Cultivating Humanity in Boys’ Education
The International Boys’ School Coalition Australasian Regional Conference was co-hosted by Prince Alfred College and St Peter’s College in Adelaide, South Australia between 3-5 May. The conference theme of Cultivating Humanity: A Compelling Responsibility in Boys’ Education drew over 150 educators from boys’ schools across Australia and New Zealand. Many of the conference keynote presentations and workshops focused on the holistic development of boys and the responsibility of boys’ schools to cultivate humanity, not merely academic achievement.
Toowoomba Grammar School was represented by Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh; Head of Senior School and Acting Deputy Headmaster, Mr Mark Oliphant and Head of Teacher Development, Mr Luke Rawle. The delegates also played an active part in the conference, presenting a workshop exploring the structures and professional learning used to align teaching practices to how boys learn and to position character as teachable, observable and aspirational. This included an outline of Toowoomba Grammar School’s journey in implementing strategic initiatives across teaching and learning, character development and wellbeing. Mr Rawle explored how principles from the cognitive science have informed improvements in teaching practice through intentional changes to professional learning, classroom design, schoolwide routines to align teaching with how boys learn. Mr Oliphant presented the School’s character education model, highlighting the structural reforms to embed dedicated wellbeing learning, the use of external partners to gather student voice and data, staffing structures to support delivery and the development of a bespoke taught wellbeing curriculum aligned to the School’s core purpose: educating boys and developing their good character for life.
A particular highlight of the conference was the keynote presentation by Mr Tom Bennett – No More Lost Boys. As a leading British educator, author and behaviour specialist, Mr Bennett used the motif of Peter Pan to acutely highlight many of the societal issues surrounding boys and concluded that without purpose, direction and meaning, many boys are simply drifting in society. Tom argued that boys are not broken, they are simply unanchored and currently face heightened challenges through the lure of a “Digital Neverland”. The important message for boys’ schools was that character is built, not found. Boys learn from their environment, through role models and discovering what boundaries exist, what is celebrated, valued and insisted upon.
These ideas were further emphasised by the closing keynote by Mr Andrew Lee, distinguished by his international career in law, who provided the perspective of a parent on boys’ education. His evocative presentation highlighted that the incredible success that he has enjoyed throughout his career, including postgraduate study at Harvard and Standford and subsequent international legal career, has been shaped most by his failures. He expressed that he hopes his son fails a lot, so that he can learn and grow from these experiences. Mr Lee, however, expressed that some failures should not be faced alone because they are not a reflection of effort or commitment. As such, he emphasised the importance of boys’ schools in cultivating compassion through service, to help instil a shared sense of purpose and humanity amongst students, teachers and parents.
Overall, the conference provided a valuable experience for our staff to both learn and contribute to the opportunities for collaboration, networking and sharing of best practice amongst a coalition of boys’ schools who are seeking to both build character and cultivate humanity in boys.
Latest Blog
Dr Ian Gunn
When Ian Gunn arrived at Toowoomba Grammar School, he did so on an academic scholarship that opened doors his family could never have imagined. As a young boarder from regional Queensland, he embraced the opportunities before him and quickly immersed himself in School life. Then tragedy struck. During his first year at TGS, Ian’s father passed away unexpectedly. Suddenly, his mother was left to raise three children alone while facing significant financial uncertainty. What had begun as an…
Emmanuel Geu
When Emmanuel Geu arrived in Australia from South Sudan in 2014, his family was seeking safety, stability and the chance to build a brighter future. Adjusting to a new country, culture and education system brought challenges, but it also opened the door to opportunities that would help shape the young man he is today. Through the support of a bursary at Toowoomba Grammar School, Emmanuel was able to access an education that would become transformational. Boarding life was not easy at first.…
From Toowoomba to the World Stage
After months on the road performing to thousands across the globe, Mason Watts has returned to Australia with a renewed appreciation for home and a career that continues to gain momentum. “It’s really nice,” Watts said of being back. “You don’t realise how good Australia is until you go overseas and you come back… it’s nice being home around Australians and family.” A TGS Old Boy who graduated in 2016, Watts’ journey from school performances to international touring has been anything but…
Single-Sex Education and Boys’ Learning: Why It Matters
While many boys appear settled and compliant while studying, research from organisations including the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), the University of Melbourne and UNESCO suggest boys are increasingly at risk of disengaging from learning over time, particularly in literacy, motivation and academic confidence. Importantly, this disengagement is not always visible through poor behaviour or disruption. More often, it appears quietly through reduced confidence, reluctance to…
Nurturing Curious Minds
Children are naturally curious about their world and always eager to explore. Harnessing that energy and enthusiasm is key for us in the Junior School. We want our boys to expand their knowledge base and approach learning with a passion that will set them up for the Senior School and beyond. First, let’s clarify some terms: extension and enrichment. Extension is curriculum-focused; it’s where a student’s knowledge, understanding and skills are advanced. Students feel a sense of “stretch” and…
Where it Began
Two of the three books that Louis has published are tucked into the Fantasy section in the W.M. Dent Library I really think my enthusiasm began in the younger grades, when an annual writing competition encouraged all boys to think creatively. This was where I was first truly introduced to writing fiction. These competitions planted a seed of creativity in my mind that would later grow. That seed first flourished in Years 5 and 6, when I wrote my first book with help from a friend called…
A Steady Rhythm, Exceptional Results
When Henry Geise first picked up the clarinet in Year 4, playing an instrument was compulsory at his primary school; he simply gave it a go. What followed has been shaped less by a single decision and more by years of steady commitment. Henry’s love of clarinet started when he was around eight years old He started on clarinet and bass guitar at the same time, and those two instruments have remained his favourites despite trying piano and picking up acoustic guitar more recently. “I would have…
2026 College Baudoux Visit
Early this term, we were delighted to host 24 students and two teachers for a week-long exchange, an experience made possible through the generosity of TGS families and our valued partnership with Fairholme College. What makes this exchange so special is the richness of the cultural experience. While 15 boys were immersed in daily life at TGS, the nine girls attended Fairholme College, allowing both schools to play an active role. Across the week, students participated in lessons, school…
Beyond Achievement: Cultivating Humanity in Boys’ Education
Mark Oliphant, Head of Senior School and Acting Deputy Headmaster and Luke Rawle, Head of Teacher Learning presenting in Adelaide The International Boys’ School Coalition Australasian Regional Conference was co-hosted by Prince Alfred College and St Peter’s College in Adelaide, South Australia between 3-5 May. The conference theme of Cultivating Humanity: A Compelling Responsibility in Boys’ Education drew over 150 educators from boys’ schools across Australia and New Zealand. Many of the…
