“The various keynote speakers reinforced that whilst individual excellence remains important, it is through community, collaboration and shared purpose that we can truly transform the educational experience for boys. This togetherness must be intentional and purposeful, requiring educators to innovate and adapt to meet the contemporary challenges facing boys' schools and society more broadly.”
The International Boys' Schools Coalition (IBSC) continues to serve as a beacon for excellence in boys' education.
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together".
Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry White. The delegation were active participants in the event, with Mr White (former Head of Corfe Boarding) presenting his research around fostering a greater sense of belonging and inclusion in Corfe Boarding and Mr Rawle continuing in his role helping to lead the IBSC Action Research Program. In addition, Ms Varley began her action research journey and will now conduct research around the impact of evidence-informed sleep and recovery routines on boys’ ability to attending to their learning.
The central theme of “Better Together” resonated throughout the conference, emphasising the collective responsibility and collaborative spirit required to nurture the next generation of young men.
Distinguished Keynote Presentations
The conference featured an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers, each contributing unique perspectives that connected powerfully to the overarching theme. A standout presentation came from retired General Mark Milley, a distinguished military leader and the former Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff who highlighted the transformative power of leadership which is built on service, discipline and collaboration. Drawing from his extensive military experience, General Milley underscored the critical importance of character-building in young men, demonstrating how these foundational qualities prepare boys to lead with integrity and purpose and reflected on the impact that educators had upon the development of his own character whilst attending the Belmont Hill School.
Shabana Basij-Rasikh delivered an inspirational address, outlining her personal journey of establishing the first and only all-girls boarding school in Afghanistan when she was only 18 years old. Her determination and resilience to provide educational opportunities to Afghan girls continues despite the takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 by the Taliban, relocating the school to Rwanda where it continues to operate today. Shabana challenged delegates to view boys' education within a broader lens of educational justice for all young people, and spoke passionately of the pivotal role that our boys and can play in this journey.
Innovation and resilience took centre stage through the presentation of Noubar Afeyan, who shared profound insights on how curiosity and calculated risk-taking foster impactful change. His message resonated strongly with educators seeking to prepare boys for an uncertain and rapidly evolving future, emphasising that innovation is not merely about adopting new technologies, but about cultivating mindsets that embrace challenge and change.
Dr Niobe Way provided crucial insights into boys' emotional lives, exploring themes of empathy, identity and emotional intelligence. Her research-based approach offered practical strategies for supporting boys through the complex journey of adolescent development, reinforcing that emotional growth is not separate from academic achievement but integral to it.
Mental wellness emerged as a critical focus through the powerful presentation of Gus Worland, who promoted emotional vulnerability among boys whilst working to reduce the stigma often associated with vulnerability. His presentation demonstrated how schools can create communities where boys feel safe to express their authentic selves and seek support when needed.
The conference also featured a distinguished Higher Education Leaders Panel from leaders at world-renowned universities. This included Dr Alan Garber from Harvard, Dr Joseph Aoun from Northeastern and Dr Maud Mandel from Williams College. These leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue about preparing boys to become ethical, global leaders, offering insights into the qualities and competencies that universities and society increasingly value.
Emerging Themes and Lasting Impact
Throughout the conference, several key themes emerged that will undoubtedly influence the direction of boys' education in the coming years. The emphasis on community and collaboration reinforced that the "Better Together" philosophy extends beyond individual schools to encompass the entire ecosystem of educators, families and communities committed to boys' development.
Perhaps most significantly, belonging and wellbeing emerged as fundamental priorities, with mental health taking centre stage as delegates explored actionable strategies for creating emotionally supportive school cultures. This focus reflects a growing understanding that academic success and personal wellbeing are inextricably linked.
The conference reinforced that effective boys' education requires us to think beyond individual achievement to consider how we can foster young men who are not only academically capable but also emotionally intelligent, socially conscious and committed to service. The "Better Together" theme served as a powerful reminder that this work cannot be accomplished in isolation – it requires the collective wisdom, dedication and collaboration of educators worldwide.
“As Toowoomba Grammar School continues its commitment to excellence in boys' education, the insights and connections forged at the 2025 IBSC Annual Conference will undoubtedly inform our ongoing efforts to provide outstanding educational experiences for our students.”
The conference has reinforced our understanding that when we work together – as educators, as schools and as a global community – we can achieve far more than any individual institution could accomplish alone.
Latest Blog
Breaking the Stigma
Strangling you in chains. Smothering you in despair. Anxiety and depression can be mighty beasts to break free from. Unfortunately, the state of traditional masculinity is reinforcing these chains. Mental health is a major threat to the well-being of men. This cage constructs barriers and borders which limit their ability to thrive in the modern world. Traditional Masculinity refers to a set of societal expectations foregrounded through the centuries by gender roles, stereotypes and beliefs.…
The Power of Gratitude
“What do you say mate?” your mum nudges you as the waitress hands you your dinosaur nuggets. “Thank you.” You have always been told to use good manners, and to say thank you, but what does thank you actually mean? Is it just two meaningless words uttered with monotonous regularity, or is it a tool that can alleviate mental health issues generating happiness and a sense of wellbeing? Gratitude is the sunlight that lights up those dark days. The ability to be grateful is at the core of personal…
The Silent Epidemic: Unveiling the Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
“Sleep that soothes away all our worries. Sleep that puts each day to rest. Sleep that relieves the weary laborer and heals hurt minds.” William Shakespeare (Macbeth, 1606) Heart Disease, Cancer, and Alzheimer's. Three life-threatening diseases. Three diseases all linked to lack of sleep. According to Dr. Okorie from the children’s health division of Stanford University, “7 out of 10 high school students are falling short of… (sleep) on school nights.” The Bulk of American teens are not getting…
Tik Tok - From Fun to Fear
Social media platforms have ingrained themselves into our daily lives in a time when technology is constantly evolving and drawing millions of users with seductive features and never-ending streams of captivating content. Among these, TikTok has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating users with its viral challenges and short-form films. Underneath the fun and inventiveness however, there is growing concern about the risks connected to TikTok and other social media platforms. TikTok's…
Active Procrastination – Unlocking the Gates of Time
“Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.” - Christopher Parker – professional actor. Unfortunately, procrastination is a term that we are all familiar with as students; the vast majority of us have experienced it firsthand. It saps our time and results like a parasite, a burden on its host. However, despite it’s reputation, recent studies have shown that when harnessed correctly, procrastination can be a powerful tool to improve both academic efficiency…
It Takes a Village...
The Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding community plays a pivotal role in shaping the young minds of our boarders and instilling values whilst creating a sense of mateship that can last a lifetime. The nurturing and supportive network of staff not only ensure a safe and structured environment but also cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the boys. ‘The staff supply the fuel to the ship but ultimately it is the boys who steer it and decide upon its final destination’. Our TGS…
Unlocking Literacy - The Big Six Elements for Your Child’s Reading Success
Literacy skills are a core component of each day for our students, and parents often ask how they can support this from home. I am delighted to share with our parent community the essential components that underpin successful reading development. These elements, known as the Big Six, provide a solid foundation for your son’s literacy journey. These critical building blocks include: Oral Language: Communication skills are the bedrock of reading. Encourage rich conversations with your child.…
The Journey of a Boarding Mother
When you look up mother in the dictionary it reads: female parent of a child. When you look up boarder, it simply reads: a child who lives away from home. So, put “boarder mother” together and we have: the female parent of a child who lives away from home – if only it were that simple. My definition of boarding mother is: a strong, dedicated unbelievably great female parent of a child who has the wisdom to put her son’s educational needs, wellbeing and lifelong endeavours before her own. A…
The Importance of Differentiation
As parents, we all want our children to have the best possible education, and one of the most effective ways for teachers to provide this is through differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and interests of each student, and it can take many forms. First, let's define differentiation. Differentiation is a teaching approach that recognises that students have different strengths, interests, and learning styles. By adjusting instruction to meet these…
