2019 Academic Report - Brisbane Boys' College
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2019 Academic Report
From the Headmaster
2019 has been a year of outstanding accomplishment. of life or of other people. Our society benefits from
We have seen our boys at their best across a people who develop virtues within themselves.
comprehensive range of activities both at home and
At BBC, we strive to be a world class school so as to
abroad. We have also seen boys in their day to day
help our students be confident and competent global
school lives actively participating in the life of the
citizens with the capability to change the world. A
College, contributing to the best of their ability and
world class school is one in which every child is
with a sense of collegiality and authentic school spirit.
provided with the opportunity to achieve. We know
For a school to have a tangible sense of esprit de corps,
that our students are highly capable and will rise to a
and a palpably positive and inclusive quality that is so
challenge that is presented to them. In that way we can
evident at BBC, every boy has a part to play.
assist their development by providing opportunities
So what is the purpose of a BBC education? Certainly, for them to stretch themselves, knowing that there
it is to provide our students with the skills and cultural is no greater joy than the feeling of accomplishment
knowledge to enable them to participate successfully in that comes from going beyond what we thought was
society. possible.
Knowledge is both cognitive and experiential. Learning Brisbane Boys’ College is a non-selective academic
is both academic and affective. To be a school of school where boys achieve personal excellence in a
excellence we need to engage a students’ spirit, mind supportive, caring and Christian environment. Our
and emotions. curriculum is designed to develop boys’ minds to be
forward thinking and to assist them in exploring their
An education should also allow students to develop
passion and purpose in life and assist each and every boy
convictions, to understand ethics, and ask challenging
to reach their potential as we prepare them to take their
questions. Our society benefits from people who are
place in the world as confident and capable young men.
both robust and compassionate, who are not afraid
Our wide range of academic, sporting, co-curricular, It is this collective ambition to enhance every student’s
service and cultural pursuits assist boys to develop wellbeing, alongside providing best practice teaching
interests that complement their formal education. and learning, that focuses our decision-making
around providing opportunities for our boys to grow;
The College could not operate as effectively as it does
spiritually, academically, pastorally, and in their cultural
without the commitment and enthusiasm of dedicated,
and sporting endeavours.
hard-working and gifted teachers who build powerful
working relationships with their students. Therefore, I My message to the boys of BBC remains the same; be
would like to acknowledge and thank them for their creative at school, have a go, be curious, engage with
dedication to delivering on our mission. A mission the big ideas but be disciplined in every aspect of your
that seeks to develop articulate, cultured and highly- school life, enjoy the grounds and gardens, enjoy your
educated young men of conscience and compassion; friendships, work hard to be the best you can be, learn
who know themselves and demonstrate support for to be humble but still contribute positively with all
others; who have the tenacity to endure and overcome your heart, be active, learn to question, do not compare
adversity; and who are prepared to take their place in yourselves with others, be a trustworthy person. And
society and contribute to the broader community. see the purpose of your learning as being about the
contribution you can make.
We recognise that it has never been more important
to give boys a well-rounded approach to life as part of PAUL BROWN
HEADMASTER
their education – an approach we refer to as A New
School of Thought.
ACADEMIC REPORT /// 3
Academic Overview
Academic Performance State, however our boys have been well prepared to
engage with the future of curriculum implementation.
At Brisbane Boys’ College we have renewed our focus
on academics and innovation with a Prep to Year 12 Middle School curriculum initiatives included Year 7
perspective. This has resulted in some developments ‘Shakes it Up’, where students worked with Shake &
being introduced to the College as well as a renewed Stir Theatre Company to learn and produce a dynamic
focus on maintaining traditions and standards of performance of Shakespeare’s works. The Year 8
excellence. What has remained is our commitment Legacy Projects engaged students in film making
to ensuring academic achievement and outstanding and augmented reality to honour Old Collegians
outcomes for our boys. who epitomise elements of our Positive Education
character traits. Year 9 students ventured afield using
At BBC our curriculum is designed to develop boys’ public transport to answer academic challenges and
minds to be forward thinking and to assist them in engage in the Amazing Adventure. The implementation
exploring their passion and purpose in life. Our teachers of these programs has focused on alignment to
aim to assist each and every boy to reach their potential Australian Curriculum and ensuring the opportunity
as we prepare them to take their place in the world as to further develop human skills and competencies
confident and capable young men. such as creativity, critical thought, communication and
collaboration which prepare boys for their future.
We teach our boys to question the status quo and solve
problems to make the world a better place, now and Within the Junior School our results have gone from
in the future. Our job, as educators at BBC, is to know strength to strength with our Year 3 students benefiting
each boy well, to tailor his experiences and support him from the foundational phonics-based literacy programs
as an individual. Our approach is supported by a range and evidence-based numeracy programs in place. Our
of initiatives, both in and out of the classroom, designed Year 5 students recorded their highest ever success
to strengthen his learning experience. with NAPLAN, topping their performance in all areas
from previous years. Engaging curriculum initiatives
Highlights in the academic arena abounded in 2019,
have been implemented, such as the introduction of
with successes both nationally and internationally.
a Year 6 Canberra trip to tie with Humanities as boys
In acknowledging the achievements of our boys, learn about Democracy. Curriculum innovations also
it is equally important to acknowledge the role our include the introduction of the Eco-Marines program
dedicated staff play in supporting boys to thrive and linking environmental studies in Year 4 with a new camp
prosper. The time our staff invest to build positive and at Tangalooma to learn about Moreton Bay and the
authentic relationships with each boy is pivotal to his surrounding environment. These initiatives strengthen
success, because we know that happy boys achieve to our commitment to ensuring learning is hands-on and
and beyond their potential. relevant to our boys’ lives.
Across Middle and Senior School we have also
Innovations
introduced Subject Application Ratings (SARs) which
Significantly in Senior Schooling, 2019 saw the final year recognise the engagement and diligence of students in
of Overall Positions (OPs) and The Queensland Core class. Since their inception at the beginning of 2019 the
Skills (QCS) Test for Year 12s with the introduction of the number of students who have achieved a perfect score
Senior Assessment Tertiary Entrance (SATE) system, of five across all subjects has seen a steady increase,
incorporating QCE and ATAR, for Year 11 students. as has the number of boys who have achieved and
Teachers have worked with new syllabus documents to Overall Subject Application Rating of 4.5 or above.
develop engaging and aligned learning opportunities.
This has required assessments to be endorsed by the Dr Leigh Hobart
QCAA to ensure that new syllabi have been rigorously HEAD OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION
followed. Syllabus expectations have risen across the
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE
ACADEMIC REPORT /// 5
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Class of 2019
Academic Results
As our final graduating cohort in Queensland “Our QTAC entry statistics continue to speak As leaders of the College in 2019, our
to be issued with an OP, our 2019 Seniors to this with 99.3% of our 2019 Senior cohort Seniors have fully participated in College life
have done themselves, the College and their receiving a tertiary offer.” with a sense of enthusiasm and purpose. In
families proud, with their results once again 2019, a group of four students travelled to
“It is exciting to see boys opting to pursue
placing BBC among the top performing Hong Kong to take part in an International
a variety of careers from agribusiness,
academic schools in the State. Mathematic Modelling Challenge, where
architecture, engineering, commerce, health
they were recognised as one of the top
The results achieved by members from and medicine, music and more. These are
five teams in the world and received a
the Class of 2019 are a credit to their hard the results for an exceptional education, and
Meritorious Achievement Award. The
work and steadfast commitment to their we look forward to hearing of their ongoing
Class of 2019 have overseen three GPS
studies. The College also acknowledges achievements.”
Premierships/Championships this year,
the important partnership with parents and
Equally, it is appropriate to acknowledge represented their state and country on the
guardians and thanks them for the invaluable
our committed teaching staff who have sporting field, composed works performed
role they have played in supporting their
educated, inspired, engaged and by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra,
sons through their years of schooling.
challenged our graduating class throughout helped secure three World Championships
Our 2019 Senior cohort performed admirably their BBC journey to achieve their best. in Robotics, volunteered in numbers to serve
with 16 students achieving an OP 1, 40.3 Notwithstanding their commendable OP and assist those in need, to name but a few
percent of OP Eligible Students securing results, it is also important to recognise the highlights.
an OP between 1 and 5 and 76.5 percent achievements of our Class of 2019 that are They have also demonstrated fine leadership
achieving a score between 1 and 10. not measured by a number. attributes; particularly during a year in which
For Headmaster, Mr Paul Brown, it is Achievements both inside and outside we moved to a portfolio model of leadership
important that the education a boy receives the classroom have abounded, across that has seen our seniors model inclusive
at BBC prepares them well to thrive and academic, sporting, cultural, leadership and student leadership and citizenship for a
succeed in their future pursuits and careers. service pursuits. range of boys who will become our future
leaders.
“We want our boys to enter the world with
confidence, courage and compassion to live
meaningful and purposeful lives,” said Mr Brown.
16 STUDENTS
ACHIEVED OP1 OP 1
Ben Arya
SCHOLARS
OP 2
Benjamin Bartlett
Christian Binggeli Thomas Barton
Xavier Catford Samuel Bolton
COLLEGE DUX James English
Connell Fox
Luka Boskovic
Brett Davidson
James Gao Henry Hulbert
Taehwan Kim Mousa Al-Ghabban
Taehwan Kim
Byron Johnson
Trenton Lewis
Lachlan MacMillan William O’Meara
Finn Macnamara Cameron Pankhurst
COLLEGE PROXIME Connor McCagh Ethan Rose
Alastair Petfield Patrick Thygesen
Xavier Catford Benjamin Pyne
Ometh Rajapakse
Arlou van der Westhuizen
Sam Williams
Lachlan Tonkin Alvaro Wong
Ethan Waugh
80%
OP ELIGIBLE
40.3%
ACHIEVED AN
76.5%
ACHIEVED AN
95.3%
ACHIEVED AN
OP 1 TO 5 OP 1 TO 10 OP 1 TO 15
This year, BBC had 187
domestic and international
Year 12 students; of those,
149 chose to pursue
an OP pathway 1 IN 5 55.7% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED
BOYS RECEIVED AN
OP 1 OR 2 OP7
65.5% Received an
OR BETTER
A OR B BBC Performance vs State Average
on the QCS Test
BBC 2019 All QLD 2019
OP 1 – 5 40.3% 22.5%
OP 1 – 10 76.5% 54.3%
OP 1 – 15 95.3% 82.9%
*data relates to OP eligible students ACADEMIC REPORT /// 7
NAPLAN
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
commenced in Australian schools in 2008. Each year, all students in Years 3,
5, 7 and 9 are assessed using national tests in Reading, Writing, Language
Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation) and Numeracy.
2019 Results
Year 3 Year 7
Reading Writing Spelling Grammar + Numeracy Reading Writing Spelling Grammar + Numeracy
Punctuation Punctuation
2019 BBC 480 449 464 495 463 2019 BBC 587 536 572 586 618
NMS% 94 94 94 94 94 NMS% 98 99 99 98 100
QLD Average 427 413 411 433 399 QLD Average 545 504 544 542 550
NMS 432.3 423.1 418.7 439.8 408.1 NMS 546 513.2 545.6 541.7 554.1
Year 5 Year 9
Reading Writing Spelling Grammar + Numeracy Reading Writing Spelling Grammar + Numeracy
Punctuation Punctuation
2019 BBC 563 515 554 571 561 2019 BBC 603 558 592 601 649
NMS% 98 98 98 97 97 NMS% 97 89 95 96 99
QLD Average 503 465 495 498 493 QLD Average 576 535 580 573 589
NMS 506 473.9 500.7 499.1 495.8 NMS 580.4 548.9 582.3 573.2 592
* National Means Score (NMS) - BBC students consistently perform above the national average.
Outstanding The BBC
ICAS Medallions
achievements Speech Night 2019 saw the inaugural awarding of
the prestigious BBC Medallions.
At BBC, we believe that while knowledge-based learning
is important, it is no longer enough. We need to teach our The design of the Medallion celebrates the classical ideal of
students how to be critical thinkers. Not only to solve problems harmony expressed through body, mind, form and spirit.
but to recognise them in the first place. We want our students The Medallions recognise student excellence and engagement
to be curious and creative; to acquire skills, knowledge and across all facets of College life. The Medallion is hard to win and
understanding, each and every day, so that they can move highly valued.
confidently into the world and make a positive contribution to Criteria for being awarded a Medallion:
society in whatever field they choose.
Conduct Have an outstanding report of conduct, application and
The College engages annually with the International Competitions general attitude
and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) assessment program as a Learning Be on the academic prize list (not subject prize list)
means of establishing external data on all our students, which Service Participate in a service/leadership activity
serves as a comparison to the internal assessment data, derived
Play Have a high level of diverse school participation that
from school-based assessment.
must include representation on at least one school
ICAS is an independent, skills-based assessment program which sporting team.
recognises and rewards student achievement. It is unique, being A Bronze Medallion is awarded to boys across Years 7 to 12 who
the most comprehensive generally available suite of academic meet the criteria.
assessments for primary and secondary school students, A Gold Medallion is awarded to a Year 12 student providing the
covering English, Science, Mathematics, Spelling and Writing student has been awarded a Bronze Medallion in each of the
elements. preceding years of secondary enrolment at the College, from Year
7 onwards.
Students with the top score in each subject, in each year level,
are awarded a medal and a medal winner’s certificate. A Gold Medallion will be among the highest honours BBC confers
on a Year 12 student.
In 2019, three BBC students topped the State in their respective
ICAS competitions and year levels. They were recognised with
medals at a ceremony hosted by the University of New South
Wales (UNSW).
Albert Ge (Year 4) was awarded a medal for Science
Morgan Duckett (Year 7) was awarded a medal for English
Isaac Jennings (Year 10) was awarded a medal for Writing.
Inaugural Bronze
Medallion Recipients
Year 7 Year 11
Jacob Aziz Gaviru Devendra
Sean Beak Alister Gomersall
Hemish Dubey Year 12
Samuel Kim Taehwan Kim
Year 8 Lachlan MacMillan
Angus Seeto William O’Meara
Quinlan Seymore Ometh Rajapakse
Year 10
Aparaj Bogahawatta
Matthew Cranitch
2019 Academic
Achievements Overview
BEST EVER
RESULTS FOR
READERS CUP
WITH A BRONZE
FOR YEAR 5
40 YEAR 6 STUDENTS TRAVELLED TO
CANBERRA TO LEARN ABOUT DEMOCRACY
SHAKE AND STIR THEATRE
24
COMPANY INTRODUCED
SHAKESPEARE
ACADEMIC TO YEAR 7
SCHOLARSHIPS
200 BOYS ON STAGE
AWARDED FOR A MEGA
PERFORMANCE
AFTER ONE WEEK
OPTIMINDS STATE
FINALS FOR TWO TEAMS
WITH A SECOND PLACE
FOR SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING
YEAR 8 LEGACY
PROJECT WITH OLD
YEAR 4 INTRODUCED COLLEGIANS SEES
ECOMARINES AND WENT ON STUDENTS ENGAGE
THEIR FIRST CAMP TO WITH AUGMENTED
TANGALOOMA WHERE THEY REALITY TO RESEARCH PROJECTS WITH ISQ
GOT TO LEARN ABOUT THE PRESENT THEIR AND THE AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC
ENVIRONMENT AND FEED THE UNIVERSITY IN PROGRESS
STORIES TIED TO
DOLPHINS
CHARACTER TRAITS
YEAR 3 BOYS YEAR 11 STUDENTS STARTED THE SATE
SCORED THE YEAR 9
EXPERIENCED
SYSTEM WITH 52 ASSESSMENTS
ENDORSED, 27 NEW SYLLABI BEING
HIGHEST THE AMAZING
RACE
IMPLEMENTED WITH LOTS OF ENDORSERS
AND CONFIRMERS ON STAFF
WRITING SCORE
EVER IN NAPLAN
YEAR 5 BOYS SCORED
HIGHEST YEAR 12 STUDENTS SAW OUT
THE OLD OP SYSTEM WITH THE
IN READING, SPELLING, FINAL ROUND OF QCS WITH
GRAMMAR, PUNCTUATION 65.5% RECEIVING AN A OR B.
AND NUMERACY A STRONG COHORT TO FINISH
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGEYEAR 10 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED
IN THE INAUGURAL TWO STUDENTS
− +
A SP IWEEK
RE PERFORMED WITH
LABOITE, AFTER
80 AUDITIONED
÷ ×
TO ENGAGE THEM IN THEIR SENIOR FOR 12 ROLES
SCHOOLING OPTIONS
FOUR STUDENTS PARTICIPATED
IN THE INTERNATIONAL
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
THREE BOYS TOPPED CHALLENGE IN HONG KONG,
THE STATE IN ICAS, IN
PLACING IN THE TOP FIVE
SCIENCE, WRITING
AND ENGLISH TEAMS WORLDWIDE
FIRST YEAR OF GIFTED
FIRST PLACE TO THE POWER OF
IN THE STATE THREE, LEADING TO A
FOR ASX SECOND PLACE IN
SHAREMARKET
A NEW SENIOR SCHOOL GAME QUEST AT STATE LEVEL
CURRICULUM COORDINATOR
AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
CURRICULUM COORDINATOR
WERE APPOINTED
COORDINATORS FOR GIFTED
AND TALENTED, ARROWSMITH
AND EAL FROM PREP TO YEAR YEAR 5 TEAM WON THE
12 WERE ALSO APPOINTED, DAVINCI DECATHLON
TO ENSURE THAT PROCESSES AT A REGIONAL LEVEL
RUN SMOOTHLY
YEARS 5 AND 6
WRITERS LAUNCHED
THEIR OWN
+
YEAR 10 STUDENTS WERE
PUBLICATION
SIX STUDENTS HAD THEIR
COMPOSITIONS PERFORMED
INVITED TO SIT THE WITH AUTHOR
AUSTRALIAN
BY THE QUEENSLAND
MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD
BRIAN FALKNER
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
COMPETITION
SUBJECT APPLICATION RATINGS (SAR) WERE INTRODUCED IN 2019 TO REPORT ON
THE QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY OF A STUDENT’S APPLICATION TO HIS STUDIES,
WITH A RATING OF ‘5’ BEING THE HIGHEST AND ‘1’ BEING THE LOWEST.
THE MAXIMUM AVERAGE SAR OF 5 WAS ACHIEVED BY NINE STUDENTS IN TERM 1,
INCREASING TO 40 STUDENTS IN TERM 3
206 STUDENTS ACHIEVED AN AVERAGE SAR OF 4.5 IN TERM 1, INCREASING TO
335 IN TERM 4
ALL YEAR LEVELS INCREASED OR MAINTAINED THEIR AVERAGE SAR ACROSS
2019, MEANING MORE BOYS WERE ACADEMICALLY MOTIVATED AND ENGAGED
WITH THEIR LEARNING AT A HIGHER LEVEL
ACADEMIC REPORT /// 112019 SCHOLAR PROFILES
Taehwan Kim
OP 1
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE/DOCTOR OF MEDICINE AT UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY.
RECIPIENT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLORS’ INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP.
8 YEARS AT BBC
JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 5.
AWARDS AND CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT
College Captain, Dux of the College, Leadership Prefect, Vice-Captain of
Amnesty International, Robotics, Swimming & Volleyball.
Robotics, Volleyball, Cross Country, Music, Swimming, Track and Field,
Amnesty International, Chess, Debating, Football, Peer Mentor, Reader’s Cup,
Coffee for Cambodia, Rugby, Theatre.
What subjects did you take in Year 12? What is the most valuable piece of advice you received
In Year 12, I studied Mathematics B, Mathematics C, English, from a BBC teacher?
Chemistry, Physics and Japanese. You get out what you put in. If you want more, you have to give more.
After cruising through Junior School, I struggled to maintain my
What led you to choose these subjects? standards throughout the first two years of Middle School because
When subject selections opened before the start of Year 11, I didn’t I started to take my achievements for granted and began to expect
really have a clear idea of what I wanted to study at university or success without working for it. When I began to work harder and
which direction I wanted to take my life in after school. So, I chose started investing heavily back into my studies, my sport and my
subjects that I enjoyed studying because I knew this would help me personal development, I saw that effort come back in the form of
perform well academically and enjoy my senior years. achievements, fulfilment and pride. This work ethic was always
encourage by BBC teachers.
What advice would you share with students who are
In your view, what mindsets and character strengths are
about to begin their Senior School journey?
needed for achieving goals?
If you approach Senior School with the right mentality, they will be
some of the best years of your life. Don’t waste any time – spend When chasing goals or facing challenges, I always relied on one
every second of your Senior School journey doing activities that strength - confidence. Confidence is key when pursuing any target;
you love, studying subjects that you are interested in and making the ability to recover from obstacles and back yourself until the end
memories with people you want to be around. Work hard – if you fully is such an important tool for any young person to achieve anything.
invest yourself into your studies, your activities and your friends, you No matter what obstacles came my way, what other people thought
will reap the rewards. You will find that your life becomes much more or how hard I failed at something, I always tried to maintain full
exciting, fulfilling and worthwhile, and you will have everything you confidence in myself and found the motivation to persevere because
need to succeed later in life. I truly believed that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGEWhat was your favourite and most impactful learning What you will miss, now you have graduated?
experience at BBC? I’ll miss the wonderful community at BBC which has had such a
My involvement in the Coffee for Cambodia program and the tour profound impact on my life for the last eight years. From the little
to Cambodia in 2017 was one of my favourite and most impactful things, like lunchtimes with my friends and friendly classroom
learning experiences. To have an opportunity to give back to an banter, to cherished memories, like representing the College at
underprivileged community and to experience first-hand the poverty weekend sporting games or spirit rallies on assemblies.
that is experienced by many Cambodian families today was a truly
eye-opening and confronting experience. It certainly taught me to What are your plans for 2020 and beyond?
be compassionate and grateful. Being able to spend time and help In 2020, I hope to commence studying overseas at a college in the
these people in need was one of the most fulfilling experiences of USA. In the meantime, I will be studying at the University of Sydney
my life. and have enrolled in the Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine
double degree program.
What is your favourite memory from your time at
BBC?
I have so many incredible memories from my time at BBC, but one
that has a special place in my heart is the 2015 GPS Swimming
Championships. I was a young Year 8 student and I was walking out
of the marshalling area to swim in the U13 6x50m Freestyle Relay.
As I walked out, I was greeted by a sea of supporters in green, white and
black, who were yelling out to me, screaming words of encouragement
and cheering me on. In that moment, I felt fearless, inspired and
invincible. I had never felt more proud to represent BBC.
ACADEMIC REPORT /// 13Xavier Catford
OP 1
DOCTOR OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
6 YEARS AT BBC
JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 7.
AWARDS AND CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT
College Proxime, Academic Prefect, ISCF Vice Captain, Debating Co-captain
Debating, Music, Cricket, Basketball, ISCF, Peer Mentor, Reader’s Cup, Rugby,
Amnesty International, Football, Robotics, Tennis
What subjects did you take in Year 12? What has your time at BBC taught you about
Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics C, Mathematics B, English and approaching and solving problems?
Chinese. BBC taught me that teamwork is very important to approaching
problems and overcoming challenges. I found that if I worked on my
What led you to choose these subjects? own, and relied solely on my own set of skills, it was a lot harder to
I chose these subjects because I was interested in them, but also succeed than if I utilised the skills of people around me. This means
because I needed a balance. I chose Chinese instead of Biology support your friends, and they can support you in the challenges you
because I wanted to have a change rather than do all sciences. face. An example of this would be a challenging Math assignment
I enjoyed my Math subjects the most because they were very that I received, instead of working on it for hours by myself, I found
interesting and also because the teachers and friends in those a friend who had a better understanding. It was not about copying
classes had similar interests. off him or letting him do it for me, but rather we went to the teacher
together and got clarification on a few concepts. We discussed
What advice would you share with students who are different ideas of how to approach it and I offered my input where I
could. Thus, I was able to do well on the assignment as a results of
about to begin their Senior School journey? the support I had around me.
My advice would be to decide early on what you want to achieve.
This doesn’t have to be what everyone else tells you, but what you What service-based activities have you been involved
desire to achieve and get out of your final few years of schooling. If in at BBC?
you want something, normally you will be determined to get it and
work hard to meet those goals. If someone else has picked your I was involved in ISCF (Inter School Christian Fellowship), the Red
goals for you, it is harder to be motivated to achieve them. Aim high. Shield Appeal, Access Outreach Street Vans, as well as the 40 Hour
Famine. I really valued these activities because they taught me that
What was your favourite and most impactful learning life is about more than school marks and sports fields. Serving others
and showing love is an eternal gift that is so easy to give.
experience at BBC?
The best activity I was involved in was the International Mathematics What is your favourite memory from your time at the
Modelling Challenge. I got to hang out with three close friends during College?
that experience, and not only did we achieve and learn a lot, but also
grew closer and bonded while doing some serious work. The stress I did like the BBC culture and being a part of a community. The times
of finishing our solution was really softened by having my friends I was with my friends and we were laughing and enjoying ourselves
there, so I learnt that if you enjoy the little moments, you can enjoy was a highlight of my time at school.
solving even the toughest of problems. Placing in the top five teams
worldwide and travelling to Hong Kong was just a bonus. What are your plans for 2020 and beyond?
I am planning to become a doctor, and am doing biomedical science
and eventually medicine at UQ.
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGEBrett Davidson
OP 2
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONOURS)/
BACHELOR OF ECONOMICS AT UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
8 YEARS AT BBC
JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 5.
AWARDS AND CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT
Collegian, Academic Scholar, Birtles House Prefect, Amnesty International
School Leader, Year 7 Mentor
Cross Country, Volleyball, Water Polo, Rugby, Amnesty International, Basketball,
Cricket, Public Speaking, Rugby, Track and Field
What subjects did you take in Year 12? In your view, what mindsets and character strengths are
Mathematics B, Mathematics C, Chemistry, English, Economics and needed for achieving goals?
Graphics. An understanding mindset focused on growth and a character
strength of self confidence come in handy. The understanding
What advice would you share with students who are mindset relates to not being afraid of failure, as one needs to realise
about to begin their Senior School journey? that it is a reality. Also, that goals aren’t always achieved in a perfect
straight line of progress. Focus on the trend and overall outlook
Approach everything with an open mind, no matter the stigma,
rather than get caught up in the small failures of now. This mindset
pressure or expectation. Depending on your mindset these three
comes hand in hand with self confidence or the “back yourself”
years can be some of the best of your life that you remember with
mentality as you will require mental strength to push yourself through
great amounts of joy, satisfaction and gratitude. Or you can choose
times of self-doubt.
to miss out and underutilise the immense opportunities for growth
and happiness presented to you by a BBC education.
What are your plans for 2020 and beyond?
What is the most valuable piece of advice you received The majority of 2020 will be a mix of finishing the first year of my
from a BBC teachers? Engineering/Economics degree at UQ, casual work, club sport and
socialising.
“All I want from you is effort and application not performance.”
Although I was unaware of it at the time, this little gem would sprout
the thoughts that led me to one of the standards I strive to uphold in
my everyday life. Essentially, it’s saying to try your best in everything.
ACADEMIC REPORT /// 15Patrick Thygesen
OP 2
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING/BACHELOR OF COMMERCE AT UQ.
5 YEARS AT BBC
JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 8.
AWARDS AND CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT
College Vice-Captain, Sports Prefect, Cross Country and Track and Field Captain
Cross Country, Track and Field, Football, Peer Mentor, Basketball, Cricket
What subjects did you take in Year 12? What has your time at BBC taught you about
English, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics B, Mathematics C, and approaching and solving problems?
Senior PE. I learnt that it is important to use the strengths of others around you.
Throughout Year 12, we learnt early on that there was a huge range
What led you to choose these subjects? of talent within the Prefect group and that when all this talent was
Through my Middle School years, I always enjoyed Maths and used effectively, tasks not only became easier, but were also done
Science classes. So, I decided to follow these passions in Year 12 by better.
selecting similar types of subjects that I had an interest in and that
would also challenge me. What is your favourite memory from your time at the
College?
What advice would you share with students who are
Having the privilege to lead BBC to a back to back Cross-Country
about to begin their Senior School journey? Championship. Being able to lift the trophy and celebrate with all the
Although Year 12 might seem like the most significant year of your boys is a moment I will cherish forever.
schooling life, the years before it are just as important. While the
workload is not as heavy, these are the years where you need to What you will miss, now you have graduated?
establish the right habits before going into a hectic senior year filled One thing that I will miss about school is the chance to see my
with so many extra commitments. The key to being successful at mates every day, whether that be at lunch time or even during class.
school is to be organised, so if you put in the hard yards early on, it Another thing that I will miss about BBC is College Spirit and being
will feel like second nature come Year 12 which will make it that much able to belt out war cries with your best mates on a Saturday. Early
easier and enjoyable. on I took most of these moments for granted, but it’s not until you
finish that you realise how special and unique those memories are.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you received
from a BBC teacher? What are your plans for 2020 and beyond?
Something that was continuously reiterated by most of my teachers To begin the year, I will start by studying a Bachelor of Engineering/
while at BBC was that there are always people that want to help you Commerce degree at the University of Queensland. However, my
achieve your goals. No matter what part of the school I was in, if I goal is to go to the United States in Spring where I can hopefully
needed help to get better as an athlete, student or even just needed continue to study in the fields of engineering or commerce while
a chat, someone was always willing to help me out where they could. continuing to improve as an athlete in the NCAA (National Collegiate
Athletic Association).
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGESebastian Lingane
OP 7
STUDYING COMPOSITION AT THE GRIFFITH CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC
8 YEARS AT BBC
JOINED THE COLLEGE IN YEAR 5.
AWARDS AND CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT
Music, Rock Band, Pipe Band, Theatre, Art Club, Cricket, Football
What subjects did you take in Year 12? What is your favourite memory from your time at the
Music, Music Extension, English, Mathematics A and Drama. College?
My favourite memory from BBC would be performing an original
What advice would you share with students who are composition at Speech Night. It was a huge honour to play and it
about to begin their Senior School journey? felt like a perfect ending to my time at the school. This was followed
by when I won a scholarship to have works performed by the
Don’t be afraid of doing things. If you have an idea, a plan or the
Queensland Symphony Orchestra during my last week of school.
drive to do something you must act on it because you only get one
shot at things, and what if it works?
What you will miss, now you have graduated?
What is the most valuable piece of advice you received I will miss my teachers, many of which I am now proud to work in the
from a BBC teacher? same field as.
To never settle for average; to always go above and beyond what What are your plans for 2020 and beyond?
you need to do because in the end you will be proud of what you’ve
achieved. As of February, I have three musical commissions with different
organisations, multiple competitions, small gigs, first year studying
What has your time at BBC taught you about at the Griffith Conservatorium for composition, and overseas trips
planned.
approaching and solving problems?
Balancing work, school, and passion was the toughest challenge I What led you to pursue this direction and why is this
experienced as I juggled doing commissions for orchestras, maths important to you?
assignments, and my passion projects. BBC allowed me to organise
my time effectively for the most important things. I love creating music. I love watching people listen to my music,
I love the details of writing, I even love the bureaucracy that is
What service-based activities have you been involved sprinkled in composition. I want to make a difference in history
through my art and these are the first steps to making that a reality.
in at BBC? If music is the catalyst in which I can make even one person happy,
I was a member of the Pipe Band since Year 5 as well as the music then I have truly chosen the right path.
ensemble programs. I did Theatre, Art and Film. They enhanced my
understanding of having a sense of community and passion for art.
ACADEMIC REPORT /// 17A New Look School Year
Since the beginning of 2019, Year 11 students have named Lead or Chief Endorsers. We have already
been engaged with the new Senior Assessment Tertiary had our Internal Assessment Instruments 1 and 2
Entrance (SATE) system. This includes the Queensland endorsed, ready for implementation during Unit 3. The
Certificate of Education (QCE) and Australian Tertiary next endorsement event will happen in late January to
Admissions Rank (ATAR) and replaces the Overall ensure that the third Internal Assessment Instrument
Position (OP) ranking. Engaging in the first new Senior (IAI) meets expectations. The first Confirmation event
syllabus reform in over 20 years, the boys of Brisbane of teachers’ judgements for the first assessment
Boys’ College are well positioned. As high expectations instrument occurs in late April.
and consistently pleasing academic results continue to
see us placed as a top performing Queensland school. Our Year 10 programs have also been reviewed to
best prepare our young gentlemen for the new system.
There are several differing factors between the To minimise subject changes, subject choices have
outgoing OP system and SATE. Firstly, there are new been designed to reflect the senior subjects. Boys
syllabus documents for senior students. Foundational also engage with more elective subjects before
Units 1 and 2 are covered in Year 11, with Unit 3 making senior subject selections. We have also refined
starting in Term 4. Importantly, in this process boys are our subject selection process for Year 10 students
encouraged to select subjects which are of interest incorporating Morrisby profiling, SET Plans and ASPIRE
to them and are prerequisites for university courses Week. This is to help boys avoid making subject
they are considering. As a result, BBC has increased changes during Year 11 so they can optimise the
its offerings to boys by introducing subjects such as foundational units offered during that time.
Psychology, Engineering and Philosophy and Reason.
These have been very popular with multiple classes The most significant difference with the SATE system
allocated. is the introduction of external exams set by the QCAA.
Mock exams are available to the public through the
Another difference is that the results from Units 3 and QCAA website and many subjects have implemented
4 are used to calculate student ATAR results. The internally developed mock exams during this year, to
assessment scores from each of these units combine prepare students for the conditions. Boys will have
to give students a mark out of 100 for each subject. multiple opportunities to practice and prepare for these
Generally, a student’s top five subject results (regularly exams which will be held from 26 October through to
out of six subjects studied) are submitted to the 17 November.
Queensland Curriculum Assessment Authority (QCAA)
and ultimately Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre It is expected that all boys will complete a QCE. To
(QTAC) for calculation of their ATAR. support this process the College has appointed a
Senior School Curriculum Coordinator in order to
Some assessments in Units 3 and 4 are internally monitor progress and work with classroom teachers,
developed assessments; external exams represent the Year Team Leaders, Heads of House and Heads
remaining 25 percent or 50 percent (for Science and of Department to ensure all boys are on track to
Mathematics subjects). To ensure quality assurance achieve this. They will also monitor boys’ progress with
throughout the state, internal assessments are achieving their ATAR score.
endorsed by trained teachers working with the QCAA.
Selected, completed assessments are then confirmed We are excited by the future of this system and
again by trained teachers from across the state working appreciate the transparency and clarity of process that
for the QCAA. Many of our BBC Senior School teachers it enables. Our boys have been well prepared and we
are Endorsers and Confirmers, with some also being look forward to seeing the results of their hard work in
acknowledged for their professionalism by being 2020 and beyond.
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGEACADEMIC REPORT /// 19
Confidence springs from mastery. It is the self-belief required to embrace the unknown. At Brisbane Boys' College, we integrate best practice teaching and learning with the science of wellbeing, and in doing so, safeguard the most important ingredient to a boy’s success: confidence. We refer to this as A New School of Thought.
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