Director of Culture | Mr Matt Cocking

Cultural Scholars

At this weeks Scholars' Assembly we celebrated 30 2017 Terracians who received OP1s. We are proud to give the following statistics from these students who participated in the Cultural program last year:

  • 4/5 Senior A Debaters received an OP1; 1/5 OP2
  • 4/5 Senior B Debaters received an OP1
  • 4/7 Senior A Theatresports team members received an OP1
  • 1/3 Mooting team members received an OP1
  • 1/1 Year 12 Chess players received an OP1
  • 4 OP1 students were members of one or more premier ensemble

We are also very proud of and congratulate the four Cultural students who, through their journey at Terrace, grew a significant passion for their activity. This passion lead them to apply for and be accepted into tertiary courses within the following fields:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) at the Queensland University of Technology
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film, Screen and New Media) at the Queensland University of Technology
  • Bachelor of Music at Griffith University
  • Bachelor of Popular Music at Griffith University

Whilst there is a certain busyness for the families and students when they are at Terrace, the balance of Cultural activities certainly shows through in the results. There are many studies that show music and fine arts are beneficial for studying. Recent discoveries have led scientists to believe that playing a musical instrument strengthens mental capacities thereby making one smarter, stronger and better at doing the day to day activities. It is never too late to learn a musical instrument or learn the skills needed to debate or speak publicly. The ability to think on your feet is a skill needed everyday and can be enhanced through Theatresports. The connection between chess and maths has long been known and highlighted.

There is still time for your son to join the various Cultural activities at Terrace.

Queensland Debating Team State Trials

Every year, the QDU coordinates the selection of the Queensland State Team and runs a trial system for the selection process. This is a great opportunity to receive detailed feedback from a range of adjudicators. At Terrace, we encourage students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to apply.

To apply for the trials, please complete the form through this link: https://tinyurl.com/qst2018

Trials commence on 17February and registration closes on 14 February. More information about the Queensland State Team Trials can be accessed here: http://qdu.org.au/?page_id=281

Making the team is an excellent achievement and an opportunity that we want to make available to as many students as possible. Students who make the team this year will attend the National Schools Debating Championships in Perth, where they will have the chance to debate against the best high school debaters in the country and may even be selected to represent Australia.

Even for students who don’t eventually make the team, the state team trials process is extremely valuable and rewarding. Trials gives students the opportunity to develop their skills by participating in debates with other skilled debaters and by receiving detailed feedback from some of Queensland’s best debaters.

Debating Round 1 GT v NC

Well done to the Debaters who convincingly won their debates against Nudgee College last Friday. 10 of the 14 teams came away victorious, with the Senior A winning by an outstanding eight points.

This week we debate against Brisbane Grammar School for the title ‘King of the Hill’. The Senior A debate is at 7.15pm in the Lilley Theatre, Brisbane Boys Grammar. Student numbers are limited and debating and non debating spectators must sign on at the Cultural Office. All parents are welcome.


Chess

Congratulations to our 2018 Chess Captain (and 2017 Chess Vice Captain) Hughston Parle who represented Australia at the FIDE World Youth Under 18 Chess Olympiad in India."India was amazing, what an experience for our boy. The competition was so tough. There were 28 countries represented with an official opening ceremony and all. We were so glad we did it for Hugh." (Mrs Parle)

Support Group Meetings

Part of the success of our Cultural activities can be traced to our Support Groups. If you would like to be involved, meetings are outlined in the College calendar and on the App.

  • Debating Support Group – Tuesday 27 February, 5.30pm in the Old Boys’ Room

DSGPresident@terrace.qld.edu.au

  • Terrace Performing Arts – Tuesday 27 February, 5.30pm in the Callan Centre

TPAPresident@terrace.qld.edu.au

Staying in touch

With so much information to absorb at the start of the year, it can become quite overwhelming. To keep in touch with all things Cultural, we would suggest you download the Terrace App and follow us on Twitter (@GTCulture) to ensure you don’t miss anything.