“The reality is that every single job can expect to change in some respect in the immediate and long-term future.”— Mrs Crystal Hede
In education, some things will never change. Students will thrive in environments that nurture human connections.
They will invariably be inspired by effective teaching and the satisfaction of personal achievement will always be motivating. At Toowoomba Grammar School, the power of high-quality instructional practices has resulted in the development of a strong academic culture that has endured for nearly 150 years. Preserving core principles provides stability and continuity. However, we must be open to continuously adapting our methods so that our students are well-prepared for the ever-changing world they will navigate. As put by CSIRO CEO, Dr Larry Marshall, “Australia is at a pivotal point. There is a tidal wave of disruption on the way, and it’s critical we take steps now to get ahead of it” (CSIRO, 2022).
Several megatrends identified by the CSIRO are set to shape future society. Technological advancement, particularly the rise of machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT), will drive augmented and autonomous intelligence across many industries and blur the lines between physical and digital. A global focus on environmental sustainability is predicted to drive industrial change. Global geopolitical shifts will occur for stability and economic growth. Lastly, demographic change, particularly an ageing and more urbanised population, will create new needs. In relation to demographic change, Jobs and Skills Australia projects that across all industries, the greatest growth is expected in health care and social assistance, with its share of total employment reaching 16.7% by 2033 (Jobs and Skills Australia, n.d.).
These megatrends will have far-reaching implications for the workforce. According to the World Economic Forum (2023), 44% of workers’ core skills are expected to change by 2027. Incredibly, the Business Council of Australia estimates that 5–10% of jobs could be entirely substituted by technology over the next decade. Technological change will also generate jobs. The field of robotics, for example, has seen a sudden demand for automation specialists, robotics law specialists, robotics ethicists, trainers, educators and job re-design specialists tasked with developing new roles and skill sets for jobs with increased automation (International Federation of Robotics, 2024). It is important to consider that the above-mentioned jobs will be industry-agnostic and relevant to agriculture, sport, finance, retail trade and more.
Looking forward allows us to reflect on the gap that exists between where our students are now and where they will need to be. In his 2019 book Teaching for Tomorrow, renowned futurist and educator Michael McQueen identifies four capabilities that will be critical for individuals to succeed and thrive in future society. At TGS, we are aware of these projected “capability gaps” and are taking steps to address them in the following ways.
First, we know that students will require self-direction to cope with rapid technological and job change, especially in a booming gig economy. As such, we are positioning our students as lifelong knowledge seekers who can adapt their skill sets to stay ahead.
Second, we know that an increasingly competitive job market and pressure to continually master new skills will require tenacity. Consequently, we continually look to create opportunities for our students to deal with perceived failure and develop grit, resilience and optimism in the process. Third, we understand that the rise of artificial intelligence will result in competing organisations having access to the same information. Originality and creativity will, therefore, become highly sought-after skills, further solidifying their importance in our educational program. Lastly, a world of automation and information abundance will require individuals who can think ethically and with acuity. That is, to discern truth and identify biases. The TGS curriculum continues to place value on this higher-level thinking.
We know that developing all these skills requires a broad knowledge base, and this underpins our pedagogical approach of Explicit Direct Instruction within a knowledge-rich curriculum. Giving our boys deep and relevant background knowledge will develop their acuity to solve complex problems and to think critically and creatively in the future (AERO, 2024). Parents can be assured that we are building an educational program that is suitably responsive to future needs.
Additionally, we continue to explore ways of developing our students’ technological capacity. Our forthcoming Design, Engineering and Technology Centre exemplifies our commitment to this cause. Boys will gain further opportunities to automate workflows, use cloud-based solutions and engineer prototypes, for example. From virtual reality to robotics labs, there will be boundless potential for innovation, not to mention the opportunities that the Agriculture and Industry Centre will also offer. Importantly, these planned spaces will connect our boys with industry and the broader community to foster authentic learning.
In partnership with parents, we can equip TGS boys with the skills and dispositions needed to thrive in this ever-evolving world.
References
Australian Education Research Organisation. (2024, March). A knowledge-rich approach to curriculum design. Australian Education Research Organisation. https://www.edresearch.edu.au/sites/default/files/2024-02/knowledge-rich-approach-curriculum-design-aa.pdf
CSIRO. (2022). Our Future World. CSIRO. Retrieved May 05, 2024, from https://www.csiro.au/en/research/technology-space/data/our-future-world
Jobs and Skills Australia. (n.d.). Employment projections for the decade ahead. Jobs and Skills Australia. Retrieved May 01, 2024, from https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/publications/towards-national-jobs-and-skills-roadmap-summary/employment-projections-for-the-decade-ahead
McQueen, M. (2019). Teaching for Tomorrow: A Blueprint for Future-Proofing Our Schools, Students and Educational System. The Nexgen Group Pty Ltd.
The World Economic Forum. (2023, May 1). Future of jobs: These are the most in-demand skills in 2023 - and beyond. The World Economic Forum. Retrieved May 02, 2024, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/05/future-of-jobs-2023-skills/
Latest Blog
Our Sesquicentenary
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy. From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake! A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
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…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…
A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.
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
