Weekly eNews
Ross Featherston
Headmaster, Brighton Grammar SchoolA recent UK study published in the London Review of Education explored the art and science of great teaching, examining what evidence shows to be the most effective practices in primary classrooms.
Researchers found that quality teaching goes far beyond passion or engagement alone: it lies in how teachers structure, scaffold and adapt their instruction to meet individual student needs.
The study reinforced that when teachers explicitly explain concepts, model their thinking, and provide time for guided practice, students develop stronger cognitive and social-emotional skills.
Through purposeful questioning, feedback and examples, teachers can help children understand what to do, why it matters, and how to take the next step, giving learning meaning and relevance by connecting it to the real world.
Importantly, the research also reminds us that there is no single formula for success. Effective teaching is shaped by context, who the learners are, multiple check-ins, and knowing how they best engage. The most impactful schools are those where teaching practices are deliberate, evidence-informed and continually refining their craft.
This aligns strongly with our approach in both the Junior and Secondary School through our Effective Learner Model:
- Learning dispositions (being ready to learn)
- Learning design (understanding the purpose of the learning)
- Learning process (learning strategies and engagement) and
- Learning culture (positive experiences, acting upon feedback to support successful outcomes)
While classroom learning may ‘look’ different across the school and subject areas, it is all underpinned by the same model that has been an integral part of BGS’s approach for over a decade. We continue to see first-hand the high level of engagement this generates in our students.
If you’re interested in knowing more, watch Dr Ray Swann’s video in this week’s Crowther eNews or reach out to our Crowther Centre team.
Simon Angus
Deputy Headmaster, Head of Secondary SchoolThis week marked the commencement of the VCE examinations, beginning with English on Tuesday. These exams will continue over the next three weeks in various clearly signed locations around the School. We ask that all students and visitors remain mindful and respectful near these areas.
This evening, I look forward to attending our Year 9–11 performance of Romeo and Juliet, directed by talented Old Boys Ben Fox (OB 2023) and James Provis (OB 2019).
Looking ahead, November is shaping up to be a busy and important month across all year levels. Our Secondary students are in the midst of exam preparation, and for some of the younger boys, this may be their first experience creating a study schedule. They are encouraged to work closely with their tutors to establish effective and sustainable study routines.
In addition to preparing for exams, our Year 9 students are getting ready for the Great South West Journey. It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, but the sense of accomplishment that follows these experiences will be immense.
Please also save the date for our Presentation Evening on Wednesday 26 November. All students are expected to attend this special event as we celebrate their achievements and reflect on the many successes of the year. Booking details will be available from 10 November on the BGS app and eNews.
Finally, I wish everyone a restful extra-long weekend. I hope you have the chance to unwind and spend time with family.
Meliora Sequamur.
Happenings & Reminders
- Monday 3 November – Mid-term Break
- Tuesday 4 November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
- Wednesday 26 November – Secondary School Presentation Evening
- SchoolPix Term 2 sports group photos are now available for purchase, order details here.
STEM Racing State Finals Success
The next generation of BGS STEM Racing teams competed at the STEM Racing State Finals, held from 20-22 October. Our two Year 7 and two Year 8 teams proudly represented the School with outstanding skill, innovation, and teamwork across the Professional, Development, and Cadet classes.
The competition featured a range of engineering and enterprise components, including 10-minute verbal presentations, detailed portfolios, trade displays and knockout races.
Read the full report from George Neophytou, Stem Racing Junior Coordinator
BGS Art Club Service
Last Thursday, members of the BGS Art Club took part in a meaningful service activity at Bayley Arts. The students helped paint much of the set for Bayley Arts’ upcoming production and were praised for their hard work, kindness, and respectful interactions with clients.
Reflections from the boys were overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how rewarding the experience was.
Chamber Music Concert
On Tuesday, the GBR Hall came alive with music as our students took to the stage for the Semester 2 Chamber Music Concert. Audiences were treated to an inspiring showcase of talent featuring the Year 7 Piano Quintet, two Year 7 & 8 String Quartets, the Year 9 Piano Quintet, the Year 10 String Quartet, Guitar Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, and the debut performance of the Year 8 Wind Quintet.
The program included a wonderful selection of repertoire – from the timeless works of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Schumann, to the rhythmic flair of Piazzolla and a delightful touch of Studio Ghibli magic. It was an afternoon filled with musical artistry, teamwork, and memorable performances from our young musicians.
A particularly heart-warming moment was captured in a beautiful photo of the Year 10 String Quartet with their mums – a group who have been together supporting their boys since Year 3.
A testament to the strong sense of community and the long musical journey shared over the years.
Harry Tsai
Head of Strings
Grade 6 Visit to UC Science
The annual Year 6 Science visit to the Urwin Centre Laboratory was held on 16 October as part of our Transition Program. Across four 30-minute sessions, a total of 99 Year 6 students explored the principles of the scientific method through an engaging experiment, the Flame Test.
I was delighted to coordinate the laboratory setup and session logistics and support the boys. Read full report from Sudipta Gangopadhyay, Laboratory Technician.
Creative Arts Showcase
This year’s BGS Art Show will be held for the first time in The Duigan Centre, providing a wonderful new setting to celebrate the creativity and imagination of our students.
The exhibition will feature a range of works from across our creative faculties, including Visual Arts, Design, Media and Photography. Each piece reflects the skill, curiosity and unique perspective of our young artists.
Guests can also enjoy a live performance from our student rock band, sample delicious catering prepared by Food Technology students, and take part in an Art Auction featuring a work donated by our Artist in Residence. RSVP essential.
From Reverend Waterhouse
Driving around local streets or visiting the shops in recent days, it would be very hard for us to have missed the various Halloween decorations that are being displayed.
Funnily enough, both Halloween and Christmas have something in common. They started as pre-Christian, pagan celebrations and were later ‘rebadged’ and adopted by the Church. Over time, both have subsequently become heavily secularised.
Halloween comes from the old English name All Hallows’ Eve (“Hallows” is an archaic word for “saints” or holy people).
1 November marks the end of the northern Summer months, and the pre-Christian Celts believed that the spirits of the departed returned to their homes at that time to visit loved ones. Masks and other disguises were worn to frighten off evil spirits, who were also trying to make their presence known.
In AD 610, Pope Boniface IV declared 1 November as All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day), a feast celebrating Christians who have died. The evening beforehand, 31 October, was thus set apart as All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween). It was a time to remember the faithful believers of the past and to pray that the living might learn from their good example.
The Anglican Book of Common Prayer of 1662 has the perfect Halloween prayer: ‘And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.’