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
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…
A Musical Reflection
As Director of Performing Arts, there is perhaps no bigger undertaking than a School musical. It requires an enormous effort from a huge team of teachers and students, and to get all these moving parts heading in the same direction is certainly no mean feat. The 2023 co-production of Footloose was my first time involved in a Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College musical, and I found it to be a very rewarding, though exhausting, experience. The process began in Term 3, 2022, as my…
TGS Success in GPS Sport
In 2023, Toowoomba Grammar School witnessed a remarkable resurgence in several of our sports programs, marking a year of triumph and growth. Although an elusive GPS premiership did not fall our way, a number of our 1st teams competed to the final whistle in Round 9 of their respective competitions, vying for their premierships. The achievements of our boys on the field and court were nothing short of exceptional, reflecting the commitment, dedication and character development that participation…
An Exceptional Learning Experience
As a member of the Junior School Leadership Team at Toowoomba Grammar School, my role involves ensuring that the Junior School’s Teaching and Learning programs are designed, implemented and managed effectively. This role is grounded in the vision, mission, and values of TGS and is crucial in supporting the Head of Junior School and the Director of Studies in providing an exceptional learning experience for our boys. At TGS Junior School, we prioritise the use of explicit teaching to ensure that…
An Inclusive Education
Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to introduce the newest addition to our education team, Amanda Gibson. Amanda commenced in Term 4, 2023 in the pivotal role of Head of Diverse Learners and will bring new direction and focus to the position in alignment with our commitment to inclusive education, aligning seamlessly with our Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and the Inclusive Education Policy. “I am very excited about developing this role,” said Amanda. “I have a passion for fostering environments where…
Get Involved in Everything
As Senior Prefect at Toowoomba Grammar School, I have had the opportunity to witness the benefits of being an all-rounder firsthand. With the various activities and programs the School offers, the ability to be involved in as many things as possible is not only enjoyable but brings about numerous benefits that extend far beyond the school years. Ranging from sports to drama and debating, participating in anything the School has to offer is an excellent way to make friends and build networks of…
The Importance of Knowledge
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed traveling great distances. As a child growing up in rural New South Wales, this was inevitable. The region was speckled with towns, some more vibrant than others, and diverse landscapes where hillside ruins whispered tales of bygone eras. Over time, these landscapes and towns transformed into familiar scenes, with even minor changes in the community and environment growing more noticeable during each visit. Education parallels this journey, as…
Senior TGS Students' Advice for Starting Senior School
Starting at a new school can be a time of mixed feelings – very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Here are some tips from some Year 7 Grammar boys who started Senior School in 2023. Get involved in different sports and activities Toowoomba Grammar School provides many sports and activities that any student can participate in. As a current Year 7 student, I highly recommend trying out as many different sports and activities as you can. Throughout my first year in high school, I…
