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
TGS Strength and Conditioning Program
Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…
We Knew Them Before They Were Stars
Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…
Country Roads Take Me Home
Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character. Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on…
TGS Corfe House - A Home for Young Boarders
In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey. Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House…
TGS Mates Program - Character Building Education
Current research into character education has shown that educators should not be focusing solely on preparing students for their Year 12 final exams but should be supporting them to become humans who exhibit good character and virtues to contribute to creating a healthier society (The Jubilee Centre, 2022). The Jubilee Centre, which is attached to the University of Birmingham in the UK, maintains that good character is the foundation for improved attainment, better behaviour, increased…
Our TGS Old Boys' Wall of Achievement
The next time you visit the School grounds, pause for a moment at the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Wall of Achievement. This concept was the initiative of the then Deputy Headmaster, Mr Roger Buttenshaw, and was supported by the Board of Trustees, Headmasters Mr Hugh Rose and Mr Peter Hauser, and the TGSOBA - Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Association. The opening of the Wall of Achievement took place in 2003. Thousands of TGS Old Boys have gone on to lead productive and valuable…
A Musical Reflection
As Director of Performing Arts, there is perhaps no bigger undertaking than a School musical. It requires an enormous effort from a huge team of teachers and students, and to get all these moving parts heading in the same direction is certainly no mean feat. The 2023 co-production of Footloose was my first time involved in a Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College musical, and I found it to be a very rewarding, though exhausting, experience. The process began in Term 3, 2022, as my…
TGS Success in GPS Sport
In 2023, Toowoomba Grammar School witnessed a remarkable resurgence in several of our sports programs, marking a year of triumph and growth. Although an elusive GPS premiership did not fall our way, a number of our 1st teams competed to the final whistle in Round 9 of their respective competitions, vying for their premierships. The achievements of our boys on the field and court were nothing short of exceptional, reflecting the commitment, dedication and character development that participation…
An Exceptional Learning Experience
As a member of the Junior School Leadership Team at Toowoomba Grammar School, my role involves ensuring that the Junior School’s Teaching and Learning programs are designed, implemented and managed effectively. This role is grounded in the vision, mission, and values of TGS and is crucial in supporting the Head of Junior School and the Director of Studies in providing an exceptional learning experience for our boys. At TGS Junior School, we prioritise the use of explicit teaching to ensure that…
