Senior School

Different types of schools produce different types of students. Over the past weekend, this was clearly on display for our many guests who visited Blue Mountains Grammar School for our Autumn Open Day. As is our custom, guests were given a brief welcome and introduction from the Headmaster in Coorah, before being taken on a tour of the School by our students. On this occasion, we had almost half our Year 11 Cohort on hand to show our guests the Campus, as well as many of our Year 12s. 

I had the opportunity to speak with each group as they visited the Art and Design Centre. No matter how many times I give such tours, it never ceases to be a pleasure to watch guests’ eyes widen as they explore the space and marvel and the beauty and sophistication of the artworks and design pieces celebrated there. 

With each group, I gave the same challenge. I encouraged them not only to look at the beauty of the gardens, not only to notice the many well-equipped specialist learning spaces, and not to simply see the prettiness of the student work on display. Rather, I challenged them to consider the diligence and perseverance it must have taken our students to craft such outstanding artworks and design pieces. I challenged them to imagine the sophistication of the classroom conversations that led to pieces exploring complex and nuanced ideas. I challenged them to consider the commitment of our teaching staff to our students’ learning that grows our students’ confidence to use a broad range of media with such skill. Finally, I challenged them to look at the outstanding young people who were showing them the Campus. When parents are considering which school might be right for their children, I believe the best guide is the quality of the young people who grow and flourish there. Different types of schools produce different types of students, and we should be exceptionally proud of ours.  

Mr Owen Laffin

Deputy Head - Head of Senior School