ATAR Excellence

By Dr Alison Young, Director of Studies

The cohort of 2021 completed their two years of Senior School studies under the

umbrella of COVID-19, and so their results are a testament not only to their inherent work ethic but also their resilience.

They did not let a global pandemic impact their outcomes, and they are to be commended for their attitude to their studies. With seven students receiving an ATAR above 99, 23% of the cohort attaining an ATAR over 95 and 65% over 80, this cohort attained results that enabled most students to be offered their first preference for tertiary studies. It is also important to acknowledge our students on a vocational pathway, with 26 students receiving a diploma and a total of 64 Certificate III and Certificate IVs being awarded.

This cohort was also the first to experience their General subjects’ assessment fully, with three pieces of internal assessment as well as their external examination. This required the boys to hone their time management skills, with some very intensive assessment periods needing to be navigated. The students of TGS have always been incredibly busy with numerous co-curricular activities, Senior School responsibilities and studies. Add in their current learning, assessment and preparation for external exams in a pandemic environment and you can understand the need for resilience and time management.

Senior study skills lessons introduced the students to evidence-based best practices when it comes to how to study. The students embraced highly effective study techniques. They worked smarter, not harder, with flashcards, spaced retrieval activities and practice tests. Collaborative study groups enabled the boys to discuss concepts and cement their learning by having the opportunity to share ideas, teach their peers and do peer quizzing. Of course, throughout their Senior School journey, the boys were supported by the dedicated teachers of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was not unusual to find a teacher on campus on a Sunday afternoon running a workshop or providing a regular tutorial in one of the boarding houses.

The cohort of 2021 is to be congratulated on their outstanding results. Their work ethic, resilience and approach to learning along with the support of the dedicated teachers of Toowoomba Grammar school created a perfect storm for great outcomes. They have set the bar high for the next cohort!

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about the Senior School at TGS