Sophie Birrell started at GVGS in Year 5 in 2018, shortly followed by her younger brother David. From Year 6 to Year 10, Sophie participated in the Voice and Communication Programme, elective lessons offered by the School that focus on improving students’ public speaking skills.
“I learned a lot about communicating effectively through the programme. Initially, it was a way for me to simply build my confidence, but as time went on I learned more about the correct techniques for projection and pronunciation,” she says. “Originally, I only did it because a lot of my friends were doing it, but after a while I realised that I actually found a lot of joy in the programme. It felt like an achievement – something extra for me to do outside of my standard classes. I got the opportunity to hone my skills so I could become the best version of myself when I need to get up in front of a crowd and talk.”
Over the years, Sophie has embraced lots of different opportunities that have helped her grow academically, creatively and socially. She played and umpired netball and from Year 7 to Year 9, participated in the School Music Programme, playing the flute in concert bands and the flute ensemble, alongside private tutoring.
“Being involved in sport and music has been a way for me to put myself out there in a controlled environment. It’s boosted my confidence and I’ve met so many people from all across the school community,” she reflects. “Getting involved in extracurricular activities expands who you know, both within and outside your own year level. GVGS has a wide range of students with lots of different interests and when you focus on the things you enjoy, you meet other like-minded people and grow those connections.”
In 2024, Sophie was a winner of the Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize, which is open for entries from all Victorian students in Year 9 to Year 12. The competition encourages applicants to explore Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping history, with a focus on the ANZAC legacy. The ANZAC Prize is given to 12 students who receive a fully funded 11-day overseas study tour, where they have the opportunity to visit war heritage sites in Türkiye. Sophie’s winning entry was a hand-made quilt that represented the sacrifices made by service people during WW1. The quilt was adorned with the silhouettes of a nurse and soldier surrounded by red poppies and the words of the Ode of Remembrance.
“In Türkiye, I stood in front of the graves of fourteen year old children, when I was only sixteen years old myself, so it was very confronting. They made such a huge sacrifice at such a young age and I want to be a part of making sure history doesn’t repeat itself,” Sophie explains. “The first-hand experience I had in Türkiye was incredible, the sacrifices these people made has created the freedoms and life we get to enjoy today. Each and every ANZAC made a huge contribution through what they did and that can’t be forgotten.”
In 2026, Sophie plans to head to university and study politics and international relations.
“The way our world works is so deeply interesting and fast-changing and I want to be a part of that,” she says. “I’ve always had an interest in history and the political significance of war. I want to know more about how we can prevent conflicts, as well as how society can recover and grow after something so tragic has happened.”