“This accomplishment is a testament to the belief that there is never a 'perfect time' to pursue something meaningful.”Mrs Crystal Hede
We are thrilled to celebrate the publication of the first book in the third textbook series, co-authored by our Director of Learning and Innovation, Mrs Crystal Hede.
The fourth of five books overall, this milestone represents years of dedication, countless late nights and in her words, "the unwavering support of an extraordinary team".
The text, Physical Education for Queensland, Units 1 & 2 by Crystal Hede, Kate Russell and Ron Weatherby, has been published by Oxford University Press (OUP) and has been fully revised to align with the 2025 QCAA Version 1.0 syllabus.
Oxford University Press describes the new edition as “the best-in-market print Student Book with a game-changing new digital experience that takes lesson planning and classroom instruction to a whole new level.”
“With explicit support for internal and external assessments, including the alternative sequence, Queensland's most widely used PE series empowers every student to excel in their learning journey.”
Earlier editions of the text are not only highly regarded but shortlisted in the Teaching Resource (Secondary) category at the Educational Publishing Awards of Australia and were the eventual winners in the Student Resource (Senior): English/Humanities/Languages/Arts/Technologies/Health and Physical Education category in the same nation-wide awards.
Crystal Hede explained that it was the culmination of “years of determination and the collective effort of everyone involved.”
Mrs Hede’s own journey to enable the re-release is one she says has been filled with challenges. “I completed the second edition while caring for a six-month-old and I completed this series amidst transitioning to my new role here at Toowoomba Grammar School.”
Mrs Hede candidly shared her experience with imposter syndrome when first approached to take on this project in 2009. She questioned whether she was the right person for the job but was reassured by the confidence others had in her ability to make the content accessible to students. This validation became a driving force behind the project.
"Kate and I were asked to write the first edition back in 2009, OUP wanted to break into the Queensland market and they asked us to be the lead authors. We invited a third, highly experienced teacher, to come on board at that point and then in 2016, I received a phone call from OUP to say that they wanted us to do a second edition".
Mrs Hede said, "although my head said don't do it; that was a ridiculous amount of work, my heart said go for it and this time, smash it!"
She explained they turned the second edition into two books (a Year 11 book and Year 12 book); tore the previous version to shreds and started again.
“We were absolutely on a mission to not just write the book this time but to make it great - we pushed boundaries and were very critical of our work in the pursuit of greatness.”— Mrs Crystal Hede
“Our job was to try and convey information as simply as we could, speaking directly to students and staff,” she explained. “It was so lovely and validating when the feedback we received was about how accessible the book was.”
Drawing on self-determination theory, Mrs Hede emphasises that genuine motivation flourishes when we satisfy our needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness. This textbook journey has provided all three: engaging with complex ideas, the freedom to shape academic contributions and deep connections with collaborators who share the same vision.
Special acknowledgments go to co-author Kate Russell for her intellectual partnership, to family members, especially Michael Hede, for his patience, and to the publishing team at Oxford University Press for transforming the manuscript into a resource that will reach classrooms far and wide.
Mrs Hede also thanked TGS Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh and fellow TGS Executive members for their support throughout the process of writing and publication.
Reflecting on the journey, she noted, “The growth that occurs through taking on a challenge is the reward, not the endpoint. If you wait for the perfect time, it won't come. The opportunity came, I took it, and despite the ups and downs, it was never an option to step off the train,” she said.
“The joy of this journey lies not in reaching an endpoint but in engaging with work that challenges us intellectually and aligns with our core values.”— Mrs Crystal Hede
Mrs Hede said, “Ultimately, we hope this achievement inspires others to take on meaningful challenges in their own lives.”
Latest News
news
Read More
New Program Showcases 'Cool' Career Opportunities for TGS students
On Wednesday, 26 October 2022 Toowoomba business NRG Services donated a mobile cold room valued at $17,000, proudly built by Toowoomba Grammar School students under close supervision of NRG tradespeople as part of a newly developed school-based training program. It’s part of a new forward-thinking school-based training program to address a trade skills shortage in the booming refrigeration industry, that also saw two students offered apprenticeships with NRG Services. NRG collaborated with…
news
Read More
Volleyballers Ace the Nationals
Toowoomba Grammar School volleyballers have come away with a swag of medals from the recent Australian Youth Volleyball Championships. Three TGS boys were selected to represent Queensland at the titles Beau Fowler (U18 White), Hussein Yusaf (U17 Maroon - captain) and Rory Webster (U15 Maroon) with Miss Jessica Russell-Croucher (U16 White) and Mr Eric Smith (U14 White) representing as coaching staff. Additionally, Old Boy, Mr Timothy Cottman-Fields was also a part of the 230 strong delegation,…
news
Read More
International Showjumping Champions
Toowoomba Grammar School is celebrating the achievements of Year 8 students Tom Sturgeon and Xavier De Ceuster who won the Royal Pacific Showjumping Challenge, along with their teammates Ellie Michel and Savannah De Ceuster from The Glennie School. The four equestrians, all from the Darling Downs, were selected to represent Australia for the Under 17 international competition held in New Caledonia on October 21, competing against Vanuatu, New Zealand, Tahiti and New Caledonia. Each competitor…
news
Read More
2022 GPS Basketball Premiers - TGS!
The Toowoomba Grammar School community is celebrating following a history-making win on the weekend. Our 1st V Basketball team has taken out the prestigious 2022 GPS Premiership, after a nail-biting victory over Gregory Terrace on Saturday. There are nine GPS Schools involved in the competition, regarded as the highest level high school basketball competition in Queensland, so this victory effectively rates TGS as one of the best basketball-schools in the State! The 2022 1st V is regarded as…
news
Read More
TGS is The School of Rock
Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to play a leading role in the production of Toowoomba Choral Society’s major musical production for 2022 - "School of Rock". TGS has five staff, two students and a TGS Old Boy involved in the Production: TGS Director of Performance, Mr Mark Chalmers is the On-stage Band Mentor and Guitar 1 in the Pit Band which accompanies the show;TGS Teacher-in-Charge of Music Curriculum, Mrs Wendy Evans is the Musical Director;TGS Old Boy (2009-13), Christopher Thomson is…
news
Read More
Chess Success for TGS
How many sporting teams can boast claiming over a quarter of a century of consecutive Championship titles? Well, the Toowoomba Grammar School Chess Team can do exactly that! In an impressive feat for any discipline, TGS has just won its 28th consecutive Toowoomba Secondary Chess Championship title. All secondary schools from Toowoomba were invited to attend the championships which were held over two days 6-7 August. Toowoomba Grammar Schools Open team placed first with 18 points out of 20, our…
news
Read More
Top Volleyball Coach at TGS
Toowoomba Grammar School Director of Volleyball, Mr Eric Smith is one of the highest ranked volleyball coaches in Queensland following a recent accreditation course. Eric attended the first ever Australian-based Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Level 2 Coaching Clinic in July. The five-day course involved both theory and practical work with the 29 participants really put through their paces, led by FIVB Educational Instructor and multi-national coach Mr Peter Nonnenbroich. This…
news
Read More
TGS Musician Selected for S.H.E.P
Some wonderful recognition for talented Year 8 musician, Finlay Waring. Finlay was offered a place in the prestigious State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) for Southeast Queensland. SHEP was held at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane from 15-17 July, with the first wo days consisting of workshops and rehearsals, culminating in a concert on the final day. Finlay was part of the wind ensemble, which was made up of 80 students and he was one of eight students playing 1st Clarinet.…
news
Read More
Chess King at TGS
International Chess Master and professional player, Gary Lane is sharing his skills and knowledge at the three-day Toowoomba Grammar School Chess Clinic (June 21-23). Mr Lane has won the Commonwealth Chess Championship and represented Australia at several Chess Olympiads. He is the author of over thirty chess books and has arrived at TGS after just playing in the premier division of the Doeberl Cup, 'The Australian Chess Grand Prix'. Mr Lane will provide expert advice on chess strategy and…
