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
DNF (Did Not Finish)
- Dan CrookHead of Library and Information Services I was talking books with a friend the other day; an avid reader, she had been looking for some light reads in new genre for the holidays, and so had sought out the wisdom of the internet. After watching a few BookToks (Tiktok book recommendations) she’d settled on some titles and begun to read. However after investing a good amount of her time and getting half way through the first and most highly recommended book, she asked herself, and then…
TGS Boarding - A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community
“From a boarding perspective, enabling young boys to flourish is only achieved within a community that is safe, welcoming, and joyous. These three aspects are at the core of my boarding philosophy and are closely aligned with my fundamental values as a boarding Head of House – acceptance, resilience, and fun,” explains Mr Henry White, Head of Corfe House. Corfe House serves as the entry point for Toowoomba Grammar School’s youngest boarders (Years 5 to 7) and the skills, relationships, and…
Transitioning to Year 7 at TGS
Can you remember your first day in secondary school? It 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, it can appear to be the start of a long journey. It is a rite of passage in many respects but with this comes increased emotions in response to transition. The boys have a lot to digest with a new, possibly larger campus…
The Boarding Journey
Every parent will have a unique journey with their son whilst he is boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School. I’m Kym Wright, mother of Clancy, who is in Year 12 and this is my journey…. From my very first experience with Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding ten years ago, I had a good feeling straight away that TGS would be the perfect fit for my son. I was picking up my nephew for lunch. He had started boarding at TGS just six weeks prior. It was pouring rain and there were boys enthusiastically…
Building Self-Confidence and Resilience in Year 7s
As your child enters the new and unknown world of secondary school, it is a very important time to nurture the confidence and self-esteem of your son. Adolescence can also be a time of bewildering physical changes and strong emotions, opinions and increasing independence. Nurturing their confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness will go a long way to helping them to have the self-belief to tackle difficult new academic challenges, to developing new friendships and social skills, and…
Introducing our new Head of Year 7 - Jodi Blades
My family moved from Brisbane to Toowoomba when I was ten years of age. I’ve lived here for most of my life, other than to study and begin my teaching career in Brisbane. I lived and worked in London for 18 months before returning to Toowoomba in 2001. With over 20 years’ experience teaching and leading pastoral care programs within independent day and boarding schools, I am dedicated to developing students holistically; the academic, social, emotional, cultural, and physical development of…
Holiday Reading Recommendations
Here is a snapshot; three titles from each year level, and from Head of Library and Information Services, Mr Dan Crook to inspire your choices for holiday reading: Year 7: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The last Ronin. Hatchet - Gary Paulsen Billy Slaters autobiography - Billy Slater Year 8: The dead of the night (Tomorrow series) - James Marsden Rangers Apprentice The ruins of Gorlan - John Flannagan The Hunger games. -Suzanne Collins Year 9: Back to the Pillaga - Tony Parsons Deadpool Samurai…
Life After School
As children grow and develop, they participate in a range of new experiences, with the “journey” from birth to adulthood being shaped by several awaited and expected transitions. These transitions occur across a range of context and help us to evolve in new environments. It is important to note that transition is associated with a change, which is something that happens for all of us. The concept of transition involves how we process, manage, and respond to the change. As adults, we work hard…
TGS Artist in Residence - Ben Tupas
I’ve been following Toowoomba Grammar School’s exciting Artist-in-residence program for several years. After seeing fellow Toowoomba artists such as Catherine Parker, Alice Weinthal and Vincent Parisi taking up the opportunity and engaging in the program, I decided to apply in 2022 to continue the momentum of my own artist practice. With the four-week residency wrapping up at the end of October, and some time to reflect on the experience I can write that the experience was a valuable…
