Townsville Grammar School Years 7-12

WELCOME

BONUS INTRA MELIOR EXI - ENTER GOOD, EXIT BETTER

A Grammar Education is an experience where students are inspired to strive for personal best; and in doing so, develop knowledge, character, and a love for discovery.

Townsville Grammar School is a place where young people, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the full Grammar experience – a balanced offering of exceptional academic instruction, extensive co-curricular opportunities, community service, leadership and School spirit.

The School motto, Bonus Intra Melior Exi - enter good, exit better - is the guiding philosophy in our approach to the academic, sporting, cultural and character development of all Grammarians.

Since its establishment in 1888, Townsville Grammar School has grown with the community, delivering an exceptional education in a values-based environment. The School has expanded in line with the city’s growth, offering Pre-Prep to Year 12 across three campuses at North Ward, Annandale and North Shore.

Through the Past Grammarians Association, the School is proud to maintain strong connections with alumni in line with maintaining our respect for, and connection, with our history and heritage.

You are very welcome to visit us at any of the three campuses to learn more about our School. We look forward to meeting and welcoming you to our Grammar community.

Timothy Kelly PRINCIPAL

A GRAMMAR EDUCATION

THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHARACTER

A Grammar education provides a broad, liberal schooling, one which strives to develop young people of character, service, and respect.

As one of the eight original Grammar schools in Queensland, Townsville Grammar School has a long-standing reputation for delivering an exceptional education in a values-based environment. This exceptional education includes an extensive leadership, co-curricular and service program to provide students with opportunities for personal development.

Townsville Grammar School offers Pre-Prep to Year 12 (day and boarding) across three Campuses:

NORTH WARD CAMPUS YEARS 7 – 12 / DAY + BOARDING

ANNANDALE CAMPUS PRE-PREP - YEAR 6

NORTH SHORE CAMPUS PRE-PREP - YEAR 6

THE LEADING ACADEMIC SCHOOL IN NORTH QUEENSLAND

• Leading NAPLAN results for both secondary and primary schools outside of South East Queensland

• Listed in the top 20 schools in Queensland for NAPLAN results (averaged 2018-2023)

• Consistently leading Year 12 ATAR outcomes

• IB Diploma results above national benchmarks (IB World School) FOR MORE INFORMATION

TGS.QLD.EDU.AU

Equipping students with the academic foundations, the critical thinking skills and the mindset to contribute compassionately and passionately to their world beyond school.

PERSONAL BEST

THE GRAMMAR EXPERIENCE

Personal best is a motto and mindset for every student. Throughout their journey at TGS, students are supported to strive for their personal best, which means something different to each individual, and is an attitude that applies to all facets of life.

The student experience at Townsville Grammar School is one of respect, encouragement, support and joy as they develop a great love of discovery and learning. It is also one of opportunity:

• An exceptional education

• An extensive range of co-curricular opportunities

• Personal development and pastoral care

• Community service opportunities and leadership development

• School spirit through participation, healthy competition, encouragement and involvement in School life

• A Pre-Prep to Year 12 community with cross-campus connections, events and celebrations

PAST GRAMMARIANS

Upon graduating from Townsville Grammar School, students become a member of the School’s extensive alumni, a strong network of Past Grammarians across the globe who remain passionate about and connected with the School through the Past Grammarians Association.

This is what a Grammar education strives to achieveyoung people with character, with a service mindset, manners and respect for self and others.

A CULTURE OF LEARNING

AN EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION

Townsville Grammar School has cultivated a strong culture of learning whereby students are affirmed, supported and encouraged to develop a love of learning and discovery.

The School’s learning culture is based on the following:

• The TGS Teaching & Learning Framework that is implemented throughout the Junior and Senior School, supported by significant professional development for teachers.

• Teachers who are passionate and professional experts in their fields and who are available to students during breaks and through the tutorial program.

• High behavioural standards in the classroom means students receive maximum teaching and learning time.

• A strong culture of learning and feedback, where students feel at ease to learn and develop in a safe and respectful environment.

• A strong pastoral care program supported by the Health & Wellbeing team.

• A well-developed culture of manners and respect, with a campus environment that is calm, orderly and respectful.

• A balanced offering of academic instruction, co-curricular opportunities, community service and leadership development.

• A partnership with parents to enhance learning and the overall student experience.

High standards for respectful behaviour translates into maximised learning in the classroom and into a school culture where manners, inclusivity, a sense of welcome and joy are evident.

A unique, broad and challenging program that ensures students are provided with a range of skills and knowledge to equip them well for the complex and global community in which they live.

IB WORLD SCHOOL

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a highly regarded international curriculum offered in schools around the world, for students in Years 11 and 12.

Townsville Grammar School is proud to be an accredited IB World School and privileged to be a part of this international community of teachers and learners. Students in Years 11 and 12 are offered this alternative academic pathway which is a unique, challenging and diverse educational program. The IB Programme is internationally respected and recognised, and often students receive credit against first year university course subjects.

Townsville Grammar School has been offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma for more than ten years and consistently achieves results that are above the global benchmark.

The course is designed and administered by the IB Organisation (IBO), based in Geneva, and examined by an international Body of Examiners representing many cultures and countries.

Townsville Grammar School is committed to the IB Diploma due to:

• The synergy between the School’s outward-looking educational philosophy of scholarship and citizenship.

• The breadth and depth of the IB curriculum delivering high academic standards, critical thinking, intercultural understanding and respect for others.

• The opportunity it provides for staff to engage in professional development of a world-class standard.

BOARDING

AN EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION & LIFESTYLE

Townsville Grammar School’s boarding program offers students exceptional academic support and a lifestyle that makes the most of the North Queensland environment.

With a beachside location and surrounded by major sporting and recreational facilities, the boarding house is ideally positioned to offer boarders a fantastic lifestyle, enjoying the best of the North Queensland environment.

The main Boarding House, Parker-Hall Building, is located on the edge of the School’s ovals and courts, and adjacent to campus facilities including a 50m pool and gymnasium. The School is located within easy walking distance to Castle Hill, The Strand beachfront, Queens Gardens and the Gregory Street Precinct. Facilities such as the Townsville Sports Precinct, Townsville Sports Reserve (Red Track), Tennis Townsville and the Townsville Touch Fields are also adjacent to the campus.

The Boarding Program is a positive and enriching experience for students, providing a home away from home and a boarding family in the truest sense of the word. Students and staff enjoy relationships based on mutual respect with a sense of fun, within a culture of welcome, care and support.

Townsville Grammar School has been serving rural and remote based families for generations and is proud to also welcome international students from across the globe.

Boarding has been an integral feature of Townsville Grammar School since its establishment in 1888. Boarders have always held a very special place within the wider School community.

SERVICE LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY

Service leadership is one of the hallmarks of a Grammar education and a vital part of the School’s pastoral care approach.

Students are provided with many opportunities to participate in community service and they are strongly encouraged to develop a service-leadership mindset. This aligns with the School’s motto, Bonus Intra Melior Exi (enter good, exit better), helping our students to develop their personal leadership skills by contributing to community.

In Years 7-12, community service and leadership opportunities are supported by ongoing learning through the School’s Pastoral Care program, Positive Education, which focuses on the development of individual character strengths.

Through community service and leadership opportunities students develop responsibility and respect for themselves, for others, and for their environment.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

• House leadership roles and responsibilities

• Form class roles and responsibilities

• Year 9 Middle School leaders

• Year 12 Senior School leaders

• Leadership committees

• School events, assemblies and academic events

• Duke of Edinburgh Award

• Camps and tours

• Buddy programs

• Opportunities for school representation in sport, arts, and community service activities

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:

• House-based community service program

• TGS Interact Club

• Student-led community and charity projects

• Community and civic events

• Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp

• Challenge Games

The Pastoral Care approach is about the development of personal character and resilience, and the promotion of a strong culture of respect.

PASTORAL CARE

A POSITIVE EDUCATION

Pastoral care at Townsville Grammar School involves the delivery of the Positive Education program, leadership and service opportunities, camps, tours, and a transition program for key year levels.

The Positive Education program underpins the framework of the School’s pastoral care and wellbeing approach. Positive Education aims to shape wellrounded and resilient individuals who possess the capacity to thrive, and who are well-equipped to contribute to society in a satisfying and meaningful way.

The Positive Education Program seeks to achieve this through the development of personal character strengths and respectful relationships.

THE PASTORAL CARE TEAM FOR YEARS 7-12 INCLUDES:

• Head of School (North Ward Campus)

• Heads of House & Year 7 Co-ordinator

• School Psychologist

• Co-ordinator of Student Wellbeing & Development

• Form teachers

• Head of Boys Boarding & Head of Girls Boarding

• Health Centre Registered Nurses

• Careers Advisor

• Defence School Mentor

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OF THE SCHOOL PROVIDES AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE EACH STUDENT CAN:

• Strive for personal best in the classroom, in co-curricular activities, and in social and emotional development

• Achieve balanced personal growth through participation in a range of activities

• Feel supported, included and valued as individuals

• Take well-considered risks and raise expectations of themselves

• Develop resilience in the face of challenges

• Actively enrich our community through learning, culture and service

SPORT & ACTIVITIES

CO-CURRICULAR

Townsville Grammar School offers an extensive sports and activities program offering students the opportunity to explore a range of physical activities, along with the development of the understanding of healthy body, healthy mind.

The co-curricular sports program includes club and school-based sports. Sports include club rowing, club netball, club rugby, club touch, swimming, cricket, athletics, running and fitness, basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, volleyball, waterpolo, sailing and fencing.

Townsville Grammar School Sport has an underpinning Code of Behaviour for every student:

• To train with commitment

• To play fairly

• To embrace defeat graciously

• To accept victory humbly

Participation and competition in sport helps to build a strong culture where both personal achievements and team performances are valued and recognised. This reflects the School’s focus on character development through responsibility, teamwork, personal decisions, participation and performance.

ACTIVITIES & CLUBS

In conjunction with the sport offerings, the School offers a range of activities and clubs including debating, public speaking, chess, Lego League, coding, cooking, crochet and the Entrepreneur & Investment Club.

Sport and physical activity are vitally important for the personal development and wellbeing of young people to lead healthy, balanced lives.

THE ARTS

MUSIC, THEATRE, DANCE

The Arts are an integral feature of the life of Townsville Grammar School; for those who learn and practise, and for those who enjoy the performances and creations of our Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Art faculties.

Townsville Grammar School’s Performing Arts program is widely respected, offering students both curriculum and co-curricular opportunities with an extensive performance calendar.

MUSIC OFFERS:

• Widely renowned Music program, curricular music and IB music

• Extensive co-curricular opportunities in choral and instrumental ensembles

• Extensive performance opportunities, workshops and programs

• Individual tuition in vocal and instrumental

• Music Centre with purpose-designed learning and performances spaces, private tuition and practice rooms, and a music library

THEATRE & DANCE OFFERS:

• Prominent theatre program including both curricular and co-curricular opportunities

• Dedicated Performing Arts precinct

• Dance studios

• Biennial Senior School production (staged at Townsville Civic Theatre)

• Biennial Middle School production (school-based)

• Co-curricular dance troupes with performance opportunities

• Co-curricular Theatre Club

Involvement in the Arts fosters creativity, develops self-esteem and encourages the respect of teamwork, punctuality and personal responsibility.

OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

NORTH WARD - OUR HERITAGE CAMPUS

The North Ward Campus is Townsville Grammar School’s original site, established in 1888, and home to students in Years 7-12, day and boarding.

This 6.53-hectare, inner-city campus is located within easy walking distance to Castle Hill, The Strand beachfront and Queens Gardens, and lies adjacent to major sporting facilities.

The campus features the heritage-listed School House, the original classroom and boarding dormitory built in 1888. School House has been recently restored to its former glory and has resumed its place as the central iconic feature of the campus.

TOWNSVILLE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

YEARS 7-12 DAY & BOARDING

45 PAXTON STREET, NORTH WARD QLD 4810

(61) 7 4722 4900

CRICOS: 00564G | TGS.QLD.EDU.AU

As the heritage campus of the School, the North Ward Campus is where the graduation ceremonies for Pre-Prep, Year 6 and Year 12 are held, as well as major academic assemblies and special events that bring together students and families from all three campuses

The North Ward Campus includes the Middle School (Years 7-9) and Senior School (Years 10-12).

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FEATURES:

• Air-conditioned, technology-enabled classrooms

• Middle School precinct

• Science Centre

• Music Centre

• Performing Arts precinct (Theatre & Dance)

• Student Wellbeing Centre

• Gymnasium + 50m heated pool

• Rugby ovals, netball and basketball courts

• Parker-Hall Boarding House

• Adjacent to the Townsville Sports Precinct, the Sports Reserve (Red Track), Townsville Tennis and Townsville Touch Fields

• TGS bus service

• TGS Parents Network and Past Grammarians Association

• Supporter groups including the Past Grammarians Association and the Parents Network

SCHOOL HOUSE EST 1888

School House, established in 1888, was the original classroom and boarding dormitory built on the North Ward Campus heritage site. Originally a boys’ school, the School became co-educational in 1893, becoming the first co-educational, non-denominational secondary school on mainland Australia.

School House was partially destroyed in 1903 by Cyclone Leonta and was re-built to a different design in 1903-1904. Until 1940, all lessons, with the exception of science, were conducted on the lower level of the building, while the upper level was used as a dormitory for boarders.

From 1940 to 2011 the building was used for multiple purposes until it was closed for a significant restoration.

SCHOOL HOUSE RESTORATION

Following a significant restoration program, School House re-opened in 2022. Restored to its former glory, this iconic heritage-listed building has resumed its place in the heart of the North Ward Campus, and serves as a wonderful venue for use by the School and the wider community, with function and meeting rooms available and a School Museum.

School House is on the Townsville City Council’s Heritage Trail and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2002. School House stands as testament to the School’s history, capturing its story for past, present and future Grammarians.