СƵ

As a member of the Junior School Leadership Team at СƵ, my role involves ensuring that the Junior School’s Teaching and Learning programs are designed, implemented and managed effectively. This role is grounded in the vision, mission, and values of TGS and is crucial in supporting the Head of Junior School and the Director of Studies in providing an exceptional learning experience for our boys.

At TGS Junior School, we prioritise the use of explicit teaching to ensure that our students receive a systematic, direct, and structured approach to learning. We believe that this approach helps our boys to develop a deep understanding of the content being taught and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for academic success. Our teachers use various techniques such as modelling, guided practice, and feedback to ensure that students are actively engaged in the learning process.

Literacy is also a critical component of our educational program, and TGS Junior School places a high priority on promoting literacy skills. Our teachers provide a range of opportunities for students to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. We believe that literacy skills are essential for academic success and lifelong learning.

We recognise the importance of care and wellbeing in education. We prioritise creating a positive learning environment where our students feel safe, supported, and valued. Our teachers are able to recognise, and cater for, the different learning needs of each student and provide appropriate support to promote academic and social-emotional development.

In my role as Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning), I work closely with the Junior School teaching staff and operations and support staff to develop and implement professional learning plans aligned with the strategic goals and priorities of our School. I also support the ongoing development of the Junior School teaching staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

Roles that involve the leading of teaching and learning at TGS Junior School are critical in ensuring that our students receive a high-quality education that is grounded in explicit teaching, literacy, care, and wellbeing. Through the use of evidence-based teaching practices and a focus on the whole child, we are committed to providing an exceptional learning experience that prepares our boys for a successful future.


Latest Blog

Boarding
/
Thursday, 14 May 2026

Echoes of Home: Boarding is who we are

It's there in the early mornings before the day has properly begun, in the noise of boys lining up in the dining hall and in the easy banter that carries them back from sport in the afternoon. Just as often, it shows up in the quieter moments, the ones that tend to go unnoticed at the time but, slowly and steadily, shape who they become. There's also a shared understanding that doesn't need much explaining. What good rainfall means after a long dry spell, or how strong cattle prices on a Friday…

Read More
Sports & Activities
/
Thursday, 07 May 2026

Fiji Rugby Tour 2026: Lessons in Adaptability and Gratitude

Set against the stunning backdrop of Fiji, the tour, held from 3 to 10 April 2026, blended high-level competition, cultural immersion and unexpected challenges. Two demanding matches against local opposition tested adaptability and resilience, while a late-season Severe Tropical Cyclone Vaianu forced significant changes to plans and schedules. Throughout the disruption, the boys’ behaviour was exemplary, drawing praise from hosts and reinforcing the values at the heart of the program. Based in…

Read More
The Arts
/
Thursday, 09 Apr 2026

Musicians First, Teachers Always

When the lights came up on & Juliet at the Empire Theatre, more than 6,700 audience members were treated to a bold, high‑energy production backed by an extraordinary team of professional musicians. Among them were two familiar faces from СƵ: Ms Teresa Brix and Mr Mark Chalmers. For the TGS community, their involvement in one of the region’s largest theatrical productions is something to celebrate, not simply as a professional achievement, but as a powerful reminder of…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Thursday, 19 Mar 2026

Building Good Character

This commitment extends beyond the classroom into every aspect of School life, including programs that encourage our boys to reflect on who they are, how they treat others and the kind of men they hope to become. This week, students from Years 7 to 10 took part in two significant character and wellbeing programs delivered by Damon Joseph and Daniel Principe. Although different in design, both workshops reinforced the same message, that character is learned, practised and strengthened through…

Read More
Sports & Activities
/
Thursday, 12 Mar 2026

Stateside Success: The Growing US College Pathway for TGS Boys

A Parent's Perspective: From Blue & Gold to Bowling Green For the TGS boys that take the trip to the United States, their pathways are diverse, but they share a common foundation: the support, discipline and belief built on the 52 acres that is our 150-year-old campus. For past TGS mum, Adele Spurgin, the journey from watching her boys run out in the blue and gold of СƵ to seeing them play together in the orange and brown strip of Bowling Green State University’s…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Wednesday, 18 Feb 2026

Helping Boys Build Stronger Identities at TGS

Social media influencers, hyper‑masculine stereotypes and the pressure to “perform” academically, socially and emotionally can distort a young man’s sense of self long before he has the tools to understand what he’s feeling. СƵ (TGS) has recognised this challenge and responded with intention. Through a bespoke Pastoral Care model and a powerful partnership with Tomorrow Man and other leading professionals, the School is reshaping how boys understand identity, connection…

Read More
Student Contribution
/
Monday, 09 Feb 2026

Cambodia Cultural and Service Tour

Across twelve days with RAW Impact, the group moved through moments of cultural immersion, physical work, reflection and genuine connection with local communities. Their words capture the impact more powerfully than any adult could. Phnom Penh: Confronting history to understand the present The tour began in Phnom Penh, where the group visited the Killing Fields and S21 before beginning their service work. For many boys, this was the moment they realised the tour would be life changing. As Year…

Read More
Old Boys
/
Thursday, 27 Nov 2025

Old Boy Geoffrey Smith inspires at our Senior School Speech Night

СƵ’s Senior School Speech Night was marked by a powerful address from Old Boy Geoffrey Smith (2002–06), recently named the 2025 Australian of the Year for Queensland. Geoffrey, co-founder of Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA), has become a national leader in recognising the untapped potential of neurodivergent Australians in the workforce. His organisation provides geo-spatial and engineering services while creating meaningful employment opportunities - with 80 per cent…

Read More
Boarding
/
Thursday, 20 Nov 2025

Tears at the Gate, Pride at the Finish

Melanie Elms says she regularly sees a group of TGS parents socially, they've become lifelong friends Heartfelt moments bookend the boarding years “It feels very surreal. I'm proud, but it is very surreal.” Those were the words of Mrs Melanie Elms from 'Taringa' near Edgeroi, New South Wales, as she reflected on the moment her youngest son Sam finished his time at СƵ. An end to walking up to Taylor House returning a boarder to TGS forever and it comes just 12 months after…

Read More