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
It Takes a Village...
The Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding community plays a pivotal role in shaping the young minds of our boarders and instilling values whilst creating a sense of mateship that can last a lifetime. The nurturing and supportive network of staff not only ensure a safe and structured environment but also cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the boys. ‘The staff supply the fuel to the ship but ultimately it is the boys who steer it and decide upon its final destination’. Our TGS…
Unlocking Literacy - The Big Six Elements for Your Child’s Reading Success
Literacy skills are a core component of each day for our students, and parents often ask how they can support this from home. I am delighted to share with our parent community the essential components that underpin successful reading development. These elements, known as the Big Six, provide a solid foundation for your son’s literacy journey. These critical building blocks include: Oral Language: Communication skills are the bedrock of reading. Encourage rich conversations with your child.…
The Journey of a Boarding Mother
When you look up mother in the dictionary it reads: female parent of a child. When you look up boarder, it simply reads: a child who lives away from home. So, put “boarder mother” together and we have: the female parent of a child who lives away from home – if only it were that simple. My definition of boarding mother is: a strong, dedicated unbelievably great female parent of a child who has the wisdom to put her son’s educational needs, wellbeing and lifelong endeavours before her own. A…
The Importance of Differentiation
As parents, we all want our children to have the best possible education, and one of the most effective ways for teachers to provide this is through differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and interests of each student, and it can take many forms. First, let's define differentiation. Differentiation is a teaching approach that recognises that students have different strengths, interests, and learning styles. By adjusting instruction to meet these…
Addressing Anger in Teenage Boys
As a community dedicated to the growth and well-being of our teenage boys, it is essential to address the complexities of emotions we experience during adolescence. Among these emotions, anger stands out as a powerful and intense feeling that can influence their behaviour, relationships and overall wellbeing. Untreated anger can lead to a myriad of problems and challenges for our young boys. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the dangers of untreated anger, ways to support healthy…
Study Skills Program
Just as teachers benefit from an understanding of the Learning Sciences in their lesson planning and preparation, so to do students when they are studying for major summative assessments. A survey of TGS students in Years 9 to 12 found that 70% of our boys felt that they knew how to study, with the biggest impediments to study being lack of motivation and too many distractions. The most highly preferred study technique was found to be rewriting notes. Cramming, rereading the text and rewriting…
Developing Teachers Worldwide
I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2023 International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Annual Conference at Westlake Boys High School in Auckland, New Zealand, in my capacity as a Team Leader in the IBSC Action Research Program. Action research is a systematic inquiry conducted by teachers in their own classroom to better understand the impact that an aspect of their practice is having on their students. Each year, 40 teachers from IBSC member schools from around the world are accepted…
Developing a Sense of Belonging for our TGS Boarders
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…
Kia Moemoeā – Dream Beyond Limits
A 12-year study has found that boys consistently perform better in an all boys’ school compared to boys in co-educational schools. This was one of several interesting topics presented at the recent International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Conference in Auckland, New Zealand which I attended alongside three of my Toowoomba Grammar School colleagues – Mr Luke Rawle, Mr Dave Klan and Mrs Jessica Galbraith. We joined 600 leading educators from 15 countries around the world for the four-day…
