A true education is about much more than just lessons in a classroom. It’s about providing experiences that challenge a child, physically and mentally. It’s about providing opportunities that build independence, resilience and that help develop their good character.
Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to offer a broad and liberal education that stretches way beyond the walls of a classroom and equips our boys with the skills to flourish as an individual. We offer a diverse and engaging co-curricular program that caters to boys’ interests and passions and we encourage our boys to try new things.
“This mindset is particularly important for our boarders as keeping them interested, engaged and happy is vitally important,” stated Director of Boarding, Mr Nick Byron.
The TGS Boarders’ Activities Program (BAP) provides a holistic approach to after-school and weekend activities for the boys. It’s a carefully crafted mix of fun while gaining life experience to help the boys develop into good men.
“Our BAP includes dinners, dances, or other activities such as football with girls from schools in Toowoomba and Brisbane. This is to encourage diversity and respect, along with developing social interaction skills,” said Nick.
The BAP recreational opportunities are endless, such as day trips to Brisbane to watch NRL or AFL matches, to visit GOMA or the beach. We also take full advantage of the relaxed rural region where TGS is based and enjoy bush walking, mountain biking or fishing.
Heads of House often take small groups of boarders to the nearby eateries for dinner or to the movies, all of which are conveniently within walking distance from the School. It is also thanks to this central location that enables boarders to have a graduated independence as they get older. They can take a few hours “local leave” and walk five minutes to nearby shops or eateries and meet up with friends.
The BAP is further extended for our youngest boarders in Years 5 to 7 in Corfe House with activities including a specialised Ninja Warrior course and program at AllStars Gymnastics. They also participate in Games’ Night on Fridays in the Glen McCracken Sports Centre. Here, the senior boarders coordinate and lead various games and activities with the younger boarders in a fun-filled night that is enjoyed by all.
“This not only allows the boys to relax and have fun, with a little ‘sibling rivalry’ thrown in, but it helps foster leaderships skills, respect, and patience, particularly for the older boarders who are leading the games,” Nick said.
“These evenings encourage good community spirit and brotherhood; like playing backyard cricket or similar interactions with siblings at home.”
Our boarders also thrive from the strong connection that they develop with our dayboys. They relish the opportunity to take ‘weekend leave” to stay with relatives, dayboys or other friends in a family setting. In return, dayboys will often spend time during holiday periods with a boarder’s family, many of whom live on remote properties.
“It is through these family interactions that special memories and bonds are forged and are treasured for a lifetime,” Nick stated.
Considerable time and thought are put into the TGS Boarders’ Activities Program and the activities we provide help build independence and self-regulation through requirements such as keeping track of time when on leave.
This program also enables the boys to build integrity and trust, both with staff and other families; understanding the rules and regulations and adhering to them, while thoroughly enjoying themselves at the same time.
All of this leads to our overall aim of equipping boys with the skills to be of good character so they can flourish as an individual, contribute to society, and leave TGS as independent, well balanced young men who can respond well to the challenges that will inevitably come their way.
Learn more about our TGS Boarding Program here Boarding - Toowoomba Grammar School (twgs.qld.edu.au)
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