Blog

Should the ATAR stay or go? How challenging traditional methods of reporting will open real industry pathways for students. I commenced my teaching career in 2000, at the beginning of the century (that sounds both momentous and frightening simultaneously). This time not only marked the beginning of my career but also a time of change in the world, where the students I taught learnt the meaning of the word terrorism through world events and not just fictional texts. With any kind of change it…

The Importance of Successful Transition to High School At the beginning of a school year, students, parents and educators alike, have a large focus on transition. We understand the importance of transition for two important reasons: A successful transition to high school instils self-confidence and develops social competence, which allows for new connections and friendships to be forged, and it enables new beginnings to be created, allowing for goals and plans to be made that direct a young…

How will ChatGPT alter the world of education ? Just when we thought we could be returning to a sense of normality in schools in 2023, our next wave of disruption comes crashing down, right before those gates open for a new school year. ChatGPT has crept into the world right when we were unplugging for a few weeks and finally reading books for pleasure, watching a TV series and enjoying the luxury of having nowhere else to be. If you are not already familiar with ChatGPT it is a language model…

How to support your child’s return to school As we prepare our children for the return to school, while it is a very exciting time for many, for some it can bring with it feelings of unease, uncertainty and trepidation. Those butterflies in the stomach are completely normal as we face challenges or change, and it is important to work with those feelings, not against them. Whether it be concerns around starting a new school, a desire to explore new friendship circles or being away from parents…

A new era of growth, character and resilience emerges. The time that we are living in poses challenges for us all. One question borne out of this time is, how will it shape us? This is particularly pertinent when looking at the experience of young people. During adolescence our brains create more new neural connections, and have more capacity for change and adaptation, than at almost any other stage in our life. We recognise that for young people to use this potential and to achieve their best…

With the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) underway in Glasgow it is only fitting that we as a school reflect on the role we play in educating, delivering and innovating sustainable practices. Media coverage around our climate crisis continues to be amplified and while we look to global leaders to support widespread initiatives, we must understand the integral role each of us plays in creating a more sustainable future. One of our priorities at Toorak is to consider our…

Why Boarding School may be beneficial for your child There are many reasons why families might decide to send their children to board on campus at school. Traditionally, boarding has been considered a great option for students from remote areas or overseas who are seeking education opportunities outside their local area. However, Boarding School also has many benefits for those who live locally. Sending your child to Boarding School offers them the opportunity to develop their life skills,…

Winter is upon us which means less time outdoors and more time indoors. Of course this doesn't mean a change in quality family time, in fact quite the opposite; bring out the board games! As well as creating an opportunity for time together and a great form of entertainment, board games can also be used to strengthen memory ability and executive function. Perfect for developing brains, board games are a sensational tool to help children and adolescents create new neural links and pathways…