Toowoomba Grammar School provides an inspiring and broad curriculum for boys, delivered by dedicated educators who understand how to engage boys in their learning. Our staff go above and beyond in providing an outstanding education and support network for our boys. They are regularly available to answer questions, assist with homework and assignments and provide academic support for all our students. This is particularly so for our boarders, thanks to our Academic Enrichment Program (AEP).
All teaching staff contribute to this AEP throughout the year. They will make themselves available on a Tuesday or Wednesday during ‘Prep’ time. ‘Prep’ is a one and a half to two-hour homework session conducted Monday to Friday in a dedicated study room in each boarding house. Maths, English and Science teachers are always available, and specialised subject staff attend on a rotational basis. They work with the students in small groups or individually.
“The boys feel supported through this program, and it encourages them to be aspirational in their academic endeavours so that they will have a go and do their best,” stated TGS Director of Boarding, Mr Nick Byron.
It also provides staff with a more personal insight into the students, and a greater understanding of their backgrounds.
“Interacting in the boarding setting enables staff to get to know the boys on another level which further strengthens and nurtures relationships and helps with pastoral care,” Nick said.
The AEP is taken a step further for our Year 5 to 7 Corfe House boarders. Staff not only help with homework and assignments but with developing good study skills. This ensures a smooth transition for boys at key times throughout their education.
“We understand that our boarders come from a multitude of backgrounds; from school-of-the air or one-teacher schools to traditional larger schools,” said Nick.
“They come from a variety of different learning experiences and our focus is developing good study habits and skills, so they have a strong foundation as the workload increases. We support all our boys to achieve their best no matter what their ability.”
Our Senior boarders are particularly appreciative of the AEP, along with the diverse pathway options provided to them through our TGS Careers and Vocational Education and Training (VET) program.
From Year 10, careers counsellors work closely with the students, providing them with opportunities to expand new interests or follow their passions.
“We understand that not all boys want to go to university,” stated Nick.
“Some plan to return to their farms or are interested in a trade so we’re very conscious of offering courses in all these areas, equipping them with skills for the life that they want to pursue.”
These courses include everything from hospitality or trades during school hours, to extra-curricular courses such as a certificate in aviation or welding.
“The boys relish these opportunities and find them extremely valuable,” Nick said.
“It’s just another way that we ensure a high-quality boarding experience for our boys.”
Latest Blog
The Makings of a Premiership
The 2022 1st V Basketball squad will be forever etched in the pages of Toowoomba Grammar School history as the first TGS team to win a GPS Basketball Premiership since the competition commenced in 1984. Head of Basketball, and 1st V Coach, Mr Kabe Cicolini has been instrumental in the growth and success of not just our leading team, but of the TGS Basketball Program as a whole. Kabe has come from a background of playing GPS sport – cricket, rugby and basketball as a student at Ipswich Grammar…
Creating a Learning Environment that Boys Enjoy
Creating an environment for students to access and engage in learning is the educational philosophy of the new Toowoomba Grammar School Head of Junior School, Mr Ken Raven. “This requires a supportive an inclusive learning environment across the school where everyone feels they can make a positive contribution,” Mr Raven stated. “I encourage evidence-informed, explicit teaching of curriculum that sparks curiosity and interest for students to engage and explore.” Parental interaction and…
Introducing our new Deputy Head of Junior School (Teaching and Learning), Mrs Chantelle Bauer
Toowoomba Grammar School is excited to welcome our new Deputy Head of Junior School (Teaching and Learning), Mrs Chantelle Bauer. Mrs Bauer brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role, having lived and worked in the Darling Downs and Southwest Queensland region her entire life. She was born and bred in St George, attended university in Toowoomba and took her first teaching role in Roma. She has worked in various roles across the region, including Year Level Coordinator, Head of…
You can't know a student without knowing where they come from
Boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School can be described as many things such as evolving identity, growing personally and developing character in your second home, but it is also about growing your family. Head of Boyce House boarding, Mr Michael Hall and his family, certainly enjoyed that opportunity over January. Catching up with a beautiful collection of current families from Boyce House was a privilege and has helped to build the relationships of trust and care that are essential in a…
DNF (Did Not Finish)
- Dan CrookHead of Library and Information Services I was talking books with a friend the other day; an avid reader, she had been looking for some light reads in new genre for the holidays, and so had sought out the wisdom of the internet. After watching a few BookToks (Tiktok book recommendations) she’d settled on some titles and begun to read. However after investing a good amount of her time and getting half way through the first and most highly recommended book, she asked herself, and then…
TGS Boarding - A Safe, Welcoming and Joyous Community
“From a boarding perspective, enabling young boys to flourish is only achieved within a community that is safe, welcoming, and joyous. These three aspects are at the core of my boarding philosophy and are closely aligned with my fundamental values as a boarding Head of House – acceptance, resilience, and fun,” explains Mr Henry White, Head of Corfe House. Corfe House serves as the entry point for Toowoomba Grammar School’s youngest boarders (Years 5 to 7) and the skills, relationships, and…
Transitioning to Year 7 at TGS
Can you remember your first day in secondary school? It can be a time of mixed feelings - very exciting, but also quite daunting and challenging. Irrespective of whether your son is joining us from the TGS Junior School, or if they are just starting at Toowoomba Grammar School, it can appear to be the start of a long journey. It is a rite of passage in many respects but with this comes increased emotions in response to transition. The boys have a lot to digest with a new, possibly larger campus…
The Boarding Journey
Every parent will have a unique journey with their son whilst he is boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School. I’m Kym Wright, mother of Clancy, who is in Year 12 and this is my journey…. From my very first experience with Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding ten years ago, I had a good feeling straight away that TGS would be the perfect fit for my son. I was picking up my nephew for lunch. He had started boarding at TGS just six weeks prior. It was pouring rain and there were boys enthusiastically…
Building Self-Confidence and Resilience in Year 7s
As your child enters the new and unknown world of secondary school, it is a very important time to nurture the confidence and self-esteem of your son. Adolescence can also be a time of bewildering physical changes and strong emotions, opinions and increasing independence. Nurturing their confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness will go a long way to helping them to have the self-belief to tackle difficult new academic challenges, to developing new friendships and social skills, and…
