brisbane boys' college Archives

Brisbane Boys’ College Students Honoured as QCE Distinguished Academic Achievers

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys' College/Facebook

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) has cemented its reputation for academic excellence, with two students ranking among the Top 35 in Queensland in the 2024 Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Achievement Awards.

Outstanding Academic Results in 2024

The announcement of the QCE Achievement Awards recognised Alexander Fung and Junpeng Huang as Distinguished Academic Achievers, an accolade awarded to only 35 students statewide. The recognition highlights their exceptional performance across multiple subjects.

Additionally, Jacob Aziz received a Subject Commendation for Music Extension (Performance), underscoring his dedication to the arts.

These accomplishments come as part of a broader success story for the college. Students achieved 25 perfect study scores of 100/100 across ten different subjects, a remarkable demonstration of both student effort and the quality of teaching at BBC.

Further showcasing the school’s academic prowess, 26 students earned As in all six subjects, while five students achieved As in seven subjects, earning them the prestigious QCE Certificate of Academic Commendation.

The Duxes

In addition to these accolades, Alexander, Junpeng, and Jacob were named the Duxes of Brisbane Boys’ College for 2024, a title recognising the highest academic achievers of the year.

Duxes of the College for 2024 – Jacob Aziz, Alexander Fung, and Junpeng Huang
Photo Credit: BBC/Facebook

QCE Achievement Awardees 2024

Subject Commendation LIST 2024

A Tradition of Excellence

BBC’s consistent performance in academic achievements reflects its commitment to providing a supportive and well-rounded educational environment. The school’s holistic approach to education ensures students thrive both academically and personally. The school’s emphasis on community support, alongside rigorous academic programs, has created an environment that nurtures high achievers.

Teachers, peers, and families play a crucial role in this success, fostering a community that motivates students to excel. These collaborative efforts highlight the strength of the BBC community and its focus on fostering academic and extracurricular excellence.

QCE Achievement Awards: A Statewide Honour

The QCE Achievement Awards celebrate Queensland’s top-performing students across a variety of categories. The recognition places the achievers among an elite group of students whose academic dedication stands out on a statewide level.

With aspirations to continue their education in their respective fields, the students leave BBC equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in higher education and future professional endeavours.

The skills and knowledge gained during their time at BBC will undoubtedly contribute to their success in higher education and beyond.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band Makes a Strong Showing at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Photo Credit: edintattoo.co.uk

Highlighting their consistent excellence in performance, Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Bands achieved top placements in their respective categories at the prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, marking another successful year at the celebrated event.

The 74th annual event, themed “Journeys,” featured a spectacular array of international performers that included military bands, dancers, and specialised acts from around the globe. The Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band shared the stage with established groups such as the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines and the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard.

This year’s Tattoo, running from August 2-24, is a vibrant celebration of cultural connections through music, dance, and military traditions.

Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band

Formed in 1940, the BBC Pipe Band is a core component of the college’s heritage. Through dedicated facilities and expert tutoring, the band not only enhances the cultural life of the college but also competes with distinction on the world stage. The band’s consistent commitment to excellence is demonstrated through their regular performances and accolades at both national and international levels.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)

The BBC Pipe Band’s regular appearances at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are a highlight of their annual calendar, not a one-time occurrence. Their history of participation is decorated with notable successes, including a prestigious third-place finish at the World Championships, affirming their elite status in the global piping community.

Prior to their debut performance, the Brisbane Boys’ College shared a glimpse of the students’ Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo experience via social media. A group photograph captured the excitement of the young musicians as they got their first look at the impressive setup, complete with lighting, sound equipment, and temporary seating for 9,000 spectators.

One student, Morgan Duckett from Year 12, was particularly enthusiastic. Having watched the Tattoo since childhood, Duckett expressed awe at finally participating in the event he had long admired.

Balancing their rigorous performance schedule with academic responsibilities, the BBC students exemplify dedication. This commitment was evident when Year 12 students undertook their senior math exams during the Tattoo. This blend of academic and musical commitment ensures that students do not miss out on their education during their international tours.

This year, BBC’s commitment to excellence was on full display as they fielded two bands at the Tattoo. According to a recent Facebook update, the Number 1 band achieved third place in the Novice Juvenile A Grade, while the Number 2 band ranked in the top 10 in the Novice Juvenile B category. These results further illustrate the band’s high level of preparation and skill.

For BBC’s delegates, participation in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is more than just a performance; it’s a vital cultural exchange and educational journey. The exposure gained from performing in front of an estimated 230,000 live attendees and over 100 million television viewers globally enriches the students’ experience and broadens their worldview.

Each year, the Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band reaffirms its heritage of excellence at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. These international experiences not only showcase their musical talents but also enhance their educational journeys, benefiting the entire college community.

Visit the BBC Pipe Band’s official Facebook page for more insights into their performances and achievements at this year’s Tattoo.

Published 3-August-2024

Brisbane Boys’ College Named State Champion At 2023 Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup

Brisbane Boys’ College dominated the Orange Ball category and was named State Champion at the 2023 Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup.

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) Finishes Strong at 2023 Queensland State Championships Regatta

The team, consisting of Year 5 students Bentley Kang, Oliver Rowden, Harry Bridle and Hursh Menon, defeated Caningeraba State School with 23-11 in the Finals.

Around 1,200 students from 85 schools in the State joined in three tiers of modified Tennis Hot Shots, who began competing at the regional trials prior to the State Finals at the United Cup in Brisbane.

Photo credit: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)/Facebook

Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup comes in three different categories: The red ball, an entry-level competition is for students in Year 4 and below; the orange ball category is for students in Year 5 and below; and Green Ball category is for Year 6 and below.

Meanwhile, Brisbane Boys’ College also excelled at the Green Ball category, finishing Third in the State. The team consisted of Albert Ge, Jonathan Zhang, Ethan Huang and Chengze Du.

The Toowong school is proud of the boys’ achievement and also thanked the coaches Ethan Wilkinson and Leo Prudencio for their involvement with getting the boys prepared for the big finale.

BBC said the boys also managed to mingle with numerous professional players, including Iga Swiatek, Jill Teichmann, Caper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz, Matteo Berretini and Stan Wawrinka over the four days of competition.

“Many autographs were gained, and the boys also got to walk through the players’ area and out onto Pat Rafter arena in front of the United Cup crowd. It was a fantastic experience for all,” BBC stated in a social media post.

Read: Remembering Wallace Bishop: Successful Jeweller and Brisbane Boys College Alumnus

To see the full results from the 2023 Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup, visit tennis.com.au.

Remembering Wallace Bishop: Successful Jeweller and Brisbane Boys College Alumnus

Wallace Bishop may have passed but his legacy lives on in the company that is now one of Australia’s oldest and most successful jewellery businesses.

The beloved Brisbane jeweller who made the family business a national brand, died peacefully at home on the 17th of November 2022, at the age of 88.

The grandson of his namesake, Wallace Bishop, who came to Queensland in 1909 and opened the family’s first store in the city, is a third-generation family jeweller. He joined his grandfather’s company after sitting for his Year 10 examinations at Brisbane Boys College, where he was Dux of his class in 1950.

At that time, the family had two stores, including the Wallace Bishop Arcade on King George Street, which would become a Brisbane landmark for over seven decades.

In 1976, Wal, as he was fondly called, became the chief executive officer of the Wallace Bishop company and ran the family business from day to day. The jewellery brand was already established name in Queensland, supporting 160 workers.

Two decades later, under his guidance, Wallace Bishop bought the Hardy Brothers Jewellers, a 166-year-old Australian company marketing high-end products. The jeweller also secured the opportunity to design and deliver the handcrafted Melbourne Cup for 17 years.

Today, the family business has over 50 stores and more than 500 employees and Wal’s son, Stuart, has taken the reins. Stuart said his father succeeded because he believed that “what goes around comes around” and had always given back to the community.

Wal also surrounded himself with loyal associates and believed that luck is paid off with hard work.

In 2018, Wal was awarded the Order of Australia membership for his significant contribution to retail business. A year later, he was also inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.

Brisbane Boys’ College Scores Major Coup, Names John Buchanan as First XI Coach

Photo Credit: Facebook / Buchanan Success Coaching

Brisbane Boys’ College has just scored a major coup, naming John Buchanan, the most successful cricket coach in history, as its First XI Coach for the 2023 season.

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC), a school with a proud cricket progeny in the likes of rising Bulls star Matt Willans, plus Chris Hartley, Jack Clayton, and Craig Philipson, has officially appointed the record-breaking coach as the squad’s mentor for the 2023 GPS First XI, a competition that he participated in when he played for The Southport School from 1969 to 1970.

Mr Buchanan also represented Queensland playing seven Sheffield Shield matches between 1978 to 1979.

Coach Par Excellence

In 1994, Mr Buchanan was appointed coach for the Queensland Bulls, a position he held for five years. During that period, the state squad won the Mercantile Mutual Cup twice and acquired its first-ever Shield since competing in the Sheffeld Shield in 1926-27.

He then went on to coach the Australian Cricket Team for eight years, beginning in 1999, leading the team to one success after another.

During his time as coach, the Australian Cricket Team set a world record by winning 16 straight Test Matches, as well as achieving 29 undefeated World Cup matches and winning One-Day International 14 consecutive times.

By the time he retired from coach duties, the team had become World Cup Champions, Test Cricket World Champions, and holders of The Ashes, thanks to his unmatched mentoring skills.

Former Australian Coach Appointed Brisbane Boys’ College First XI Coach — Photo Credit: Facebook / Buchanan Success Coaching

For the upcoming GPS First XI season foray of the BBC, the legendary coach said he would focus on making sure that the BBC squad has the best skills they could possibly have, a sentiment he also expressed when he voiced his excitement over his latest appointment.

Brisbane Boys’ College’ First XI Captain Jamie Alexander was just as pleased for an amazing opportunity for the boys to work with the highly acclaimed coach, who has a win record of over 75% since 1999.

World-Class BBC Pipe Band Delivers Award-winning Performances at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Front of Worldwide TV Audience

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys' College Old Collegians Pipe Band/Facebook

Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band One and Pipe Band Two delivered solid, memorable performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2022, where they placed firmly amongst the best, earning top places in a gruelling competition against other bands from Canada, USA, Mexico, Switzerland, and New Zealand.

BBC’s Pipe Band One clinched second place Division 4A, against a combination of adult and schoolboy bands in the competition, whilst the Pipe Band Two came away with a creditable fifth place in Division 4B.

The competition, held as part of a series during the Edinburgh Festivals in August, was televised across 40 countries and followed by over 220,000 people who watch the spectacular live production every year.

Pomp and pageantry at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Photo Credit: https://www.army.mod.uk/

The 2022 production saw 800 performers from around the world come together again at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in Scotland, after a two-year hiatus brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A selection of BBC Old Boys playing at the Royal Edimburgh Military Tattoo 2022
Photo Credit: Facebook/BBCPipeBand

This year’s theme was ‘Voices,’ aptly chosen to demonstrate that the world is closely connected through music, song, and dance despite cultural differences and geographical distances.

World-Class Pipe Band

Mr Andre Casson, headmaster at Brisbane Boys’ College, couldn’t be more proud of the boys.

“In addition to the Tattoo shows, BBC involvement in key championships continued and resulted in a final total of nine trophies. Our Pipe Band, along with 145 bands from across the globe, competed for the top prize at the World Championships at Glasgow Green in front of 40,000 spectators,” Headmaster Casson said.

“This event marks the pinnacle of the pipe band competitions and was the culmination of months of dedicated practice from our boys under the
indefatigable guidance of our brilliant director, Mr Stevie Stanley assisted by Mr Liam Cox, and Mr Aidan Scott,” he added.

The College Pipe Bands put on an impressive show, with the BBC Number Two band placing sixth and the BBC Number One band placing third at the World Championships.

These trophies were added to ones already won at the North Berwick Highland Games, where both bands achieved first place in their respective grades and also won the drumming.

The Number One band also secured first place in Division 4A and the Number Two band secured fourth place in Division 4B at the Bridge of Allan Highland Games.

“Although located on the other side of the world, BBC embodies the spirit of Scotland, not just in the foundations of our Presbyterian and Methodist Church organisation, but in the evocative sounds of the Pipe Band where ‘our Hunting MacLean tartan speaks of our origin, the drum line our heartbeat, and the bagpipes our voice,” Mr Casson said.

Maintaining a Culture of Excellence

BBC Pipe Band — Photo Credit: Facebook/BBCPipeBand

“This success is made all the more remarkable since the boys were able to maintain a full academic program, being taught during the day by school staff,” Mr Casson said.

“We are immensely proud of each and every one of our boys for sustaining such a high level of performance and commitment and for representing the College so well on a global stage.”

‘Sounds of Scotland’ Outdoor Concert in Toowong

The BBC Pipe Band will be performing with local musicians and dancers, featuring a night of Scottish musical entertainment, at the “Sounds of Scotland” outdoor concert on Saturday, 12 November 2022.

There will be an array of refreshments, a BBQ, and an interesting line-up of stalls with Scottish wares at the event which will be held at the Brisbane Boys’ College Junior School Green.

SECURE TICKETS

Brisbane Boys’ College Finalises Purchase Of The Iconic Goldicott House

Brisbane Boys’ College and the Presbyterian Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) have finalised their acquisition of the heritage-listed Goldicott House in Toowong.

Read: What is to Become of Toowong’s Goldicott House?

According to PMSA, the contract of sale for the 1.23ha site adjoining BBC was due to settle on 12 May 2022.

“Together, we are driven by our vision to build caring school communities, by providing world-class teaching and learning environments and create new and exciting educational precincts that inspire our students to be the best version of themselves,” PMSA stated in a media release.

Previous reports indicate that the private school in Toowong is eyeing to extend their boarding house at the site.

Pikos Group, the previous owners of the site, also announced the news on social media.

“We are pleased to announce that Pikos has sold heritage-listed Goldicott House in Toowong to Queensland private school Brisbane Boys’ College. With support from the local community, BBC are planning to retain the 1800s homestead as an education asset,” the Pikos Group has shared on a Facebook post.

The heritage-listed home has been spared from demolition twice, one in 2018 and another one just two years later after the Planning & Environment Court ruled in 2020 that it could not be rezoned and subdivided.

About Goldicott House

65 grove st toowong — Photo credit: QLD Heritage Register

Goldicott House was constructed in 1885 for Brisbane engineer Charles Lambert Depree, who lived there until 1890 before returning to England.

The iconic house is recognised as the first poured concrete slab in a Queensland building. Erecting Goldicott House was a revolutionary innovation in construction at the time.

In 1903, Goldicott House was renamed Mount St Mary’s Convent after the Sisters of Mercy acquired the property.

It was listed in the Queensland Heritage Register in 1998. Goldicott House was purchased by property developers in 2017 before becoming available again recently.

Read: Court Rules No to Goldicott House Rezoning and Development in Toowong

Pikos Group acquired the property a few years ago for $8 million. In March 2022, the group sold it to the Brisbane Boys’ College for $17 million.

Brisbane Boys’ College Honours Late Mathematics Teacher Chicri Maksoud

Photo credit: Brisbane Boys' College (BBC)/Facebook

Tributes have poured in from the community following the death of Chicri Maksoud, a beloved former maths teacher at the Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong.

Read: New Toowong Primary School Location Confirmed

Mr Maksoud, who died on 3 February 2022 after a long battle with an illness, taught maths at the school for 38 years, where he was also a house master and co-curricular coach.

Aside from teaching mathematics, he was passionate about coaching rugby, cricket, athletics, and cross country programs.

Photo credit: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)

With Mr Maksoud, learning can be fun because he would use sports to teach maths to kids. He was so passionate about teaching, even if it meant giving his own time tutoring students. He held the lunchtime maths club every week aside from running the maths competitions for middle school.

Mr Maksoud was deeply loved by his former students. In fact, a group of students started a public group on Facebook called ‘Chicri Maksoud.. the man the legend’ where they shared what it’s like being taught by the late teacher.

“Fantastic bloke. one of the few things I miss about BBC,” said Aidan Lamb.

“The man is a deadset genius, best teacher I ever had. If he could help me to pass maths, then there is no-one he can’t help pass the subject,” said Ben Foord.

“Wowee out of all my teachers from BBC I think Chicri Maksoud was my favourite….and my god does he love to teach. He was my maths tutor a couple of times a week in grades 11 and 12 (without which I most certainly would have failed) and my Cross Country Coach ’97-98, as the cross country captain at the time (98) I appreciate how much the legend went above and beyond the call of duty,” shared Chris Simmons.

Read: Heritage-Listed Middenbury House in Toowong May Be Up for Mixed Development

The Old Collegians Association of Brisbane Boys’ College thanked Mr Maksoud for decades of service to the college, and for going above and beyond as a Maths Teacher, House Master, and co-curricular coach.

“You have been a positive influence on so many boys’ lives, and for that all boys and parents who have had the good fortune of dealing with you are extremely grateful,” the Old Collegians Association wrote on a social media post, after announcing Mr Maksoud’s demise.

BBC held a service on 10 Feb 2022 at the College Hall to celebrate the life of Mr Maksoud. The school livestreamed the service for those who were not be able to attend.

Brisbane Boys’ College Clinches Head of the River 2021 Rowing Victory After 19 Years

It took trust, strength and determination for Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) in Toowong to break a 19-year-drought and emerge victorious at the Head of the River 2021 regatta.

On Saturday morning, 13 March 2021, BBC’s First VIII rowing team managed to beat Anglican Church Grammar School and St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace in the last 250 metres at Lake Wyaralong.

The 10-man squad was trailing behind Churchie at 500 metres but the crew powered on, displaying their strength and teamwork to pull together.

Captain of Boats Sam Crook said that they achieved this monumental win by trusting each other.

“As we sit on the start line all hoping for victory, the unit that has the trust, the belief and that follows the process will be the one that is successful,” Sam said. “In order to achieve glory, you must do something the boat next to you is not willing to do. It is not an option to let down the man in front when the pain cave hits.”

Mark Pavone, Brisbane Boys’ College head of co-curricular said that the team shares this victory with the parents, who have sacrificed their time to drive their boys to the training, and to the community that has tireless supported them.

The school’s First VIII rowing team victory comes after BBC’s First XV Rugby and First IV Tennis teams won the 2020 GPS Rugby and Tennis Premiers. The current but outgoing principal, Mr Paul Brown, is the only principal in the school’s 119-year history to have had both rugby and rowing championships during his term of office.

Meanwhile, Churchie received the Old Boys Cup for the quality of its longstanding rowing program. Anglican Church Grammar School Deputy Headmaster Co-curricular John Frare said this was, in itself, a great achievement for the school, which has one of the largest student body participating in rowing in Queensland.

Spring Hill and Toowong Schools Lead List of Brisbane’s Most Expensive

The pandemic has had nearly half of schools across the country holding back on school fees increase for this year’s term but some private schools in Queensland, including Brisbane Boys College in Toowong, have increased tuition by up to three percent.

EdStart’s 2021 National School Fees Report showed that 40 percent of schools in Australia had no fees increase for the incoming term, whilst the nation’s general increase average dropped from 2.83 percent in 2020 to 1.05 percent this year.

The average increase in Queensland was at 1.19 percent, down from last year’s 1.87 percent.

Brisbane Boys College increased school fees by 2.29 percent to land as the second most expensive school in Queensland, trailing behind Brisbane Grammar School in Spring Hill (2.5 percent increase). The third most expensive school in the region, Brisbane Girls Grammar School, had zero fees increase this year.

Top 10 Most Expensive Schools in Queensland

School	2020 Fees	Increase	2021 Fees
Brisbane Grammar School	$28,230	$1,220	$29,450
Brisbane Boys College	$24,724	$2,444	$27,168
Brisbane Girls Grammar School	$26,555	$0	$26,555
Anglican Church Grammar School	$23,944	$1,990	$25,934
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School	$24,560	$0	$24,560
The Southport School	$24,438	$0	$24,438
Somerville House	$23,940	$0	$23,940
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School	$22,120	$1,735	$23,855
Clayfield College	$19,165	$2,665	$21,830
St Peter’s Lutheran College	$20,360	$516	$20,876

EdStart CEO Jack Stevens said this trend was unusual as the standard was to increase fees annually. However, many institutions have acknowledged the realities of household budgets taking a hit due to the current public health crisis.

To get by and manage cash flow, parents have been enrolling in payment plans.

Brisbane Boys College, for instance, has a specific scheme for paying school fees weekly or fortnight whilst companies like EdStart have provided loans for tuition so parents won’t have to take on a mortgage or apply for a personal loan.

But Mr Stevens also said that flat fees will not be sustainable long-term as schools are driven to add staffing and administration or spend on maintenance and acquisition of the facilities. He projects that the majority of schools will go back to increasing fees by 2022.