The TGS Show Cattle Team commenced in Term 1 2021 under the guidance of Mr Jack Murphy and Mrs Julie Brophy. The concept of the team was to give boys a hands-on, extracurricular opportunity in the agricultural industry.
The boys have been competing in the Young Judges’ competitions at a range of shows across Queensland. The Young Judges’ competition is based on the goal of expanding the boys' knowledge of the skills that are a foundation of the animal production industry, helping them as youthful individuals to develop their careers within agriculture. With this in mind, the boys are asked to outline their reasons for placing the animals in order from 1st to 4th and justify their positions. The task of judging is a subjective one, based on selected production systems and changing market conditions. It is important that entrants can use their skills and articulate their approach. The competition teaches the boys life lessons in presentation, decision-making and justification of observations.
Whilst competing across Queensland, the boys have been able to experience rural communities, allowing boarders to participate at their local shows whilst also allowing day boys to immerse themselves in rural communities. Through supporting agricultural shows, the boys can see rural communities come together and support their successes.
"Ag shows are the heart and soul of our regional communities. They bring and keep communities together, link the country to the city and provide a key boost to these local economies. These events showcase the hard work and innovation that goes into producing Australia's food and fibre."
Hon David Littleproud MP
Leader of the National Party and TGS Old Boy (1992-1993)
A number of the boys involved in the team have also had the ability to compete in the Young Paraders’ competition. This event showcases the boys' ability to prepare and present the animals by parading the animals before the judge in the ring. This was a highlight for many of the boys, preparing animals that were over ten times their size. The boys have also had the opportunity to learn more about the beef industry with a tour of Oakey Beef Abattoir. This provided further links to the changing market conditions and opened a range of professional careers within the agricultural supply chain.
The Show Cattle Team allows the boys to connect with one another and champions all boys who have a passion for learning. The team comprises 25 secondary boys in total and is a healthy mix of both boarders and day boys. The boys need no prior knowledge and learn all aspects of the judging processes in weekly "meatings".
"We moved from Brisbane to Toowoomba at the beginning of 2020 with our two 'city kids'. The Show Cattle Team was one of the first extracurricular activities that our son wanted to participate in, and it has been fantastic watching him, and the other boys, progress so well. Not only does it provide education about different aspects of animals to consider, but it has given the boys great exposure to public speaking and teamwork."
Emma Luscombe, Parent
It is the long-term goal for the team to be showing our own cattle, allowing the boys to have a greater connection with the cattle. The boys would be learning animal handling skills, husbandry and preparation. This will give an opportunity for many of our students to shine by showing their dedication to the competition. By providing opportunities for all boys to succeed in their chosen field, the TGS Show Cattle Team is just one more reason why Toowoomba Grammar School is leading the way in providing a well-rounded boys' education.
Jack Murphy
Show Cattle Team Coordinator
Latest Blog
A Space for Learning
A core pillar of the Toowoomba Grammar School Strategic Plan is to provide an inspiring and broad curriculum for all boys, adopting technology and innovative pedagogy to transform learning outcomes. Over the last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted teachers to explore new frontiers of pedagogy, adapting to the difficult circumstances by launching interactive software, digitising trusty, tried and true resources, recording our lessons, flipping our classrooms, and cultivating an…
When it comes to Music, Variety is the Spice of Life
In the Queensland Curriculum, the content of the music syllabus includes the study of the people, places and cultures involved in musical creation and performance. As our country becomes increasingly diverse, it is important for students in every school setting to study a wide variety of musical styles, cultures and genres. The Toowoomba Grammar School Music program of 2022 embraces this holistic approach to the study of music, encouraging teachers and students to explore a variety of musical…
A Trailblazer for Multicultural Australia
Wellington Lee has been described as a trailblazer for multicultural Australia. He was born in 1925 and attended TGS from 1940-42 before serving with the RAAF during WWII from 1943-46 and the Active Reserve of Officers from 1953-83. Mr Lee was a remarkable man of good character who lived in an exciting time of growth and change during Australia’s, and particularly Victoria’s history; the early days in Melbourne when 10% of their population was a thriving Asian community. It was also a…
REACH - Character Development in the Junior School
Being a kind person is fundamental to the growth of a successful person. Adults in our young men’s lives have a responsibility to model and teach the importance of respect, accepting and acknowledging our need to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way. In 2016, the Junior School staff felt there was a need to create a program that allowed us to develop the character of the boys in the Junior School. Tailoring a program to meet our boys’ needs rather than a generic one allows…
The Grass is Always Greener
It’s time we put this age-old rumour to rest once and for all… The Toowoomba Grammar School ovals are not painted, dyed or manufactured grass; rather, the glorious green that greets passers-by as they drive into the Garden City comes from the sheer hard work and dedication of our TGS grounds team, led by Danny Beresford. Danny has exceptional pride for his grounds and a strong family connection to TGS. He is an Old Boy (2002-04) who played for the 1st XV in 2004 and was in the Track and Field…
A life in Words - Reading Biographies
Biography; from the Greek Bios - Life & Graphia - Writing; are books that chronicle the lives of real people. The subject of a Biography can be a celebrity, athlete, politician, athlete, historical figure or ordinary person that has achieved something of note. Reading Biographies is a valuable and oftentimes rewarding experience, with many potential benefits to the reader. Inspirational Biographies often recount successes and struggles of those people who have, over the course of their…
Spielberg in the Making...
I first became aware of film making when my brother showed me the behind-the-scenes featurette on our Lord of the Rings DVD. From then on, the process intrigued me, and I eventually got my hands on my dad’s camera and simple editing software. I made a bunch of little movies with my friends which were all pretty bad but I loved doing them anyway. What I liked most was that it was an easy way to share stories and even when the movies were not good, it was still a way of telling stories in a…
The Best Job in the World
Vocational Education and Training (V.E.T) plays a central role in preparing young people for work, developing skills, and responding to the labour-market needs of the economy. As the V.E.T Co-Ordinator at Toowoomba Grammar School, I have an immediate and positive influence on our young men’s skills, employability, and career development. I engage with the most amazing young men to guide their career journeys throughout Years 10, 11 and 12. I also have the privilege to work closely with their…
Inclusive and Exclusive Banter and Behaviour
As the School counsellor, who has been working in a variety of education systems, I would like to address a common and important issue that affects many of our teenage boys: banter, teasing, and bullying. Boys at this age are especially prone to these behaviours, and they can have a significant impact on their mental health and overall well-being. One of the most common mistakes for teenage boys "it's just banter" or "I'm just joking." While banter can be a positive thing and can help build…
