Light Dark Blue: The Brisbane Grammar School Podcast

Our host and Headmaster Anthony Micallef explores the dynamic world of artificial intelligence and its growing impact on education. This first episode in a three-part series features guest speakers Head of English Greg Howes and English and Academic Services teacher Bridget Pearce. They discuss how students are using AI in their schoolwork and how teachers are guiding them to use it – not as...

In episode two of our AI series, Headmaster Anthony Micallef is joined by Executive Director of Educational Innovation Jacqui Zervos and Deputy Headmaster Teaching and Learning Steve Uscinski. They explore how BGS is adapting to AI, the frameworks guiding our students and staff on how to use it in a safe and ethical way, and how an internal AI report is helping to shape the future of lea...

In our third and final episode, our host Anthony Micallef explores how AI is part of a broader discussion on remaining safe in the digital world. Joined by Head of Senior School Simon Conway and Head of Middle School Rebecca Campbell, they discuss how irresponsible use of AI can have a negative impact on our boys’ mental health and wellb...

In our last episode of the series we speak to two Middle School students about their studies, their cocurricular interests and public purpose commitments. Here we explore their curiosity for learning, giving back to community and the impact it has on their overall outlook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we discuss online usage and the mechansims to support our students make informed decisions online . This also equips our parents with the neccessary tools and resources to help navigate their sons online engagement in a healthy manner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Senior Deputy Headmaster David Carroll dives in to the psychology of healthy sleep, and addresses its impact on academic performance and focused learning, sharing tactics for students and parents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss how physical activity empowers students to maximize their energy, focus, and overall cognitive performance for optimal learning and retention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we explore the daily lives of boarders through the eyes of house parents and how they help to navigate the variety of needs throughout their time in the Boarders House. We discuss key events as well as weekend activities for a happy holistic home environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we discuss how adventure in the great outdoors at Peperina Hill provides students with the resilience to work through challenging situations and obstacles they come up against. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we explore the importance of connection and its significance to a student's well-being. We discuss why the cocurricular program is a key part of the school's overall approach to wellbeing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we explore the idea of passion with Noel Chan, i.e., doing what you love, and how that helps students be self-motivated and more engaged in their studies, which results in happier, more productive students. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Headmaster Anthony Micallef discusses the importance of having purpose to enhance a student's overall educational experience and how it transforms them into socially responsible citizens both now and into the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The School’s culture was the focus of an external review conducted last year by Dr Phil Cummins of CIRCLE. Dr Cummin’s report relates Brisbane Grammar School’s trajectory of cultural development to an existing global body of work mapping student culture in character education. Dr Cummins featured in a special episode of the Light Dark Blue podcast in which he discussed his report...

In the final episode of our Wellbeing Series, we hear from five BGS boys about their lived experience at the School. We find out who they turn to when things get challenging, what the BGS culture means to them, and how the range of student Wellbeing programs have helped them thrive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 parents to support their boys.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 right through their journey at BGS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 one of the School’s dramatic or musical productions. He explains why students should keep an open mi...

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 never been greater. We speak to Crystal Thompson, who leads Public Purpose about why the program is be...

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 challenges, including those posed by technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 sense of connection and wellbeing gained from “going bush”.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

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 time in a boy’s life.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 parents can support their sons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 world.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 special edition podcast, BGS Deputy Headmaster of Teaching and Learning Mr Steve Uscinski, offers a com...