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)
Latest Blog
Coping with Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…
Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum
I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…
What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time
The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
Country Roads Take Me Home
Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character. Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on…
TGS Corfe House - A Home for Young Boarders
In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey. Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House…
TGS Mates Program - Character Building Education
Current research into character education has shown that educators should not be focusing solely on preparing students for their Year 12 final exams but should be supporting them to become humans who exhibit good character and virtues to contribute to creating a healthier society (The Jubilee Centre, 2022). The Jubilee Centre, which is attached to the University of Birmingham in the UK, maintains that good character is the foundation for improved attainment, better behaviour, increased…
Our TGS Old Boys' Wall of Achievement
The next time you visit the School grounds, pause for a moment at the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Wall of Achievement. This concept was the initiative of the then Deputy Headmaster, Mr Roger Buttenshaw, and was supported by the Board of Trustees, Headmasters Mr Hugh Rose and Mr Peter Hauser, and the TGSOBA - Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Association. The opening of the Wall of Achievement took place in 2003. Thousands of TGS Old Boys have gone on to lead productive and valuable…
