Blog

The first big milestone and change in a child’s school journey happens when they leave Year 6 and primary school behind to move to secondary school. It marks a period of social, emotional and academic change that affects every area of your teen’s life. Transitioning from primary school can be both exciting and overwhelming for young people, and as parents and carers, your guidance can make a world of difference. Understanding developmental changes The transition to high school coincides with a…

Early education and childcare can provide children with opportunities to develop independence and build their social understanding early. 90 - 95 per cent of the brain is developed by the time a child turns six, this means the early years of childhood can drastically impact a child's abilities and brain structure as they begin to grow. After this time the brain will slowly adapt and develop the remaining five per cent until about the age of 25. Early education and developmental support has the…

In our rapidly evolving modern world, children need opportunities to develop deep and meaningful connections with nature. Fostering empathetic connections with the living environment is the foundation of the Nature Play Program: it is as important to the child as it is to the natural world. Nurturing connections to the natural world sparks a child's journey from an ego-centric view of the environment to understanding the interconnectedness between the human and more-than-human world. Australian…

Forbes Australia has released its inaugural 30 Under 30 list, spotlighting exceptional young leaders, innovators and trailblazers across different sectors. These women, excelling in underrepresented fields, show how passion, resilience and creativity can break barriers and inspire future generations. Together, these founders have raised more than $100 million in funding, highlighting their drive to create positive change. The 30 finalists were chosen by a panel of independent, expert judges,…

Living in a boarding community during adolescence not only teaches young people many life skills and encourages personal growth, but also fosters intercultural understanding. At Joan Ansett Hall, Toorak's Boarding House, students come from a range of diverse cultural backgrounds from all around the globe: the boarding house is a melting pot of traditions, languages, and perspectives. In this dynamic setting, our boarding school students navigate their academic journey and also undergo a…

The role of a school is centred around both the academic and personal growth of a young person. As school leaders, we understand the profound impact a school can have on a student during their formative years. In a world where social media standards and media reports dominate much of what we see, a great education adds depth and context to all they encounter. For young women, no topic is more important right now than their safety and confidence in self. We see confidence in self in the…

Continuous professional development is a key pillar of Toorak College’s employee offering, empowering both teaching and non-teaching staff to refine their skills. Our teachers adapt to the evolving needs of the classroom and students by integrating innovative approaches and fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. Our commitment to professional development enhances effective evidence-based pedagogy, nurturing both academic and personal growth, and ensuring every student thrives in…

The journey of a child's education begins long before they step into the classroom. The formative years, particularly the first five, lay the groundwork for not only academic achievement but also social and emotional development. In this critical period, children embark on a path that shapes their future educational trajectory. Early exposure to quality learning experiences will give children essential skills in fostering confidence, resilience, and curiosity. Research shows that up to 90…

Continuing to support student academic and personal growth, this year Toorak College introduced a new Year 10 subject called Agile. During Term 2 in Agile, students have the opportunity to further develop their transferable skill set through a Micro-credential. Spanning across CPR qualifications, mental health training, hacking courses and more, students have the opportunity to leverage a transferable skill which will assist them in scoring their first job or simply adding to their resume.…