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 international level athletes in five sports and being a part of multiple professional title wins in combat sport. My love of athletic development was realised within my work in previous schools where I directed academies and departments to national, international and professional success.
Although my career has taken me to major cities such as Brisbane, I always had a desire to travel back to my roots in the country. When this role became available, I realised this was my opportunity to elevate athletic development opportunities not only for TGS but for the wider rural community. As an Old Boy, I understand how important the GPS system is to the students and how to navigate the stressors that it can impose. As a track and field athlete I had to train year-round to be competitive and the support that I had as a student allowed me to stay in the sport for my entire schooling. I plan on extending from this supportive base and continuing to pursue holistic excellence for all students.
As one of my first projects here at the School, I have created the Athletic Development Academy. This is a Term 4 program aimed at building on key physical literacy that is fostered throughout the sporting year. Bridging the gap between Term 3 and Term 1 allows students to continue to build on these physical literacy skills. This continuation of physical development will allow students to utilise the entire school year to benefit their sports and personal physical capacity, improving not only their performance but their holistic development. As a holistic program, the Academy will integrate educational tools, recovery sessions and physical development sessions to ensure the boys are given the correct tools to progress.
Athletic Development is in its infancy as a field, and I have been blessed to have experienced programs in a range of settings from youth development through to the professional space. This program is unique in that it attempts to integrate all key physical qualities and literacies into a long-term athlete development model. LTAD models attempt to touch all four aspects of development: physical, mental, technical, and tactical. Students will not only be taken through training sessions but be given resources and experience workshops on resilience strategies and other mental skills. This will bridge the gap across the four-aspects, making this program an emerging leader in its class. One of the keys focuses of this program is to build physical literacy across the entire performance spectrum and each of the sessions are scaled using motor learning and skill acquisition series to allow for boys of any level to participate.
Research shows that the development of all four aspects of a LTAD model improves long term wellness through improved participation rates in physical activity, self-perception and adaptability to hardship. This links in with the vision of the School, to have “boys leave with the skills to be independent, well balanced, and successful in life, responding well to challenges and achieving lifelong wellbeing.”
by Jackson Stone, TGS Head of Athletic Development
Latest Blog
Innovation at TGS: Preparing Boys for a Future of Possibilities
This commitment is reflected in how, for generations, our Old Boys have maintained strong connections with the School and their region, demonstrating a dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world. Having students who are able to think critically and evolve with technology will prepare them better for the workforce. Honouring the Past, Preparing for the Future The Grammar 150 celebrations this year offer a special opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of our…
75 Years of Rivalry and Respect
This year’s match holds special meaning, as it marks 75 years since the very first O’Callaghan Cup clash in 1950. Among those who remember the early days is Malcolm Powell, a proud TGS Old Boy (1948-52) who played fullback for the First XV in 1951. Malcolm, now in his nineties, still vividly recalls the thrill of those early games. “I watched the first Cup from the sidelines, I was in the Thirds that year,” Malcolm recalls. The fiercest of rivals but the greatest of friends “Downlands won that…
Our Sesquicentenary
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy. From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake! A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together". Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…
