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 teaching staff contribute to this AEP throughout the year. They will make themselves available on a Tuesday or Wednesday during ‘Prep’ time. ‘Prep’ is a one and a half to two-hour homework session conducted Monday to Friday in a dedicated study room in each boarding house. Maths, English and Science teachers are always available, and specialised subject staff attend on a rotational basis. They work with the students in small groups or individually.
“The boys feel supported through this program, and it encourages them to be aspirational in their academic endeavours so that they will have a go and do their best,” stated TGS Director of Boarding, Mr Nick Byron.
It also provides staff with a more personal insight into the students, and a greater understanding of their backgrounds.
“Interacting in the boarding setting enables staff to get to know the boys on another level which further strengthens and nurtures relationships and helps with pastoral care,” Nick said.
The AEP is taken a step further for our Year 5 to 7 Corfe House boarders. Staff not only help with homework and assignments but with developing good study skills. This ensures a smooth transition for boys at key times throughout their education.
“We understand that our boarders come from a multitude of backgrounds; from school-of-the air or one-teacher schools to traditional larger schools,” said Nick.
“They come from a variety of different learning experiences and our focus is developing good study habits and skills, so they have a strong foundation as the workload increases. We support all our boys to achieve their best no matter what their ability.”
Our Senior boarders are particularly appreciative of the AEP, along with the diverse pathway options provided to them through our TGS Careers and Vocational Education and Training (VET) program.
From Year 10, careers counsellors work closely with the students, providing them with opportunities to expand new interests or follow their passions.
“We understand that not all boys want to go to university,” stated Nick.
“Some plan to return to their farms or are interested in a trade so we’re very conscious of offering courses in all these areas, equipping them with skills for the life that they want to pursue.”
These courses include everything from hospitality or trades during school hours, to extra-curricular courses such as a certificate in aviation or welding.
“The boys relish these opportunities and find them extremely valuable,” Nick said.
“It’s just another way that we ensure a high-quality boarding experience for our boys.”
Latest Blog
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…
The Transition to Secondary School
Research shows us that the move from a primary school to a secondary school is one of the most significant life changes that our young men will face. You can help make the transition to Senior School smoother by ensuring that the boys attend the orientation days, practice packing their bags and getting their sports, music, and activities equipment ready. When asked about tips for the boys coming into Year 7, current Year 7 dayboy, Ollie Wells suggests boys should “Be organised. Pack the night…
Nothing is Impossible
Toowoomba Grammar School's Year 7C English has been studying 'Cool Runnings' to learn about how stories or movies based on real life aren't always completely true. Extremely fascinated by the topic, young student Harry Ryan took it upon himself to message (via LinkedIn) the bobsled driver, Mr Dudley Stokes - he responded! After a little communication between the two, Harry asked Mr Stokes if he could FaceTime him during an English lesson, to 'meet' his teacher Mr Paul Irwin and classmates…