How do we adequately develop a teenager’s 'sense of belonging' in boarding?
Head of Boyce House, Boarding, Mr Michael Hall has investigated how 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs' applies to boarding. It is a psychological theory that suggests human beings have a set of fundamental needs that must be fulfilled in a hierarchical order. The theory proposes that individuals must first satisfy their physiological needs before moving on to higher-level needs, such as the 'belongingness' that is so crucial for building trust and a feeling of home. When it comes to teenagers living in boarding schools, their sense of belonging plays a crucial role in their overall well-being and academic success. This article explores how this pyramid of holistic development relates to the boarders at Toowoomba Grammar School.
Physiological & Safety Needs:
Maslow's theory states that physiological needs, such as food, shelter, and safety, form the two foundational levels of the hierarchy. The trained staff of TGS focus on ensuring students have a safe and secure environment where students' physiological needs are met. Regular meals, a comfortable living space, and access to healthcare contribute to their physical well-being, allowing them to focus on higher-level needs. Although this is a basic level and should be evident in any boarding school, these foundations must be firm as they are critical to build the next three layers.
Belongingness Needs:
The third level of the hierarchy includes the need for genuine relationships, care and a sense of belonging. Children, especially during adolescence, seek social connections and acceptance from peers and adults. TGS Boarding works on the principle of being a family, offering a close-knit community where students and staff live together, forming strong bonds and friendships. The shared experiences, common goals, and constant interaction within the boarding environment create a sense of belonging, making students feel part of a supportive community.
Esteem Needs:
‘Esteem needs’ involve gaining recognition, respect, and a positive self-image. TGS provides numerous opportunities for teenagers to develop self-esteem. Engaging in extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, or leadership roles, allows students to showcase their talents, receive recognition, and build their self-confidence. Furthermore, positive feedback from boarding staff and fellow students contributes to the development of a healthy self-esteem. Students also value being recognised for their hard work and dedication, be it in academia or cocurricular activities. Our boys understand that hard work and perseverance will eventually be rewarded with recognition.
Self-Actualization Needs:
The highest level of Maslow's Hierarchy is self-actualization, which pertains to fulfilling one's potential and achieving personal growth. This starts to become evident in Years 11 and 12. Staff work closely with students presenting them with opportunities to showcase what they have learned through the holistic education, aiming to support students in reaching their highest potential. By offering a wide range of leadership opportunities, staff are able empower our boys to explore their interests and embark on a journey of self-discovery and actualization.
Having the courage to commit to a set of values that may not always be the most popular with their peers but it evokes a strong message of what can be attained when you commit to servant leadership for the benefit of others. These moments embody the highest level of Maslow’s Hierarchy that is inherently the essence of self-actualisation. An ability to build relationships with their peers and lead without being asked to, a quality that is evident in so many of our boarders when they complete their journey at TGS and step into life beyond School.
- Mr Michael Hall, Head of Boyce House Boarding
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.…
