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
The Learning Pit
Learning is at our core and covers all subject disciplines, co-curricular pursuits, personal development and interest areas. Helping our Toowoomba Grammar School boys view learning as a disposition that goes well beyond the classroom context is incredibly important. Learning has a life-long value in all we do. We also acknowledge that learning can be challenging at times, and it can be uncomfortable, but also wonderfully inspiring and fulfilling. Appreciating the full range of feelings and…
Leap Before You Look
The boarding journey offers students a plethora of opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone and take advantage of new environments, relationships, and opportunities during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. We often talk about “character education” – a theory that originated in the US and has been increasingly embraced by leading schools globally. It is encouraging all students to develop new approaches to their learning, including aspects of morals and ethics, thinking,…
Literacy at TGS: A research-informed approach
A recent Grattan Institute report has shared that one-third of Australian students are failing to learn to read proficiently, referring to the situation as a ‘preventable tragedy’. In addition, the report identifies evidence-based approaches utilising structured literacy programs with phonics and explicit instruction as the most effective methods of teaching literacy. At Toowoomba Grammar School, we implement a structured synthetic phonics approach to teaching spelling and reading that…
Past Mothers, Present Supporters
Any Old Boy will tell you the Blue and Gold is part of their blood. They love the history, the traditions, the memories, and the lifelong friends they made during their time at Toowoomba Grammar School. Well, it seems the same can be said for many TGS mums. The Past Mothers’ Group was formed in 1979 by Mrs Mary Campbell who contacted as many past mothers as she could and invited them to meet at her home where the Past Mothers’ Group was officially formed with the intention of retaining links…
The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done
The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…
A Question of Character
In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…
Coping with Homesickness
Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…
Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum
I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…
What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time
The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…
