“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”

— Ludwig Wittgenstein

There is no denying that learning a foreign language can sometimes be a challenging experience, particularly with limited opportunity to practise outside the classroom. However, learning a language is a skill that will add to many facets of your life, often without you even realising, and as part of a well-rounded education, the value of language learning cannot be underestimated.

"A different language is a different vision of life."

Federico Fellini

At Toowoomba Grammar School, we endeavour to bring languages alive and facilitate as much activity as possible ‘outside of the text-book’. Research shows that boys appreciate context and authentic interactions in their language studies. Boys need to feel comfortable to move out of their comfort zone, to take risks and experiment with their language skills in a safe and encouraging environment. Our language teachers bring a wide variety of techniques to the classroom, emphasising speaking and interaction. We teach grammar systematically but avoid learning rules out of context.

Our French and Japanese curricula at TGS include topics that are relevant and useful, and we organise immersive cultural and language opportunities whenever we can for our boys, to help maximise their linguistic development and enjoyment of Languages.

Although research is limited, gender gaps in language study have long been acknowledged and observed in Australia, with boys under-represented. Despite girls statistically being more than twice as likely to study a foreign language however, the number of Toowoomba Grammar School boys studying Japanese and/or French often defies this phenomenon.

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart."

Nelson Mandela

One of our ongoing and significant goals at TGS is to foster positive relationships, at both a local and global level. The staff and students of our Languages Department are proud of our long-standing connections with ‘sister-schools’ and cities, and of our school trips and individual exchanges over the years to Japan, New Caledonia, France. Some boys have even travelled to Canada! We are equally proud of the enduring relationships forged between groups and individuals through these exchanges; all are testament to our commitment of promoting and fostering global citizenship for and amongst our young men. We look forward to re-establishing these exchanges and welcoming French and Japanese students here at TGS once again.

It is through these exchanges, through the integrated cultural experiences offered in our language curriculums, and as part of the well-rounded education offered at TGS that our boys can continue to develop their general character and enhance their overall resilience, tolerance, and compassion.

"He who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of his own."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

There are many cross-curricular benefits of language learning, including improving literacy and numeracy skills. Studies have repeatedly shown that students who learn a second language become more decisive, develop superior problem-solving, critical thinking and listening skills. Also, because the brain is constantly switching between speech, writing and sentence structures, boys learning languages become better multi-taskers and have improved memory and attention span!

One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way."

Frank Smith

Sometimes our boys can’t see the relevance of French or Japanese to their future careers, so don’t elect to continue past Year 8. Unfortunately, we have a lot of students regret this when they realise just how much learning a language can help to develop their cultural awareness and they start missing the variety that languages add to their study course.

Recognising the high-demand for language learners due to the critical and higher-order thinking skills developed, many Colleges in the US now require students to study a second language throughout high school if they are applying for scholarships, and most major Australian universities apply ‘bonus ATAR points’ to a student’s selection ranking upon application. Some universities also offer ‘dual degree’ programs incorporating foreign language study to encourage cross-campus international study, to help students and Australian companies engage and compete on the world stage in their respective fields. A lot of employers, including The Australian Defence Force, offer financial incentives for their employees with second-language capabilities.

Indeed, languages are a complementary skill to many career paths; they can also advance your future career by making you stand out. And if that is not enough, in 2032, South-East Queensland will host the Olympic Games! What amazing opportunities wait for those with second language capabilities.

"Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things,

but learning another way to think about things."

Flora Lewis

Recently, TGS hosted staff from the University of Queensland's Languages Faculty for ‘A Taste of University Languages’. Students from around Toowoomba attended the afternoon, participating in authentic university language lectures and lessons, and learning about how skills in a second language can be paired with various degrees. In a workshop on Languages and Employability, students were encouraged to consider the benefits that studying a language brings them personally. The insight shown by our young men was considerable with many commenting not only on the cognitive and career benefits, but also the simple pleasure that language learning brings them. Most pleasingly, students consistently articulated that learning a foreign language is a rewarding challenge that is always fun; Languages bring joy and adds variety and interest to their school day. “Learning a language makes me happier.” - (Riyan Khan, Year 11 student).

When you learn languages, it goes beyond the words we use to communicate. You learn about other people, their rich cultures and their history and you learn to see the world through other people’s eyes. You also enjoy travel more when you make the effort to have a conversation in the language of the country you are visiting.

TGS Old Boy (2007-15), Dr. Sachin Joshi sums it up well, reflecting on his experience in the 2015 French Language and Cultural Tour. “It’s more immersive than being a tourist with an outsider’s perspective looking in. You feel more like a local when you can follow, understand, and participate in the immediate environment around you. It doesn’t feel like a foreign country as much.”

"Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going."

Rita Mae Brown

At Toowoomba Grammar School, our boys have a unique opportunity to learn to read this map.

- Mrs Elouise Parrington
TGS Head of Languages

Discover more about our TGS Academic program here https://bit.ly/3AlUFdu


Latest Blog

Boarding
/
Monday, 13 Nov 2023

Helpful Tips for New Boarding Parents

Name absolutely everything! Socks, undies, phone chargers, water bottles, caps. EVERYTHING!! Make sure you name items with Boy’s name & House number; most parents will put their senior house number if printing the tags so they don’t have to rename items when they move the following year (Corfe House doesn’t have a house number). Some boys find a double bed doona is a better option than single doona as it hangs down the sides of the bed a little more to keep them warmer in winter. An…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Wednesday, 08 Nov 2023

Parenting Styles: Parties and the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, parents and caregivers find themselves immersed in the joy and bustle of festivities. Amidst the celebrations, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the pivotal role our parenting styles play in shaping our children’s attitudes and behaviours, especially concerning alcohol and other drug use. As a father of four young people with my fifth child coming into our family on 8 December 2023, I’m particularly mindful of my parenting style and my role as School…

Read More
Boarding
/
Thursday, 02 Nov 2023

Building the Boarding Experience - at Home

Family connections is a vital aspect of our Toowoomba Grammar School boarding program that we hold close to our heart. Our Heads of House regularly make the effort to visit our boarding families so they have a better understanding of our boarders' lives, the challenges and experiences, and staff always enjoy the warmth and hospitality provided by families. Head of Corfe House, Henry White and his wife, Samantha recently spent a weekend with the Acton family on Dalgonally Station near Julia…

Read More
People
/
Thursday, 26 Oct 2023

A New Season for Coach Kabe

Highly respected Head of Basketball and 1st V Coach, Kabe Ciccolini is embarking on a new and inspiring chapter. This season, he takes up the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House, guiding our youngest boarders with a warmth and passion that is uniquely his own. Kabe’s decision to transition into the role of Assistant Head of Corfe House reflects his unwavering commitment to mentorship and leadership. For him, this move signifies a positive step in his career. “It’s an opportunity to further…

Read More
Senior School
/
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2023

Embrace Every Moment

In the words of one of the greatest leaders of all time, Albus Dumbledore, “it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” The wise wizard spoke these words to Harry as he stood before the Mirror of Erised, a magical artifact that reveals one’s deepest desires. These words tell the story of the balance between our dreams and the richness of the present moment. We live in a world that often urges us to focus on our aspirations; , sometimes we get so lost in our dreams that we do not…

Read More
Sports & Activities
/
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2023

What is the TGS Athletic Development Academy?

As a TGS Old Boy (2003-14), sport has always been an integral part of my upbringing. As a young boy I discovered the joys of cricket, track and field and touch footy. This love of being active led me to studying Exercise Science at University and I was fortunate enough to work with a range of national and international level athletes, culminating in an internship at the Brisbane Broncos. This experience launched my career in the strength and conditioning space, allowing me to work with…

Read More
Boarding
/
Wednesday, 04 Oct 2023

The Boarding and Day Family Connections

My husband Ben and I are four years into our boarding journey at Toowoomba Grammar School, we have two boys in Mackintosh House, Josh in Year 10 and Archie in Year 9, and a daughter Ella who is home with us for one more year before we become empty nesters. We are in the fortunate position that we live reasonably close, so we have the privilege of taking our boys home often and can attend most School events. For many of our boarding families, this is not the case, they live great distances away…

Read More
Student Contribution
/
Thursday, 21 Sept 2023

Streamline Success

Education is a transformative journey where the path we choose exerts a profound influence on our ultimate success. A streamed class is like an express locomotive: swift, efficient, and filled with eager passengers zooming towards their educational destination. Meanwhile, an unstreamed class resembles a motley group of hikers who accidentally wandered onto the wrong trail, stumbling and bickering as they struggle to find their way. Imagine the express locomotive of streamed classes, full of…

Read More
Student Contribution
/
Thursday, 21 Sept 2023

Reducing Stress: the Key to a Peaceful Life

Have you ever felt the soul-crushing burden of stress dragging your life through the mud? Ever had your precious time dwindled away at the hands of stress, while you are left powerless and alone? Well all this pain and anguish can be resolved in an instant; and all it takes is a change in the way we think. This alteration in brain chemistry is defined as mindfulness, the ability to obtain momentary awareness and recognition of our thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness is the key to defeating…

Read More