Bright Minds, Bold Learning: empowering girls at Tintern Grammar
In the Girls’ Junior School, we believe that when girls are given the space to be bold learners, they flourish – not just in the classroom, but in life. That’s why our 2025 theme, ‘Bright Minds, Bold Learning’, is more than just a phrase; it’s a commitment to fostering confidence, courage, and curiosity in every girl.
Research shows that girls are more likely than boys to seek external validation, shaping their self-worth around grades, appearance, and approval. In today’s social media-driven world, this pressure has only intensified, leading many to fear failure and avoid challenges. But when we shift the focus from being perfect to being real, we unlock their true potential.
Why does bold learning matter?
- Confident girls thrive – studies show that early confidence-building reduces anxiety and low self-esteem, empowering girls to take on challenges with resilience.
- Bold learning drives participation – schools that prioritise leadership, self-expression, and risk-taking see a 25-30% increase in classroom engagement among girls.
- It shapes future pathways – when girls are encouraged to think boldly, they’re 30% more likely to explore careers in STEAM and leadership roles, breaking through traditional gender barriers.
At Tintern Grammar, we are dedicated to nurturing bold learners who challenge ideas, take academic risks, and embrace new skills – whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in leadership roles.
So how do we, as educators and families, help our girls develop bright minds and bold learning behaviours?
- Celebrate effort over perfection – encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and persistence rather than just outcomes.
- Foster self-reflection – guide girls in exploring their values and identity beyond external validation.
- Challenge limiting beliefs – help them see mistakes as stepping stones, not setbacks.
- Provide strong role models – representation matters; girls need to see women thriving in all fields.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King once said, ‘Girls are taught to be perfect, boys to be brave.’
At Tintern Grammar, we are rewriting that narrative.
In 2025, we will ignite bright minds and nurture bold learners – empowering our girls to own their voice, embrace challenges, and step into the future with confidence.
Because when girls learn boldly, they grow into fearless women who shape the world.
Year 6 Leadership and Tintern Alumni
In the Girls’ Junior School, we love celebrating the amazing things our Alumni achieve, especially when they embody our school motto, Factis Non Verbis – Deeds Not Words. This week, our Years 3 – 6 students had the chance to explore the story of someone who shared a similar learning journey to them – Kate Jenkins AO, a Tintern graduate from 1985, who has made Australia a better place for women and girls.
Kate has always been a changemaker. From her time at Tintern to her incredible work as Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, she’s led the charge for workplace fairness, safer environments, and equal opportunities. Now, as the Chair of the Australian Sports Commission, she’s continuing her fight to make sport more inclusive for women and girls.
This inspiring message was shared at the Year 6 Leadership Induction on Tuesday, where our girls proudly received their badges and made a pledge to the Tintern community to do their best as our Junior School Leaders for 2025. The speech highlighted how Kate’s journey connects to our Tintern Compass Values – Integrity, Responsibility, Compassion, Commitment, and Independence – and encouraged our students to embrace the qualities of bold leadership.
During this Assembly our girls were challenged to:
- Ask big questions – what’s fair? What’s not? How can I change things?
- Take responsibility – even small actions can lead to big change.
- Keep going, no matter what – Kate never gave up, and neither should they!
Inspired by Kate’s journey, our Year 6 girls are setting their own leadership goals. Who knows? Maybe one of them will be the next big changemaker!
All girls in the Junior School have been asked to contemplate what Kate has shown us – real leaders don’t just talk, they take action. In the Girls’ Junior School this year, our bold girls aim to live by our school motto, Factis Non Verbis, and make a difference!
Allison Prandolini | Head of Girls’ Junior School
