Ep 9 Support and Guidance Builds Resilient Young Men, with Nathan Simmons

What is key to the students at BGS emerging as happy and successful young men? Nathan Simmons, Director of Counselling and Academic Services, discusses the pillars that support the boys to thrive during their time at BGS, some of the common wellbeing issues he sees in his role, and some advice for …

Ep 8 Wellbeing for BGS Boarders, with Tim Holzgrefe, Head of Griffith House Boarding

Student wellbeing is crucial for every BGS student — none more so than our boarders. We talk to Tim Holzgrefe about how much boarding has changed over the years, the challenges young boarders can face on arrival, and the bespoke program that supports the BGS boarders to feel protected and connected…

Ep 7: All the World’s a Stage: Drama and Belonging with Mr Patrick (Paddy) Last

If a student feels like he belongs, he thrives. That is the message from Paddy Last who is an Assistant Head of Year 10 and Drama Teacher. Mr Last’s role is to ensure boys find a sense of belonging and connection with others — whether that is through a combination of sport, academics or on stage in…

Ep 6: Giving Back and Feeling Good: Public Purpose at BGS with Crystal Thompson

Each week, BGS boys help tutor students at neighbouring schools, make sandwiches for kids without school lunches, help raise money to train guide dogs…and so much more. With 14 Public Purpose programs going strong across the school, the popularity of what used to be called ‘community service’ has n…

Ep 5: Student Wellbeing and Technology, with Head of Year 12 Craig Timms

As Head of Year, Craig Timms accompanies students on an extraordinary journey supporting the same cohort from Year 9 through to graduation. In this episode, he discusses his experience of working with students as they grow and mature year-on-year, and how the wellbeing programs help navigate challe…

Ep 4: Wellbeing at Moogerah: Building Skills and Connection with Derek Jervis, Director of Outdoor Education

Days kayaking on the lake and nights listening to Dreamtime stories over a campfire, Moogerah provides fond memories for many BGS students. Derek Jervis chats to Light Dark Blue about the Outdoor Education program, and how the practical skills – while undoubtedly important – are secondary to the se…

Ep 3: Protect and Connect: It Takes a Team, with Adam Bloch, Head of Year 9

What is Protect and Connect, and why does it take everyone — teachers, parents, staff and student leaders— to make this model work? We chat with Adam Block about helping boys navigate the shift between junior and senior schools and the importance of connection during this momentous and foundational…

Ep 2: How to get boys to open up, with Philippa Douglas, Director of Student Wellbeing Programs

From insufficient sleep and tech dependence to body image and friendship issues, the impact on students of today is significant. We talk to the Director of Student Wellbeing Programs, Philippa Douglas, about how the School is helping students to manage social pressures in a healthy way and how pare…

Ep 1: Why the Student Wellbeing Program matters, with Rebecca Campbell and Simon Conway

Why has Brisbane Grammar School put so much emphasis on student wellbeing in recent years? In this episode, we talk to the heads of the Middle and Senior schools about the ongoing, school-wide efforts in building connected and resilient young men who are ready to face the challenges of a changing w…

ATAR Explained

This December, students throughout Queensland will breathe a sigh of relief as they receive their ATAR. For those embarking on their journey in year 11 or 12 in 2024, the adventure is only beginning.   Understanding the ATAR system can be a formidable task for students and their parents. In this s…