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 every student can thrive and I look forward to enhancing the inclusive practices throughout all facets of the School.”
With an extensive background in working with diverse learners, she has previously pioneered a 'Whole School Inclusive Education Framework', demonstrating her dedication to creating a supportive educational landscape for all.
Having served as a Pedagogy Coach: Inclusive Practices at a previous school, Amanda has a deep understanding of inclusive education. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom, contributing significantly to the curriculum review process. Her commitment to student-centered action and research is not just admirable but palpable, making her a valuable asset to our community.
Amanda was a guest presenter at the Australian Inclusive Schooling Conference in Sydney in March 2023 and at the QASEL conference in September 2023 that focussed on Inclusion through Voice Inclusive Practice in the curriculum. She has also been invited to speak at the Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL) - Inclusion and Disability in May 2024 where she will be addressing the “Implementation of Inclusive Practice in School by Building Leadership Capability - Changing Mindsets.”
Amanda holds a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from the Queensland University of Technology. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Health and Science from the University of New England Armidale.
“I am very committed to this field, and am currently pursuing my Masters in Inclusion,” said Amanda.
“This will further enhance the inclusive and supportive culture that currently exists at the School.”
“I love that TGS gives every boy the tools to forge his own path and own his educational journey,” Amanda stated.
“My role will provide tailored support and ensure every student can access the curriculum and demonstrate their learning alongside their peers.
“I want to help inspire every boy to be his very best.”
We eagerly anticipate the positive impact Amanda will make within the School. Her role is crucial in supporting our teachers to provide necessary adjustments, fostering an environment where every student can excel academically, socially, and emotionally. She will play an important role in our commitment to the holistic development of each boy, focusing on their wellbeing, character, and their ability to flourish as individuals who contribute meaningfully to society when they leave the School.
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…
