Full-STEAM ahead: BGS readies students for world of opportunity

Understandably nervous about moving away from family, Alexander Keir decided to board at Brisbane Grammar School and leave his home town of Ballina, in NSW.

Year 12 boarding prefect Alexander Keir in the STEAM Precinct at Brisbane Grammar School.

Year 12 boarding prefect Alexander Keir came to the decision on his own to board at Brisbane Grammar School and leave his home town of Ballina, in New South Wales.

“I did some research looking at schools in Melbourne and Brisbane, and I felt like I could further extend myself with academically minded people at Grammar,” he explained.

Alexander’s dream of studying medicine saw him seeking a school with a focus on academic achievement.

Understandably nervous about moving away from family, those feelings disappeared when Alexander was met with a warm and welcoming home environment when joining BGS boarding two years ago.

“I was a little apprehensive about moving to a much larger school, but BGS boarding is a tight-knit community,” he said. “I’ve met a range of people from diverse backgrounds, and I’m supported by a good friendship group.”

Another drawcard is the school’s state-of-the-art STEAM Precinct, which officially opened in February following a decade of planning and construction.

The award-winning, six-storey learning hub includes 15 innovative laboratory spaces of university standard, specialised labs for biological dissections, overhanging learning pods, a 300-seat open auditorium, art studios and much more.

STEAM combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics, teaching students to take a multidisciplinary approach to solve real-world problems. Students are afforded a range of hands-on experiences, including artistic and technological exploration, designing and prototyping, 3D printing, complex biological dissections, and Earth science studies. BGS boarders have access to more than 400 hours of additional academic support.

“Boarders attend academic prep every night after dinner in the STEAM building, which is supported by three academic tutors who assist the students” Alexander said.

Alexander, who also has a passion for the piano and percussion, says the co-curricular program has something to offer students of all interests. There are 45 clubs and activities, 15 sports, 34 music groups and three annual drama productions.

“There is a music program that has hundreds of students in it, and a range of bands and ensembles to play in. Boarding at BGS has been one of the best things I have done,” he said.

WHO WE ARE
Founded in 1868, Brisbane Grammar School’s mission is to provide a broad liberal education to young men in Queensland. The school’s legacy of learning and leadership is something of which we have long been proud. BGS has a contemporary focus on critical and creative thinking, collaboration and communication capabilities, equipping students with the necessary skills needed to become the leaders of tomorrow.

LEARNING AT BGS
A BGS education is built on three pillars: academic, student wellbeing and co-curricular programs. Each program is designed to shape well-rounded young men who go on to make meaningful contributions to their communities and areas of interest. In 2023, BGS achieved outstanding academic results, recording a median ATAR of 94.20. BGS has consistently cemented its position as a leading academic school in Australia. We cater for day and boarding students from years 5 to 12.

OUR FACILITIES
In recent years, our boarding facilities have undergone a $5m redevelopment to provide each student with their own modern and spacious room, which optimises study time. Our communal areas are comfortable and homely, allowing for friendships to flourish.

Our boarding staff are experienced in caring for and supporting young men as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and busy academic schedules, while providing them with a family environment. We have state-of-the-art sporting grounds, including a multipurpose indoor sports centre, training and playing fields, and a tennis and rowing centre. We own an outdoor education facility about an hour southwest of Brisbane, where students camp, bushwalk, rock-climb and learn teamwork skills.

CONTACT US
Discover more about boarding at BGS by visiting www.brisbanegrammar.com