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
Women of Grammar Luncheon
A Tribute to the Heart of the School Originally scheduled for International Women's Day but rescheduled (thanks, Cyclone Alfred!) to the eve of Mother's Day, the timing felt serendipitous. It was a day to honour the women—past and present—whose quiet strength, tireless support and enduring love have shaped the School's legacy and the lives of its boys for 150 years. The marquee was beautifully appointed for a day of merriment
Lachlan Stuart's Marathon Feat
Mr Stuart will return to TGS again for the event held on Wednesday, 28 May to support the Year 12's significant fundraising G150 Gift Run event. The boys are running 1500km in a relay format to honour a 1968 TGS Interact Club fundraising project that will help upgrade the original School gates on Herries Street, along with raising funds for the Nerve Connection Foundation.
Remembering Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900)
This was the headline that screamed out on the pages of the Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs General Advertiser on Thursday, 15 August 1901. With ANZAC Day just last Friday, this week we continue to honour many of our Old Boys who gave the ultimate sacrifice including Private Colin Stirling, a TGS Old Boy (1899-1900) and our first former student lost in the Boer War. The story began with: “News was received on Tuesday afternoon that in an engagement at Kopjesfontein, on the 6th instant,…
Honouring Tradition: Toowoomba Grammar School and ANZAC Day
This year marks 98 years since TGS and the 13 Army Cadet Unit (Toowoomba Collective Unit) first participated in ANZAC Services in Toowoomba. The School's commitment to these services is a testament to its deep-rooted military traditions and the enduring spirit of remembrance. Mounties out the front of School House in 1908. A Legacy of Service Toowoomba Grammar School's military traditions date back to its early days. The School's Cadet Unit, formed in 1892, has been a cornerstone of its…
Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week - Developing Good Character Beyond the Classroom
We offer a range of enrichment activities for our boys, but the last week of Term 1 is a very special opportunity for all of our Senior School students. It's Outdoor Pursuits and Activities Week, which provides age-appropriate physical challenges in a safe, well-supervised environment. Activities on the various camps may include ropes courses, rock climbing, bodyboarding, surfing, mountain biking and canoeing. The aim is to foster a love of the outdoors and an appreciation of the environment.…
Stories behind key TGS staff helping shape our students
It was my great privilege to join TGS as Head of House - Boyce Boarding in 2024. The opportunity to lead these young men of character on their TGS journey carries great weight but is also enormously exciting. Embarking upon this project alongside my wife Meg as Boyce Boarding House Manager strengthens the team further. I am hopeful that we will demonstrate to the boys how positive relationships can foster a warm and supportive environment. I know that many of our boys are familiar with strong…
More Than Just an Education and That Makes All the Difference
Toowoomba Grammar School excels in its extensive co-curricular programs, particularly in performing arts and sports. Our boys learn that success comes from hard work and dedication. This ethos is inspired by quotes like “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great,” “The harder I work, the luckier I get” and the words emblazoned on our P.B. Hauser Aquatic Centre wall “Success is the celebration of preparation.” These opportunities allow students to excel in programs…
Stewardship: Leading the Way in Safety, Sustainability and Security
However, the challenges facing the Director of Facilities, Mr Bengie Dickeson and the Director of Information Technology, Mr Ron Robinson certainly are. This month's weather has been nothing if not unpredictable and it's in those conditions that both these men's skills come to the fore. With Tropical Cyclone Alfred and its threat to our School campus and community - Mr Bengie Dickeson and Mr Ron Robinson played integral roles in keeping everyone and everything on our 150-year-old campus safe.…
Pursuing New Horizons in Horticulture
Jake Moon is a sixth-generation primary producer. He is dedicated to agriculture and is currently working at his family’s St George farming enterprise, tackling some of the sector’s biggest challenges. The 28-year-old says his family moved to the St George irrigation precinct in 1978, initially growing rockmelons and watermelons, hence the business name Moonrocks. Seasonal and market changes led them to switch crops frequently, growing grapes, broccoli and even wax flowers over the years.…
