Frequently Asked Questions

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The School

What is the ethos or philosophy of the School?

Toowoomba Grammar School has an achievement orientation that promotes each boy to do the very best he can in all areas. The primary objective is to further the intellectual capacity of every boy and to generate a work ethic to assist each boy to achieve to the best of his ability. In addition to the academic focus, the boys are encouraged to involve themselves in a very rich and diverse programme of co-curricular activities encompassing sport, music, drama, public speaking and the performing and creative arts.

How many students do you have and how is the School structured?

There are approximately 1200 students in the school - 850 in the Senior School and a further 350 in the Junior School. The Junior School has its own Head of School who reports to the Headmaster of the entire school. The boys are members of Houses and there is effective interaction between day-boys and boarders. The Headmaster delegates considerable authority to the "School Executive" - an eight person senior management team consisting of the Headmaster; Deputy Headmaster; Head of Senior School; Head of Junior School; Chief Financial Officer; Director of Studies; Director of Pastoral Care and Head of Boarding; Director of Sport and Activities; and Director of Enrolments.

How many boarders live at the School and where do they come from?

Toowoomba Grammar School is one of the oldest and largest boarding communities in Australia. There are approximately 300 boarders attending the school coming from "Dubbo to Darwin". Principal regions from which our boarders come are northern New South Wales, throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory.

We have heard that Toowoomba Grammar School is conservative and strict. Is this correct?

At the School we recognise that boys work more effectively in an environment where there are clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour and where we maintain the highest expectations of boys in all that they do. The boys are expected to work extremely hard in their studies, to treat others with respect, to be polite, responsible, self-disciplined, punctual, well mannered, to participate fully in co-curricular activities and to wear their school uniform correctly and to have pride in their own individual appearance.

The School is conservative and strict in maintaining traditional values but is, at the same time, extremely progressive in teaching and learning strategies designed for boys, in information communications technology, curriculum reform and in initiatives relating to the overall development of boys.

In the Student Handbook given annually to each boy and family, the various policies of the School are outlined.

What differentiates Toowoomba Grammar School from its competitors?

We offer a broad education specifically designed for boys.

- The School is one of the largest and oldest boarding school communities in Australia combined with a significant day-school enrolment.

- The School has a relaxed, friendly community feeling whilst maintaining the highest of expectations in academic endeavour and overall participation.

- The School has a size that allows every boy to be known as an individual.

- The School has a campus of over 20 hectares and six sporting ovals in what is widely regarded as one of the most attractive school settings in Australia.

- The School is a part of the nine-member schools participating in the Great Public Schools (GPS) Association of Queensland with the highest level of school sporting competition in the State.

- The School is located in a large regional provincial city of 100,000 people in a safe and secure environment. There is a positive mix between city and country influences.

- The School is non-denominational but with a Christian ethos, with encouragement and support given to students of all faiths.

- Not all schools have a culture where "it is cool to do well at school".

- Obviously not all schools have a history of over 135 years and with a national reputation for the quality of its educational programme.

Does the School specialise in any specific areas?

The School does not specialise in particular areas to the extent that any boy would not be fulfilled, excited and challenged in whatever area in which he expresses an interest. All areas of the curriculum are strong, well resourced and taught by very well qualified and committed teachers. In addition to its academic orientation, the School maintains a comprehensive programme of Vocational Education and Training. The School commits extensive resources into the coaching of many different sports, its music programme, the outdoors, cadets, drama and so on.

How are the Year 12 results in the School?

Every year the school leavers achieve excellent results. The School prides itself on the impressive academic results gained by students at all ability levels.

Please refer to the following link to view results: Year 12 Results 2011 (172KB)

What is the most common tertiary destination for the school-leavers?

Nearly 50% of our Year 12 school leavers proceed to under-graduate studies at the University of Queensland (UQ). The vast majority of the students enrol in the St Lucia campus of UQ with a smaller number attending UQ Gatton and Ipswich campuses. The second most common tertiary destination is the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in Toowoomba with approximately 15% of our students enrolling in degree courses at this University. Around 20% of the school leavers continue to Griffith University or Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Other students are successful in receiving offers to study at regional and interstate universities as well as TAFE and technical colleges.

How many students get either their first or second choice of preferred course for university entry?

Approximately 90% of Toowoomba Grammar School students receive their first or second tertiary course preference.

What is the role of religion in the school?

Toowoomba Grammar School was established under the Grammar Schools Act of the Colonial Parliament in 1860. The eight original Grammar Schools were established as non-denominational schools. Accordingly, we do not have a School Chaplain and we welcome enrolments from boys of any or no faith and we do not instruct in formal religious education classes. This said, the school has a Christian ethos and we seek to display throughout the school community a proper and correct way of treating one another. In formal School Assemblies, the Headmaster prays with the boys and the Assembly commences with the singing of a hymn.

Why is Toowoomba Grammar School an all-boys' school?

We acknowledge that boys mature at different rates to girls, possess different interests to girls and learn in a different manner to girls. Without girls, the boys are free to participate in non-gender stereotypical behaviour or roles. The Headmaster has also written his reasons for an all boys' education in the section titled "A Specialist in Boys' Education" in "About Us" in this section of the web page.

Click the link to download a copy of the school's publication "Why, Why, Why?" - Why an All Boys' School, Why Toowoomba and Why Toowoomba Grammar School.

Admissions

What are the annual fees?

The cost of schooling at Toowoomba Grammar School is outlined in the "Admissions" section of this webpage. Click here for further information.

Do boys have to sit an entrance examination to get in? Do you ask poor achievers to leave?

Toowoomba Grammar School is an open entry, non-academically selective school.
The School supports all enrolled students irrespective of their academic ability. No boy at the end of Year 10 or Year 11 would be asked to leave the school on the basis of predicted poor results in the Year 12 Queensland Core Skills Test (QCST). He would be supported and encouraged in his academic efforts.

Does Toowoomba Grammar School enrol international students? If so, how many?

Fewer than ten of our 1200 current students are "international students", defined as those studying in Australia on a student visa and paying the international students full fees. With full enrolments, the school does not seek to actively recruit international students by marketing overseas.

Where are the students at Toowoomba Grammar School from?

There are approximately 1200 boys in the Senior and Junior School. The day-boys reside in Toowoomba and environs. Approximately 35% of the Senior School enrolment are represented by boarders. These boys come from "Dubbo to Darwin". Principal regions from which our boarders come are northern New South Wales, throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory.

What are your average class sizes in the Junior and Senior School?

Class sizes in the Junior School range from less than 20 to a maximum of 25 students. In the Senior School, class sizes are generally between 15 and 28. An upper limit of 28 is placed on all classes in Years 8 to 10 unless in an exceptional circumstance. In Years 11 and 12 the upper limit is 25.

Does the School offer bursaries or scholarships?

A small number of scholarships are awarded based on boys' academic achievement and general ability bursaries. Please refer to the section of the website titled "Enrolments".

What are the major entry points for new enrolment for new boys to the school?

The main entry points are Prep, Year 5 and Year 7. In Year 7 (the beginning of Senior School classes from 2014) the School typically has boys enrolling from approximately sixty different schools in Queensland, northern New South Wales, the Northern Territory and the Schools of Distance Education.

There may also be small intakes at otherYear levels but frequently there are waiting lists and a place cannot be guaranteed. It is recommended that you enrol your son at the earliest possible stage to ensure admission to the School.

Pastoral Care

What does the term "Pastoral Care" mean?

Pastoral Care refers to the School's programme to enable each boy to be known as an individual. This may include strategies employed by the boy's Housemaster, House Mentor, classroom teachers, sports coaches and so on. Pastoral Care therefore is the total care that we provide for the boys.

What is the programme of Pastoral Care in the School?

In the Junior School the administrative unit is the Form Teacher with boys also being in one of three Houses for the purpose of additional pastoral care and sporting and cultural competition.

In the Senior School every boy is assigned to a House and they remain in this House for the duration of their schooling. The five Houses in the Senior School consist of both day-boys and boarders. The benefit of this form of House organisation is that both the boarders and the day-boys mix freely and participate and compete as one in the inter-House activities consisting of academic, cultural and sporting endeavours. The School divides members of the five Houses into what are termed "Pastoral Care Groups". A "mentor" in the Pastoral Care Group is a teacher who has the responsibility of getting to know his or her mentor group of around 18 - 20 boys. The Mentor meets with these boys most days in some forum to check on their progress, sign homework diaries, review their contribution to school activities and generally encourage each boy in all that he does.

To whom does my son turn if he has a problem?

In the Junior School, boys should go to their Form Teacher, Housemaster or the Deputy Head or Head of the Junior School.

In the Senior School, a boy should consult his House Mentor, Housemaster, Director of Pastoral Care, any of his teachers, a School Prefect or House Prefect, the School Counsellor, sporting coach or activity mentor or the Deputy Headmaster or Headmaster.

What is the School's response to bullying?

The School has a clearly articulated anti-bullying policy and programme as part of our total pastoral care offering. This is published in the School's Student Handbook for the information of all boys and parents and is referred to at regular intervals. Clear consequences are in place for boys involved in any form of bullying. If a boy bullies another over a prolonged period and is unwilling to modify his manner then he signals that he is unwilling to be a member of this school.

How does the School cater for students and families with special needs?

The School has a Counsellor with post-graduate qualifications in Special Education and Guidance and Counselling. In addition there are qualified and specialist Learning Support Teachers who review any learning or physical disabilities, prepare "Individual Education Plans" (IEP) and monitor boys' progress.

Curriculum

What are the academic results being achieved by the students in the school?

Toowoomba Grammar School is renowned for the quality of the academic results obtained by its students. This is evidenced by the proportion of students obtaining impressive Overall Position (OP) rankings. In addition, the School has in recent years obtained impressive results in State and National academic competitions.

What subjects are part of the curriculum in the Senior School?

For information on curriculum details please click here.

What languages do you teach?

Two languages other than English are taught - French and Japanese.

Are laptop computers compulsory in the Senior School? Why or why not?

The School has implemented a progressive introduction of 'tablet' computers from 2010. Students in Years 9, 10, 11and 12 lease 'tablet' computers.

The computer laboratories are open until 5:00 pm weekdays for day-students, Monday to Thursday evenings and on Sundays for all boarders.

Every Boarding House in the Senior School has wireless technology enabling boys to access the world wide web from their personal study desk.

Do you "stream" students according to their academic ability?

Generally the students at Toowoomba Grammar School are taught and learn in non-selective classrooms with mixed ability groups. Some streaming exists in some subject disciplines such as Mathematics where advanced classes are held. Throughout the curriculum, talented students are given every opportunity to be extended in their learning.

What extra assistance is there to the slower learners?

The School has a Counsellor who has post-graduate qualifications in Special Education and Counselling and Guidance. She is supported by a Learning Support Teacher in the Senior School and Junior School. Selected students may be withdrawn from mainstream classes for extra assistance. On most afternoons after school members of the Mathematics Department offer general tuition to any boy experiencing problems with his study of Mathematics or his homework.

Co-Curricular Activities

We're told that unless you are good at sport in a boys' school then you won't fit in. Is this correct?

Definitely not. The vast majority of boys participate in a wide variety of activities including Drama, Sport, Music, Debating, the Outdoors and Cadets with each boy being appreciated for his own talents and interest. Because so many boys enjoy their sport there is enormous depth in our sporting teams. Boys may be playing at a firsts level whilst others simply enjoy their participation and teamwork in, for example, an under-age "E" team. The School values all boys' involvement, irrespective of their level of sporting ability.

There have been examples of boys at the school with disabilities including vision impairment, cerebral palsy and autism. These boys have successfully completed their schooling at Toowoomba Grammar School and fitted in well.

Toowoomba Grammar School has a priority of academic endeavour so sporting prowess is just another component of schooling, not the highest priority of all.

Is sport compulsory and why is this?

Toowoomba Grammar School is one of the nine member schools of the "Great Public Schools" (GPS) Association of Queensland and as such has a commitment to provide all teams in all age groups. The GPS Association provides the highest level of school-boy sporting competition in the State and, in some sports, in Australia.

The School does not have a compulsory sporting programme; however, most boys participate fully. Participation in the school sporting programme yields numerous benefits for boys. It provides the boys with the opportunity to represent their school, to join in a team with their teammates, it encourages teamwork and co-operation, encourages them to respect the decisions of the referee or umpire and provides a forum for healthy competition. For some boys it is sport at an elite, national level. For others, it is simply about playing a sporting game with their friends and having fun.

One non-sporting activity throughout the year is the "Adventure Club" in which boys attend numerous weekend and extended trips in outdoor pursuits such as bushwalking, abseiling, sea kayaking, sailing and so on.

Where are your sporting fields?

Within the boundaries of the campus, there are six sporting ovals. The Old Boys' Memorial Oval is used primarily for rugby, athletics and under-age cricket fixtures. Mills Oval is one of the most picturesque cricket ovals in the country. It is also the venue for football (soccer) games in the Winter season. The remaining four ovals are used for a variety of sports over the year.

How does the school extend boys with specific sporting ability?

Specialist staff and specialist programmes prepare the boys for the top level of school-boy sporting competition in the State. Sporting coaches at the school include former Olympians and national and state coaches. In recent years rugby union squads have toured the United Kingdom on three occasions, there has been an overseas cricket tour to New Zealand and the United Kingdom and a football (soccer) squad has toured in Japan, the United Kingdom and, in the future, Germany and Brazil.

What sports are offered at the school?

Official Senior GPS Sports: Basketball; Chess; Cricket; Cross Country; Football (Soccer); Rugby; Swimming; Tennis; Track & Field; Volleyball
Other Sports: Australian Rules Football; Badminton; Equestrian; Fishing; Orienteering; Shooting (Cadets only); Water Skiing; Snow Skiing; Weight Training; Taekwondo
Outdoor Activities: Adventure Club; Cadets

How important is music and drama at the School?

Being an all-boys' school we consider it vital that the boys are encouraged to fully participate in a vibrant, challenging and well resourced visual and performing arts programme. The breadth of the school's music programme is extensive and the joy of music is celebrated as much as possible. In recent years our musicians have performed at the Sydney Opera House, Disneyland, Hawaii, New York City and Central Europe.