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 our students receive a systematic, direct, and structured approach to learning. We believe that this approach helps our boys to develop a deep understanding of the content being taught and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for academic success. Our teachers use various techniques such as modelling, guided practice, and feedback to ensure that students are actively engaged in the learning process.
Literacy is also a critical component of our educational program, and TGS Junior School places a high priority on promoting literacy skills. Our teachers provide a range of opportunities for students to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. We believe that literacy skills are essential for academic success and lifelong learning.
We recognise the importance of care and wellbeing in education. We prioritise creating a positive learning environment where our students feel safe, supported, and valued. Our teachers are able to recognise, and cater for, the different learning needs of each student and provide appropriate support to promote academic and social-emotional development.
In my role as Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning), I work closely with the Junior School teaching staff and operations and support staff to develop and implement professional learning plans aligned with the strategic goals and priorities of our School. I also support the ongoing development of the Junior School teaching staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
Roles that involve the leading of teaching and learning at TGS Junior School are critical in ensuring that our students receive a high-quality education that is grounded in explicit teaching, literacy, care, and wellbeing. Through the use of evidence-based teaching practices and a focus on the whole child, we are committed to providing an exceptional learning experience that prepares our boys for a successful future.
Latest Blog
Developing Generational Change in our Men – Stand Up and Speak Out
The devastating effects of domestic and family violence (DFV) are more prominent today as this previously ‘taboo’ issue is finally being publicly recognised and addressed. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to be leading the way in creating generational change for this sensitive issue through a variety of School initiatives and by supporting community groups associated with DFV. Our programs are aimed at developing good men of the future who will “Stand Up and Speak Out.” TGS became a White…
The Barbour Connection
They will tell tales of meeting someone on the other side of the world whom they spotted wearing a TGS cap. It led to an instant connection. Of getting their dream job by simply proudly sporting a TGS Old Boy tie at the interview. It led to an instant connection. There is no denying that Toowoomba Grammar School students share a special bond. We celebrate it with our annual Old Boys’ Sons and Grandsons photo and our Old Boys’ Generations Gathering dinner. You see it in the playground at…
“I’ll Be There for You” at Toowoomba Grammar School
“I’ll be there for you” was the theme of National Boarding Week. This statement is particularly relevant at Toowoomba Grammar School as the boarders, the dayboys and the staff, help each other in the good times and the bad. We see our school as a ‘boarding school’, not a ‘school with boarders’. We are proud to be one of the oldest and most highly regarded boys’ boarding schools in Australia, providing a home away from home for boys for almost 150 years. TGS came from very humble beginnings. The…
Helping families navigate rules, rewards and consequences for boys
Recently I was in a webinar that aimed to tackle the issues surrounding technology and its effects on students. Some members of the forum started openly criticising boys for their poor behaviour. Whilst their criticisms were not directed specifically at our boys, I was offended at their general statements. We can be too quick to criticise boys and we forget that their frontal lobes are still developing. We also forget that their brains are “wired” differently from girls and that they don’t see…
Accepting Our Past, Creating Our Future
Toowoomba Grammar School has added the new role of Indigenous Education Coordinator to the School’s offering, to further promote a culture of diversity, inclusivity, and reconciliation. Mr Scott Gale has been appointed to this ground-breaking position that aims to spread awareness and understanding of the significance of Australia’s culture and history. “That’s something that has been lacking in Australia’s education system for so long,” said Scott. “It’s an extremely significant part of our…
The Gift of Music
You can feel the pride and passion exude from Janelle Fletcher as she reflects on her thirty-year career as a Music Tutor at Toowoomba Grammar School. “It’s a long time to stay in any job,” she admitted. “But working with the boys, seeing how important it is to have music in their lives and to develop not only as musicians but as people, that’s what’s kept me here.” Janelle believes staff in an all-boys’ school have a real understanding of boys. “It’s been very positive for me to see the…
