A 12-year study has found that boys consistently perform better in an all boys’ school compared to boys in co-educational schools.
This was one of several interesting topics presented at the recent International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Conference in Auckland, New Zealand which I attended alongside three of my Toowoomba Grammar School colleagues – Mr Luke Rawle, Mr Dave Klan and Mrs Jessica Galbraith. We joined 600 leading educators from 15 countries around the world for the four-day conference, hosted by Westlake Boys High School, a school of 2600 boys.
The theme of the conference was Kia Moemoeā: Dream Beyond Limits. The event’s aim was to motivate boys’ educators to develop men of the future, encouraging boys to feel connected and engaged in their learning and with their community.
We were met with a wonderful and traditional Māori welcome that set the scene for a culture-rich conference. Keynote speakers and educators shared research and best practice to empower our boys to be thought leaders in wellbeing, technology, diverse learning environments, resilience and collaboration. Delegates discussed how we can positively impact boys’ education and develop connectedness and leadership in each student.
Results were shared of a 12-year longitudinal study in New Zealand comparing boys’ performance in a single sex school environment compared to boys in co-educational schools. The results consistently highlighted the better performance of boys when in all-boys’ schools. The study pointed to all boys’ schools and their culture, traditions, expectations, routines and pride for the school as reasons for the better performance.
A plethora of Conference workshops focussed on the Kia Moemoeā: Dream Beyond Limits theme, concentrating on one of the conference tracks:
- Effective Teaching Practices
- School Leadership
- Wellbeing and Healthy Communities
- Digital Engagement
- Cultural Responsiveness
Presenters in each workshop demonstrated best teaching practice in the broadest sense by stimulating discussion and providing tangible, effective examples to promote the education of boys and prepare them to face the challenges of tomorrow.
The conference provided us with a terrific opportunity to hold discussions with like-minded and motivated boys’ school leaders and educators, inspiring ideas to further improve our great schools.
- TGS Deputy Headmaster, Mr John Anderson
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…
