Stories behind TGS staff

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 family units and have first-hand experience of how important it is to rely upon each other during tough times.

Meg’s background is primarily in school marketing, a field in which she has led many projects as we have hopped our way across the globe. This has included time at George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh (the school where J.K. Rowling famously drew inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry) and GEMS Wellington in Dubai. We have worked together in several environments (albeit in different departments) and possess an informed understanding of both the front-facing and operational priorities of independent schools. Most recently, Meg performed the role of house parent in a senior girls’ boarding house at Harrow International School Appi in Japan while continuing to consult on marketing issues.

Our approach to boarding is underpinned by these experiences and the nurturing of positive connections between students, staff and parents alike. My journey into boarding began at Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, where the strength of the school community supported boys into a variety of pathways. Whilst traditional academic routes were favoured by many, there was also growing interest in vocational pathways, resulting in an impressive number of students going on to professional sporting careers. These experiences have left me well-placed to be mindful of the interests and commitments of individuals and equipped me with a rounded knowledge of how to support personalised ambitions.

Since leaving the UK in 2020, I have been fortunate to be part of high-achieving and unique environments such as Jumeirah College in Dubai and Harrow International School Appi. The most significant lesson I have taken from these experiences has been a deep appreciation of cultural nuances and customs. However, the common theme of being a “good bloke” seems to transcend traditions and goes a long way to helping forge connections with others and attaining success in your chosen field.

Growing up in rural northern Scotland, the values of treating others as you would like to be treated and maximising your opportunities were at the core of my childhood experiences. It was an environment that could be quite unforgiving if you fell short of these expectations. These ideals have been further impressed upon me by my long-held love of rugby. The openings provided through playing and coaching such a wonderful sport have allowed me to create lifelong friends. I remain convinced that pursuing athletic development as an individual or team member allows young men to display and develop the very best version of themselves.

We are looking forward to continuing the next chapter of our international experiences at TGS and enjoying all that this beautiful part of the world has to offer.

Returning to the School last year as the new Head of Science 21 years after graduating is both exciting and a little surreal. TGS is a place that holds so many memories for me and now I get to be a part of shaping its future. It feels like coming full circle.

One memory that stands out from my years at TGS is that in everything we did, we were guided by dedicated teachers and coaches. Now, 21 years later, I am honoured to lead a team of those teachers in the Science Department and to share with them the privilege of mentoring the current generation of TGS boys. I am looking forward to leading the Science Department through a period of major change as we develop educational opportunities in agriculture and industry. These are subject areas that suit the School’s geographic location and the rural background of many of our students.

After TGS, I went to Brisbane to complete my university studies. I was surrounded by friends, many of whom were former TGS classmates and who remain some of my best friends to this day. After university, I started teaching science at Marist College Ashgrove in Brisbane. During my 14 years at the school, I endeavoured to make science as interesting and engaging for my students as it was for me when I was at TGS.

Over the years, I’ve tried to keep my teaching fresh and relevant. I am deeply committed to science education and when looking at the biggest issues facing the world, I firmly believe that science can help solve these problems through new technologies, methods and ways of thinking.

My aim at TGS, with the help of the other members of the Science Department, is to spark curiosity among our students and support them as they develop. Educating students in the various disciplines of science is more than just transferring facts and information. It is about problem-solving skills and developing a way of thinking. I want every student to feel confident in their abilities and excited about learning. I have always believed that learning should be fun and that everyone can succeed with the right support and encouragement.

Coming back to TGS, I’m keen to share what I’ve learnt with my fellow teachers as we tackle the new challenges that confront the School and the department. A lot has changed since I was a student at the School, but the core values and traditions are the same. TGS gave me a great start in life and I am looking forward to giving back. Whether it’s mentoring students, getting involved in the co-curricular program, or connecting with parents and the boarding community, I look forward to immersing myself in what the School has to offer.