Building Connections

Our Building Connections page celebrates the many ways our students come together through our Senior School Co-connect and Co-curriculum programs. Each issue, we will highlight different activities, offering a glimpse into the experiences, relationships and opportunities that make these programs such a special part of life at Girton Grammar. 

Let's Relax - Yoga 

Each Wednesday afternoon, 20 Girton students from Years 7–10 take part in Let’s Relax –

 Yoga, a fun and calming weekly session led by an experienced yoga instructor. 

Throughout the term, students have been building their yoga skills through a range of poses and activities that focus on balance, flexibility, strength, breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. Students have also been learning how to use yoga props such as blocks and straps to support their movements, improve posture, and help them feel more confident trying new poses.

The session finishes with around 10 minutes of guided relaxation, giving students the chance to slow down, reset, and recharge during a busy school week. Let’s Relax – Yoga has become a wonderful midweek opportunity for students to connect, unwind, and look after their wellbeing in a positive and supportive environment.

Ms Katie French

Head of Humanities | Staff Member in Charge (SMC) - Yoga

Pilates 

Pilates offers students a valuable opportunity to build core strength, improve posture and

 develop overall body control in a supportive and structured environment. 

During sessions, students learn a variety of mat-based exercises and Pilates positions that focus on controlled movement, correct alignment and breathing techniques. Each lesson includes targeted warm-up and cool-down stretches, helping students prepare their bodies for exercise and recover effectively. 

Students develop important skills such as balance, coordination, and stability while also learning how to engage and safely strengthen key muscle groups. Pilates also encourages mindfulness, helping students to focus, reduce stress and support their overall wellbeing.

Here is what our students think: 

"I chose Pilates to move my body and be active during co-connect." Mayumi 

"I chose Pilates to feel stronger, and with the exercises each week, I am feeling stronger." Lydia 

"I like the meditation aspect of Pilates, it makes me feel calmer." Georgie 

"I chose Pilates because it is good exercise, but also relaxing." Scarlett 

"It was harder than I thought, but I like the vibe and the cool-down section at the end of the session." Stella 

Students can explore Pilates as part of their Co-Connect program, with the opportunity to participate across both semesters. The program is beginner-friendly and designed for all fitness levels, with clear progressions that extend and challenge students as their confidence and ability grow.

Ms Rebecca Gamble | Senior School Teacher of Humanities)

Mrs Erin Buckeridge | Senior School Teacher of Physical Education and Humanities

Staff Members in Charge (SMC) - Pilates

Inside Creative Textiles

Creative Textiles is a student-led co-curricular program where creativity, independence, and making come together. Students choose their own projects and decide what they would like to learn or create, from sewing and embroidery to fashion, accessories and textile art. 

With support from teachers and peers, students develop skills at their own pace while working towards their individual goals in a collaborative and encouraging environment.

Students are welcome to try Creative Textiles for a semester — it takes time to bring things to life, and that is very much part of the experience. All equipment is provided, and students may bring their own patterns or fabrics if they wish. A selection of fabric scraps and materials is also available to experiment with. Whether a complete beginner or an experienced maker, there is a place for everyone here.

We asked some of our Creative Textiles students what the program means to them, and they said it best themselves:

"Creativity, life-long skills, knowing how to fix clothing and textile stuff, and friendships."  Ava

"You can learn new skills, be creative, and make new friends." Ruby

"Learning how to sew, gaining creativity — and it's fun." Clove

"Creating new items at my own pace and getting to experiment with new materials."  Mia

For anyone wondering whether to give it a try, the program is very beginner friendly. As Ruby B puts it, "there's lots of help to learn new things," and Tess adds that "there are people willing to help each other, including peers and teachers."

Recent highlights speak for themselves. Belle has sewn a bookmark and crafted a bee, a whale and a mushroom, and has been sharing her crochet skills with a friend along the way. "I've learnt how to crochet with my best friend Belle — she taught me," said Aria.

Ms Ann Forko

Senior School Teacher of Technology and Design

Staff Member in Charge (SMC) - Creative Textiles

In our last issue, we shone a light on three more of Girton's Co-curriculum and Co-connect activities — Sustainability in Action, Scale & Game, and the Girton Community Action Group (GCAG). You can read all about them in Issue 7 of eLink.