Mie High School, Japan
Brisbane Girls Grammar School has enjoyed a long and rich relationship with Matsusaka Girls High School since 1988. Located on the ‘mainland’ island of Japan, Honshu, Matsusaka Girls High later became co-educational in the 1990s and is now Mie High School. BGGS is currently exploring options to resume exchanges with Mie High in 2024.
Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ School, China
One of the leading academic schools in Shanghai, China, Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ School’s motto is: ‘Independence, Ability, Care and Elegance.’ In 2014, BGGS Principal Ms Euler visited the school in Shanghai to highlight the success of the exchange program, and in 2022 she delivered an address to the school to celebrate Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ School’s 130th Anniversary.
Global citizenship
Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s International Affiliate Schools Program offers a rich and diverse educational and intercultural experience to students. Over the years, many lifelong connections and friendships have been made across the world. It is through these authentic, real-life experiences that students extend their language learning and global citizenship skills. BGGS is looking forward to future opportunities with International Affiliate Schools to help prepare students for the challenges and opportunities offered by a global world.
REFERENCES:
1. OECD. (2018). Preparing Our Youth for an Inclusive and Sustainable World. The OECD PISA Global Competence Framework. https://www.oecd.org/pisa/Handbook-PISA-2018-Global-Competence.pdf
