“University was never going to be for me, so it was good to have the backing of Toowoomba Grammar School’s VET pathway to get into the workforce and start my apprenticeship earlier. It’s important to offer programs like this so that students like me can experience different trades to see what suits them for their future. Mrs Rathie has been a massive help and she can’t be thanked enough for the huge amount of work she does for not only me, but all the VET boys at TGS. ”Henry Ford, Year 12
Toowoomba Grammar School provides an inspiring and broad curriculum that is delivered by outstanding educators who are specialists in their fields
Our teachers adopt a research-informed approach to teaching, using data and evidence to improve student outcomes.
We use technology and innovative approaches to transform learning outcomes. TGS is one of just a handful of schools Australia-wide to be recognised by Microsoft as a ‘Lighthouse School’ for leading the way in the use of technology in education. We also have two staff members, Dr Brett Sawyer and Mr Clinton Owen, who are recognised as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts, providing information and advice to other educators globally.
2023 ATAR Results
Toowoomba Grammar School has consistently achieved strong ATAR results. In 2023, 7.2% of students recorded an ATAR over 99.00, 27.9% of our students had an ATAR between 95.00 and 99.95 (compared with 5% across the State) and 42.3% of students recorded an ATAR over 90.00 (compared with 10% across the State). The median TGS ATAR is 88.25 (an improvement from 87.6 in 2022), whilst the mean ATAR is 83.33.
In 2023, 100% of students who applied to university were made an offer with 86% of those students receiving their first preference. Furthermore, 31% of students are either working or in full time apprenticeships. The top five areas of study interest for 2023 include:
- Management & Commerce (includes Banking & Finance)
- Health (includes Medicine, Vet Science, Pharmacy & Allied Health)
- Society & Culture (includes Law, Economics & Psychology)
- Engineering
- Natural & Physical Sciences.
Careers and VET
The Careers Department assists our boys with planning their pathway for the future. At TGS, we offer support for students to access many opportunities across a variety of career pathways. Our aim is to provide the boys with the skills and knowledge to explore and understand the many pathways into the world of work.
Head Start Program
High achieving students considering university can choose to undertake a UniSQ Head Start course in Years 10 or 11. This give the boys a taste of university study, contributes to their QCE and provides an adjustment to their ATAR.
Year 12 Beyond the Blue & Gold – Future Directions Careers Week
Each year we host several employers and businesses from across the Darling Downs region to present information about and pathways to their industry, highlighting the skills and knowledge that the boys require and the job opportunities available. University and Industry Tours are also organised for the boys to gain firsthand, face-to-face experience with what is on offer. Students also complete Responsible Service of Alcohol training and their Frist Aid Certificate.
Year 10 Work Experience Program
All year 10 students complete WEX in Term 1. This provides an opportunity to explore different workplaces and areas of interest to help inform decisions around post-school options. Work Experience also helps to further develop transferable skills such as effective communication skills, organisation, teamwork and initiative. In preparation for WEX all Year 10 students are required to complete General Construction Induction Training which provides general safety training for all boys.
TAFE and Vocational Training
Year 10 students who are considering a vocational pathway have the opportunity to participate in the Trade Taster Program offered by TAFE Qld Southwest in Term 4. Students attend TAFE one day per week for six weeks and have a taste of a variety of different trades before deciding which pre-apprenticeship program they might be interested in studying in Year 11. Students choosing a vocational pathway then have the opportunity to complete a Certificate II course at TAFE in Year 11 or 12 or they may choose other programs they are interested in, offered by other training providers. Completing this training can often lead to work experience and ultimately a School Based Apprenticeship. TGS also offers vocational programs which are delivered at school such as the Certificate III and IV in Fitness, Certificate III in Agriculture and the Diploma of Business.
These opportunities offered to all our students aim to equip the boys to make informed choices about what their life might look like after school.
Thirty percent of TGS students are on a vocational pathway, working in fields ranging from Business, Agriculture, Health and Fitness and trades such as construction and electrotechnology. TGS supports several vocational programs through our own School curriculum and some students attend TAFE or participate in SchoolBased Traineeships and Apprenticeships.
“The VET pathway is helping to achieve my goals of getting a trade and to be prepared to get a job when I finish school. I am getting a head start on my apprenticeship while still being able to finish my schooling. Not everyone wants to go to university and the VET pathway gives you a head start and ultimately a great chance of getting a job as soon as you finish school.”Will Holley, Year 11
We have also had huge success with our Performing Arts students, with graduates being accepted into various Conservatorium of Music programs across the country, as well as the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).
Students are supported with their aspirations to study internationally, with TGS graduates accepted into various universities or colleges around the world to pursue their sporting and academic passions.
Our diverse curriculum allows our students to explore a variety of pathways for life after school. The dedication and experience of our teaching staff and careers team provide continuous support to provide opportunities for all students, no matter their passion.
