Creating an environment for students to access and engage in learning is the educational philosophy of the new Toowoomba Grammar School Head of Junior School, Mr Ken Raven.

“This requires a supportive an inclusive learning environment across the school where everyone feels they can make a positive contribution,” Mr Raven stated.

“I encourage evidence-informed, explicit teaching of curriculum that sparks curiosity and interest for students to engage and explore.”

Parental interaction and community involvement are other key areas of focus for Mr Raven. He believes that in a Junior School, parents are closely connected to the daily lives of their children, in-part because children require this from us developmentally, but this is also the phase of a child where their parents and the community they belong to are their world.

“Celebrating these connections and valuing each other's contributions will only enhance the experience for everyone,” stated Mr Raven.

Mr Raven is originally from Southwest Queensland, but his family moved around a lot as he was growing up, mostly in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

“That diversity of experience throughout my own schooling years helped to develop a flexible and adaptable approach which I’ve found to be an asset in my career and life more broadly,” he said.

Mr Raven started teaching at a small primary school in Perth, really enjoying the community approach to education this instilled in him. He then taught in Queensland, Canberra and Western Australia before returning to Queensland again.

“I’ve held roles as a specialist teacher, classroom teacher, Director of Junior School and Head of Junior School over the past 22 years, all tremendously valuable experiences,” Mr Raven elaborated.

Despite being at TGS for only a few weeks, Mr Raven has already found it to be an inspiring place. He looks forward to supporting students, colleagues and families to develop an experience with bold goals they feel inspired to work towards.

“For boys, attending an all –boys' school offers an immediate value through the people working with them every day; our staff have chosen to work in an all –boys' school,” said Mr Raven.

“They value education for boys and will prepare and deliver experiences they feel will resonate with their interests and learning needs to form a connection that will help them grow their understanding and skills.”

Mr Raven said accessing this commitment and dedication early in a boy’s schooling is tremendous for a child.

“From their earliest learning boys will feel valued, confident and capable of growing their knowledge and skills because the people working with them believe in them and provide learning experiences that will connect for them,” he stated.

Mr Ken Raven, TGS Head of Junior School

Latest Blog

Senior School
/
Wednesday, 22 Nov 2023

Transition to Senior School at TGS

Starting at a new school can be a time of mixed feelings – very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Irrespective of whether your son is joining us from the TGS Junior School, or if they are just starting at Toowoomba Grammar School, this is the start of a long and special journey. Your son will have a lot to digest with a new, possibly larger campus to navigate, different teachers and lessons, making new friends, where to go and what to do at morning tea and lunch. There can be a…

Read More
Senior School
/
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2023

The Transition to Year 7 - from a Parent and Staff Member's Perspective

Regardless of your history with the school, you are all equally welcome here and should feel comfortable in knowing that we value every family and their son’s contribution to our School. Toowoomba Grammar School was built by the community, for the community and it is a School that I am immensely proud of. In 2025 we will celebrate our sesquicentenary or Grammar 150 and your sons will play a vital role in those celebrations. Our pedagogy is modelled on explicit instruction which has its roots in…

Read More
Boarding
/
Monday, 13 Nov 2023

Boarding Families - Surviving Homesickness

Homesickness can be brutal for both the child and their 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 24hrs 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, they usually improve as they settle in, and it is temporary. The reality is that most boys tend to save…

Read More
Boarding
/
Monday, 13 Nov 2023

Helpful Tips for New Boarding Parents

Name absolutely everything! Socks, undies, phone chargers, water bottles, caps. EVERYTHING!! Make sure you name items with Boy’s name & House number; most parents will put their senior house number if printing the tags so they don’t have to rename items when they move the following year (Corfe House doesn’t have a house number). Some boys find a double bed doona is a better option than single doona as it hangs down the sides of the bed a little more to keep them warmer in winter. An…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Wednesday, 08 Nov 2023

Parenting Styles: Parties and the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, parents and caregivers find themselves immersed in the joy and bustle of festivities. Amidst the celebrations, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the pivotal role our parenting styles play in shaping our children’s attitudes and behaviours, especially concerning alcohol and other drug use. As a father of four young people with my fifth child coming into our family on 8 December 2023, I’m particularly mindful of my parenting style and my role as School…

Read More
Boarding
/
Thursday, 02 Nov 2023

Building the Boarding Experience - at Home

Family connections is a vital aspect of our Toowoomba Grammar School boarding program that we hold close to our heart. Our Heads of House regularly make the effort to visit our boarding families so they have a better understanding of our boarders' lives, the challenges and experiences, and staff always enjoy the warmth and hospitality provided by families. Head of Corfe House, Henry White and his wife, Samantha recently spent a weekend with the Acton family on Dalgonally Station near Julia…

Read More
People
/
Thursday, 26 Oct 2023

A New Season for Coach Kabe

Highly respected Head of Basketball and 1st V Coach, Kabe Ciccolini is embarking on a new and inspiring chapter. This season, he takes up the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House, guiding our youngest boarders with a warmth and passion that is uniquely his own. Kabe’s decision to transition into the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House reflects his unwavering commitment to mentorship and leadership. For him, this move signifies a positive step in his career. “It’s an opportunity to further…

Read More
Senior School
/
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2023

Embrace Every Moment

In the words of one of the greatest leaders of all time, Albus Dumbledore, “it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” The wise wizard spoke these words to Harry as he stood before the Mirror of Erised, a magical artifact that reveals one’s deepest desires. These words tell the story of the balance between our dreams and the richness of the present moment. We live in a world that often urges us to focus on our aspirations; , sometimes we get so lost in our dreams that we do not…

Read More
Sports & Activities
/
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2023

What is the TGS Athletic Development Academy?

As a TGS Old Boy (2003-14), sport has always been an integral part of my upbringing. As a young boy I discovered the joys of cricket, track and field and touch footy. This love of being active led me to studying Exercise Science at University and I was fortunate enough to work with a range of national and international level athletes, culminating in an internship at the Brisbane Broncos. This experience launched my career in the strength and conditioning space, allowing me to work with…

Read More