How do we adequately develop a teenager’s 'sense of belonging' in boarding?
Head of Boyce House, Boarding, Mr Michael Hall has investigated how 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs' applies to boarding. It is a psychological theory that suggests human beings have a set of fundamental needs that must be fulfilled in a hierarchical order. The theory proposes that individuals must first satisfy their physiological needs before moving on to higher-level needs, such as the 'belongingness' that is so crucial for building trust and a feeling of home. When it comes to teenagers living in boarding schools, their sense of belonging plays a crucial role in their overall well-being and academic success. This article explores how this pyramid of holistic development relates to the boarders at Toowoomba Grammar School.
Physiological & Safety Needs:
Maslow's theory states that physiological needs, such as food, shelter, and safety, form the two foundational levels of the hierarchy. The trained staff of TGS focus on ensuring students have a safe and secure environment where students' physiological needs are met. Regular meals, a comfortable living space, and access to healthcare contribute to their physical well-being, allowing them to focus on higher-level needs. Although this is a basic level and should be evident in any boarding school, these foundations must be firm as they are critical to build the next three layers.
Belongingness Needs:
The third level of the hierarchy includes the need for genuine relationships, care and a sense of belonging. Children, especially during adolescence, seek social connections and acceptance from peers and adults. TGS Boarding works on the principle of being a family, offering a close-knit community where students and staff live together, forming strong bonds and friendships. The shared experiences, common goals, and constant interaction within the boarding environment create a sense of belonging, making students feel part of a supportive community.
Esteem Needs:
‘Esteem needs’ involve gaining recognition, respect, and a positive self-image. TGS provides numerous opportunities for teenagers to develop self-esteem. Engaging in extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, or leadership roles, allows students to showcase their talents, receive recognition, and build their self-confidence. Furthermore, positive feedback from boarding staff and fellow students contributes to the development of a healthy self-esteem. Students also value being recognised for their hard work and dedication, be it in academia or cocurricular activities. Our boys understand that hard work and perseverance will eventually be rewarded with recognition.
Self-Actualization Needs:
The highest level of Maslow's Hierarchy is self-actualization, which pertains to fulfilling one's potential and achieving personal growth. This starts to become evident in Years 11 and 12. Staff work closely with students presenting them with opportunities to showcase what they have learned through the holistic education, aiming to support students in reaching their highest potential. By offering a wide range of leadership opportunities, staff are able empower our boys to explore their interests and embark on a journey of self-discovery and actualization.
Having the courage to commit to a set of values that may not always be the most popular with their peers but it evokes a strong message of what can be attained when you commit to servant leadership for the benefit of others. These moments embody the highest level of Maslow’s Hierarchy that is inherently the essence of self-actualisation. An ability to build relationships with their peers and lead without being asked to, a quality that is evident in so many of our boarders when they complete their journey at TGS and step into life beyond School.
- Mr Michael Hall, Head of Boyce House Boarding
Latest Blog
That Life-Changing Moment
His teacher, Mrs Rosemary Bishop saw his potential. She believed this young indigenous boy from Murgon had something special to offer the world and she fought to put him on the path to greatness. Mrs Bishop contacted the then Headmaster of Toowoomba Grammar School, Mr William Dent and asked if Waverley could be accepted into Toowoomba Grammar School on a scholarship. Mr Dent agreed and so changed the course of Waverley’s life. “I don’t like to think about where I would be now if that hadn’t…
Senioritis - The way we think affects the way we feel and behave
As high school students approach their final year, they may experience a phenomenon known as "Senioritis". As described by educators, Senioritis is a decrease in motivation and productivity, often accompanied by procrastination, complacency, and negative risk-taking behaviours. While not a medical term, Senioritis is a widely recognized term used to describe a common set of observed behaviours. As Jessica Lahey notes, "Senioritis is a real phenomenon. It can be defined as a decline in…
A Space for Learning
A core pillar of the Toowoomba Grammar School Strategic Plan is to provide an inspiring and broad curriculum for all boys, adopting technology and innovative pedagogy to transform learning outcomes. Over the last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted teachers to explore new frontiers of pedagogy, adapting to the difficult circumstances by launching interactive software, digitising trusty, tried and true resources, recording our lessons, flipping our classrooms, and cultivating an…
When it comes to Music, Variety is the Spice of Life
In the Queensland Curriculum, the content of the music syllabus includes the study of the people, places and cultures involved in musical creation and performance. As our country becomes increasingly diverse, it is important for students in every school setting to study a wide variety of musical styles, cultures and genres. The Toowoomba Grammar School Music program of 2022 embraces this holistic approach to the study of music, encouraging teachers and students to explore a variety of musical…
A Trailblazer for Multicultural Australia
Wellington Lee has been described as a trailblazer for multicultural Australia. He was born in 1925 and attended TGS from 1940-42 before serving with the RAAF during WWII from 1943-46 and the Active Reserve of Officers from 1953-83. Mr Lee was a remarkable man of good character who lived in an exciting time of growth and change during Australia’s, and particularly Victoria’s history; the early days in Melbourne when 10% of their population was a thriving Asian community. It was also a…
REACH - Character Development in the Junior School
Being a kind person is fundamental to the growth of a successful person. Adults in our young men’s lives have a responsibility to model and teach the importance of respect, accepting and acknowledging our need to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way. In 2016, the Junior School staff felt there was a need to create a program that allowed us to develop the character of the boys in the Junior School. Tailoring a program to meet our boys’ needs rather than a generic one allows…
The Grass is Always Greener
It’s time we put this age-old rumour to rest once and for all… The Toowoomba Grammar School ovals are not painted, dyed or manufactured grass; rather, the glorious green that greets passers-by as they drive into the Garden City comes from the sheer hard work and dedication of our TGS grounds team, led by Danny Beresford. Danny has exceptional pride for his grounds and a strong family connection to TGS. He is an Old Boy (2002-04) who played for the 1st XV in 2004 and was in the Track and Field…
A life in Words - Reading Biographies
Biography; from the Greek Bios - Life & Graphia - Writing; are books that chronicle the lives of real people. The subject of a Biography can be a celebrity, athlete, politician, athlete, historical figure or ordinary person that has achieved something of note. Reading Biographies is a valuable and oftentimes rewarding experience, with many potential benefits to the reader. Inspirational Biographies often recount successes and struggles of those people who have, over the course of their…
Spielberg in the Making...
I first became aware of film making when my brother showed me the behind-the-scenes featurette on our Lord of the Rings DVD. From then on, the process intrigued me, and I eventually got my hands on my dad’s camera and simple editing software. I made a bunch of little movies with my friends which were all pretty bad but I loved doing them anyway. What I liked most was that it was an easy way to share stories and even when the movies were not good, it was still a way of telling stories in a…
