Education is a transformative journey where the path we choose exerts a profound influence on our ultimate success.
A streamed class is like an express locomotive: swift, efficient, and filled with eager passengers zooming towards their educational destination. Meanwhile, an unstreamed class resembles a motley group of hikers who accidentally wandered onto the wrong trail, stumbling and bickering as they struggle to find their way. Imagine the express locomotive of streamed classes, full of students lounging in plush seats, indulging in gourmet meals, and admiring breathtaking views from a luxurious observation deck. They have it all - the resources, the support, and the perfect learning environment. Now, let's contrast that with our motley crew of hikers. They're weighed down by massive backpacks, stumbling over rocks, and wearing mismatched socks. One hiker even has a map upside down, leading everyone in circles. It's a hilarious sight, but not exactly a recipe for academic success. So, let's ditch the hiking boots and hop aboard the train of streamed classes. All aboard the express train of academically streamed classes - where learning is unique and engaging.
As a year 9 student venturing into the world of streamed classes for the first time, I am thrilled to discover the immense benefits they offer. Streamed classes have proven to be a remarkable educational journey. This tailored approach has undoubtedly enhanced my academic growth and instilled in me a sense of confidence and enthusiasm for learning. However, if streamed classes had been introduced in Year 7 and Year 8, the benefits would have been even more profound for students like me. Commencing streamed classes at an earlier stage in our educational journey would have enabled us to establish a robust foundation for the future.
Academic streaming benefits every student, regardless of their cognitive abilities. By grouping students based on their academic level, we create a harmonious symphony of learning. Tailoring classes to match students' abilities allows them to dive deep into learning at their own pace. It fosters an environment of encouragement and motivation, reducing stress and frustration. Streaming eliminates the demoralising effects of age-based grouping, promotes equity, and propels every student towards their full potential. Empirical research conducted by esteemed institutions such as the University of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology unequivocally supports that academic streaming cultivates an environment of support, effectively alleviating stress, and minimising frustration. Why settle for a one-size-fits-all approach when we can embrace academic streaming and unleash brilliance? Let's create classrooms where learning becomes an exhilarating adventure tailored to each student. So, unite with us on the journey towards a brighter and more inclusive future.
Academically streamed classes also create mini ecosystems mirroring real world workplaces, promoting connections between students of different ages and abilities. These interactions cultivate maturity, emotional intelligence, and a range of skills crucial for future opportunities. Moreover, academic performance sees significant improvements, allowing students to align their achievements with their true potential and experience holistic growth. In fact, experts writing for the Oxford Review of Education confirm that students in academically advanced and multi-age classrooms exhibit positive attitudes towards school, enhanced leadership skills, and reduced aggression tendencies. Now, who's ready to raise the bar and take their education to the next level? Don't be shy; this train is departing soon, and you don't want to miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!
Let us embrace academically streamed classes, where learning becomes an exhilarating adventure tailored to each student. Together, we can create an inclusive educational environment where every individual can thrive. It's time to elevate education to new heights of excellence.
- By Taj Khan, Year 9 TGS student
References:
Angrist, J., Cohodes, S., Dynarski, S. M., Pathak, P. A., & Walters, C. R. (2019). Why Academically Streamed Classes are Important?
Vignoles, A., & Kirby, P. (2009). The Effects of Streaming in Secondary Schools: Evidence from the National Child Development Study. Oxford Review of Education, 35(3), 293-308.
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…
