“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
Tik Tok - From Fun to Fear
Social media platforms have ingrained themselves into our daily lives in a time when technology is constantly evolving and drawing millions of users with seductive features and never-ending streams of captivating content. Among these, TikTok has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating users with its viral challenges and short-form films. Underneath the fun and inventiveness however, there is growing concern about the risks connected to TikTok and other social media platforms. TikTok's…
Active Procrastination – Unlocking the Gates of Time
“Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.” - Christopher Parker – professional actor. Unfortunately, procrastination is a term that we are all familiar with as students; the vast majority of us have experienced it firsthand. It saps our time and results like a parasite, a burden on its host. However, despite it’s reputation, recent studies have shown that when harnessed correctly, procrastination can be a powerful tool to improve both academic efficiency…
It Takes a Village...
The Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding community plays a pivotal role in shaping the young minds of our boarders and instilling values whilst creating a sense of mateship that can last a lifetime. The nurturing and supportive network of staff not only ensure a safe and structured environment but also cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the boys. ‘The staff supply the fuel to the ship but ultimately it is the boys who steer it and decide upon its final destination’. Our TGS…
Unlocking Literacy - The Big Six Elements for Your Child’s Reading Success
Literacy skills are a core component of each day for our students, and parents often ask how they can support this from home. I am delighted to share with our parent community the essential components that underpin successful reading development. These elements, known as the Big Six, provide a solid foundation for your son’s literacy journey. These critical building blocks include: Oral Language: Communication skills are the bedrock of reading. Encourage rich conversations with your child.…
The Journey of a Boarding Mother
When you look up mother in the dictionary it reads: female parent of a child. When you look up boarder, it simply reads: a child who lives away from home. So, put “boarder mother” together and we have: the female parent of a child who lives away from home – if only it were that simple. My definition of boarding mother is: a strong, dedicated unbelievably great female parent of a child who has the wisdom to put her son’s educational needs, wellbeing and lifelong endeavours before her own. A…
The Importance of Differentiation
As parents, we all want our children to have the best possible education, and one of the most effective ways for teachers to provide this is through differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and interests of each student, and it can take many forms. First, let's define differentiation. Differentiation is a teaching approach that recognises that students have different strengths, interests, and learning styles. By adjusting instruction to meet these…
Addressing Anger in Teenage Boys
As a community dedicated to the growth and well-being of our teenage boys, it is essential to address the complexities of emotions we experience during adolescence. Among these emotions, anger stands out as a powerful and intense feeling that can influence their behaviour, relationships and overall wellbeing. Untreated anger can lead to a myriad of problems and challenges for our young boys. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the dangers of untreated anger, ways to support healthy…
Study Skills Program
Just as teachers benefit from an understanding of the Learning Sciences in their lesson planning and preparation, so to do students when they are studying for major summative assessments. A survey of TGS students in Years 9 to 12 found that 70% of our boys felt that they knew how to study, with the biggest impediments to study being lack of motivation and too many distractions. The most highly preferred study technique was found to be rewriting notes. Cramming, rereading the text and rewriting…
Developing Teachers Worldwide
I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2023 International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Annual Conference at Westlake Boys High School in Auckland, New Zealand, in my capacity as a Team Leader in the IBSC Action Research Program. Action research is a systematic inquiry conducted by teachers in their own classroom to better understand the impact that an aspect of their practice is having on their students. Each year, 40 teachers from IBSC member schools from around the world are accepted…
