Creating an environment for students to access and engage in learning is the educational philosophy of the new Toowoomba Grammar School Head of Junior School, Mr Ken Raven.
“This requires a supportive an inclusive learning environment across the school where everyone feels they can make a positive contribution,” Mr Raven stated.
“I encourage evidence-informed, explicit teaching of curriculum that sparks curiosity and interest for students to engage and explore.”
Parental interaction and community involvement are other key areas of focus for Mr Raven. He believes that in a Junior School, parents are closely connected to the daily lives of their children, in-part because children require this from us developmentally, but this is also the phase of a child where their parents and the community they belong to are their world.
“Celebrating these connections and valuing each other's contributions will only enhance the experience for everyone,” stated Mr Raven.
Mr Raven is originally from Southwest Queensland, but his family moved around a lot as he was growing up, mostly in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
“That diversity of experience throughout my own schooling years helped to develop a flexible and adaptable approach which I’ve found to be an asset in my career and life more broadly,” he said.
Mr Raven started teaching at a small primary school in Perth, really enjoying the community approach to education this instilled in him. He then taught in Queensland, Canberra and Western Australia before returning to Queensland again.
“I’ve held roles as a specialist teacher, classroom teacher, Director of Junior School and Head of Junior School over the past 22 years, all tremendously valuable experiences,” Mr Raven elaborated.
Despite being at TGS for only a few weeks, Mr Raven has already found it to be an inspiring place. He looks forward to supporting students, colleagues and families to develop an experience with bold goals they feel inspired to work towards.
“For boys, attending an all –boys' school offers an immediate value through the people working with them every day; our staff have chosen to work in an all –boys' school,” said Mr Raven.
“They value education for boys and will prepare and deliver experiences they feel will resonate with their interests and learning needs to form a connection that will help them grow their understanding and skills.”
Mr Raven said accessing this commitment and dedication early in a boy’s schooling is tremendous for a child.
“From their earliest learning boys will feel valued, confident and capable of growing their knowledge and skills because the people working with them believe in them and provide learning experiences that will connect for them,” he stated.
Latest Blog
The Best Job in the World
Vocational Education and Training (V.E.T) plays a central role in preparing young people for work, developing skills, and responding to the labour-market needs of the economy. As the V.E.T Co-Ordinator at Toowoomba Grammar School, I have an immediate and positive influence on our young men’s skills, employability, and career development. I engage with the most amazing young men to guide their career journeys throughout Years 10, 11 and 12. I also have the privilege to work closely with their…
Inclusive and Exclusive Banter and Behaviour
As the School counsellor, who has been working in a variety of education systems, I would like to address a common and important issue that affects many of our teenage boys: banter, teasing, and bullying. Boys at this age are especially prone to these behaviours, and they can have a significant impact on their mental health and overall well-being. One of the most common mistakes for teenage boys "it's just banter" or "I'm just joking." While banter can be a positive thing and can help build…
I Have Returned to Where it Began and I Feel Right at Home
I have returned to where it all began, and I feel right at home. My parents decided when I was very young that I would attend Toowoomba Grammar School as a boarder. Coming from a property surrounded by a small community, my parents believed that sending me to TGS would provide me with many fundamental skills needed for a young man, as well as an education that I could not get in my hometown.. Starting my journey at TGS in Year 8 as a boarder in Mackintosh, adjusting from a small country high…
Tuning in to TGS Old Boy (1995-99) - Stuart St Vincent Welch
Our Old Boys have such diverse career paths; we are so proud of the good young men they become and how they make meaningful contributions to their communities. Stuart St Vincent Welch describes himself as an average student who had no idea what he wanted to do after school. But drawing on the TGS values of hard work, respect and resilience he is now working as a Sound Engineer for Barking Owl in New York City, rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most renowned musicians and actors. He…
The TGS Show Cattle Team - On the moooove
The TGS Show Cattle Team commenced in Term 1 2021 under the guidance of Mr Jack Murphy and Mrs Julie Brophy. The concept of the team was to give boys a hands-on, extracurricular opportunity in the agricultural industry. The boys have been competing in the Young Judges’ competitions at a range of shows across Queensland. The Young Judges’ competition is based on the goal of expanding the boys' knowledge of the skills that are a foundation of the animal production industry, helping them as…
The Importance of Routines
Routines are an important part of our daily lives, providing structure and stability. This is especially true for children in their formative years, who benefit from having consistent and predictable routines in both their school and home environments. At Toowoomba Grammar School Junior School, we believe that routines are essential for helping students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. One of the key ways in which routines help students is by providing a sense of security and…
Ten Steps Ahead - Jackie Gallagher
As a high school athlete, Jackie Gallagher had the world at her feet. She was in a unique position where she was excellent at any distance from 100m to 800m. She broke Queensland and National records and was regularly selected for State and National teams. Jackie was selected for the Australian Youth team to compete at the World Youth Championships in Canada as an U18 along with the Australian Junior Commonwealth Games and the Youth Olympics, before making the U20 Australian team to compete at…
The Makings of a Premiership
The 2022 1st V Basketball squad will be forever etched in the pages of Toowoomba Grammar School history as the first TGS team to win a GPS Basketball Premiership since the competition commenced in 1984. Head of Basketball, and 1st V Coach, Mr Kabe Cicolini has been instrumental in the growth and success of not just our leading team, but of the TGS Basketball Program as a whole. Kabe has come from a background of playing GPS sport – cricket, rugby and basketball as a student at Ipswich Grammar…
Creating a Learning Environment that Boys Enjoy
Creating an environment for students to access and engage in learning is the educational philosophy of the new Toowoomba Grammar School Head of Junior School, Mr Ken Raven. “This requires a supportive an inclusive learning environment across the school where everyone feels they can make a positive contribution,” Mr Raven stated. “I encourage evidence-informed, explicit teaching of curriculum that sparks curiosity and interest for students to engage and explore.” Parental interaction and…
