Term 3 tends to be an important time for students making decisions, and for some, possibly the first time they have really had the opportunity to make a decision that could impact the course of their future. Year 8 students are taking control of their academic program for the first time, being able to select their electives for Year 9. For most, these decisions are mainly about getting the opportunity to pursue subjects which interest them and the joy of not taking some subjects which really do not suit their aptitudes or goals. However, there are a few subject choices which can have long term impacts. The study of languages or music is not something that can be easily picked up in later years, and continuity in these studies is highly recommended.
For students in Year 10, considering their senior academic program and their post-school pathways, the subject selections require much more research to ensure an informed decision. There are far more opportunities that may impact their pathway through life at these important junctures. While plenty of support is provided to students, it is important that the students take control of the process. Toowoomba Grammar School supports Year 10 students through our careers program, which culminates in a Career Plan interview, an individual meeting between the family and a Careers Adviser. Year 12 students receive plenty of support through careers lessons, one-on-one meetings with a Careers Adviser as well as opportunities to explore the various tertiary institutions. Irrespective of whether students are selecting subjects for senior studies, or for their life after school, the decision-making process is similar.
When selecting subjects, it is important to recognise factors that could lead to a poor decision.
- If students don’t have enough information, their decision could be made without any basis.
- Don’t seek input from too many people, a lot of conflicting opinions can confuse the issue, consider who is the most appropriate person to provide advice or information to help make the best decision. Consider the motivation for the person providing advice. Does your best mate want what’s best for you, or just to be in a class together? Does the tertiary representative just want a new enrolment or are they really listening to you in relation to your goals?
- What is the balance between “it’ll be fun” or “this subject will challenge me” and are you looking at the balance through the right lens?
To make a successful decision, the first step is to evaluate the individual’s goals. What do they want from this decision?
For students in Years 8 and 10, it is essential to look beyond sitting in a class with mates or a favourite teacher. Consider their long-term goals, as well as their interests and aptitudes. There is no point selecting a subject they will have no interest in because someone said it would be good for their ATAR. If they don’t enjoy the subject, it is unlikely that they will thrive within it, and it will not contribute well to their outcomes anyway.
Once a student understands their own goals, it is time to do some research. Gather as much relevant information as possible from reliable sources. Those sources can be a teacher, Head of House, Head of Department or other students who are already taking the subject. For students undertaking Senior Studies, the QCAA site myQCE (qcaa.qld.edu.au) provides detailed information about all the subjects. The Toowoomba Grammar School careers website Toowoomba Grammar School (twgscareers.com) is an excellent place to explore careers, tertiary courses and of importance here, pre-requisite subjects.
Once students have the relevant information, they must then weigh up the evidence to make the decision that is in their best interests. Before pressing “go”, have one final check of stage one, has the decision you have reached met the goals you established at the start of the process?
The beauty of students taking control over their academic decisions is the sense of ownership that comes with the choice. Students are ready for the change, fully committed to their new course of study and ready to set themselves up for success.
- Dr Alison Young
TGS Director of Studies
Latest Blog
A Holistic Approach to our Boarders' Activities Program
A true education is about much more than just lessons in a classroom. It’s about providing experiences that challenge a child, physically and mentally. It’s about providing opportunities that build independence, resilience and that help develop their good character. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to offer a broad and liberal education that stretches way beyond the walls of a classroom and equips our boys with the skills to flourish as an individual. We offer a diverse and engaging…
A Beginner's Guide to Manga
If your son has brought home a book with big eyed characters, and he seems to be reading backwards, chances are, he's discovered Manga. The Dent library has a Manga collection that would be the envy of many schools, with over 100 unique titles. It Is easily the most visited section in the library, over half of the top 100 titles borrowed this year are Manga! But what is Manga? Manga is an umbrella term for a variety of print comics and graphic novels originating from Japan. Unlike western…
A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community
Tell us about yourself My background, at least that associated with boarding and teaching, is long and varied with a number of different aspects leading to this chosen career path. For the most part, I was schooled in Canberra but had extended periods in Lesotho, Norfolk Island, and Samoa as a result of my father’s work in foreign aid. My schooling was quite disruptive, and I wasn’t a model student! I was always passionate about English; often distracting myself (amongst other things) immersed…
Facilitating Respect
Recently the 2022 TGS Prefect group spoke at the Headmaster’s Assembly about respecting individuality. But what does this mean? The foundations for a successful relationship with peers, family, co-workers, and others is framed and supported by a two-way street of respect. However, for this two-way street to be functional it is important to know that respect cannot be demanded, it can only be earned. Toowoomba Grammar School is no different and respect is nurtured in various forms such as in the…
The Benefits of Early Learning at TGS
Making a decision about our children’s education can be difficult; especially when there are so many options available. Once upon a time parents simply sent their children to the school that was a walkable distance from home. Much research has evolved since the early 1900s about what is best for our children to foster a love of learning and feel confident and safe in the classroom. Here at Toowoomba Grammar School, we take this very seriously. Pastoral care comes before anything else; we see…
Outside of the Text Book
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein There is no denying that learning a foreign language can sometimes be a challenging experience, particularly with limited opportunity to practise outside the classroom. However, learning a language is a skill that will add to many facets of your life, often without you even realising, and as part of a well-rounded education, the value of language learning cannot be underestimated. "A different language is a…
TGS Academic Enrichment Program for Boarders
Toowoomba Grammar School provides an inspiring and broad curriculum for boys, delivered by dedicated educators who understand how to engage boys in their learning. Our staff go above and beyond in providing an outstanding education and support network for our boys. They are regularly available to answer questions, assist with homework and assignments and provide academic support for all our students. This is particularly so for our boarders, thanks to our Academic Enrichment Program (AEP). All…
Teacher as a Student
As a teacher at Toowoomba Grammar School, I teach mathematics and business studies, and manage the GPS Chess team. Prior to teaching, I worked as a financial analyst. Recently I have completed a master's degree in science at the University of Southern Queensland. My study was focused exclusively on data science, and I have become an expert in the management of big data with a specialisation in modelling and forecasting using machine learning techniques. The motivation for this study was…
Developing Healthy Relationships
Healthy relationships are extremely important for the development of mental health in our youth. When you spend time with people you care about, who care about you, this can help you feel connected and supported. This term is one of the largest in regard to boys participating in activities and sports ranging from field, to court, to thought. This is in addition to music and drama programs. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe this allows for plenty of opportunity to develop the ability to…
