From the Director of Pedagogy and Innovation

There have been numerous articles written in this publication over the years about the opportunities at Blue Mountains Grammar that extend and challenge students. Authors have written at length about the benefits of physical challenge, persistence and resolve. Last week I spent five days off grid with Year 9 camping and in a 48-hour window we received 55mm of rain. 

As students pulled on wet boots yet again without a word of complaint, I was reminded of the role a strong mindset plays in navigating complex and dispiriting situations. The acceptance of the circumstances, the willingness to take the weather as part of the experience and the opportunity to find fun in other ways demonstrated our students’ resilience and creativity. 

I was reminded afresh of the way an individual can impact group dynamics and how a sense of humour and a well-timed joke can help significantly. Humour can break down barriers and help people connect with each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust. In group settings, humour can also serve as a tension-reliever, helping to ease anxious feelings and create a more relaxed atmosphere. This was very clear as we set up tents in the rain and huddled under precarious gazebos.

One way that humour helps group situations is by promoting creativity and collaboration. When people feel at ease with each other and are able to share a laugh, they are more likely to be open to new ideas and to work together to solve problems. Humour can also help to boost morale and create a sense of shared purpose, which can be particularly valuable in group settings where people are working towards a common goal. We know laughter releases endorphins, which can promote feelings of happiness and wellbeing, bringing lightness to what in this case were very dreary circumstances. 

This camp, while memorable for many reasons, served as a reminder that strong resolve and a sense of humour can overcome morose weather very easily.  

Mr Chris Sanders

Director of Pedagogy and Innovation