How will technological advancements affect careers of the future? Many of today’s occupations will no longer exist by the time this year’s Prep students have finished their education. Having a STEM-skilled workforce is the foundation on which the Australian economy will prosper. Technological advancements continue to accelerate, and skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, analytic capabilities and curiosity are necessary to succeed. "In the last 20 years alone, employment in STEM…
The importance of facing challenges head-on is a fundamental theme in our children’s learning journey, particularly from Kindergarten to Year 4. As educators and parents, we need to allow for teachable moments which provide opportunities for our children to navigate these pivotal experiences and lessons. Positive mental health hinges on the balance of protective actions such as providing a stable environment and modelling healthy coping mechanisms vs. risk factors that encourage adversity. Our…
While it appears that we are now on the path to overcoming COVID-19, the disruption of the pandemic has caused many parents to revisit the question of education and schooling for their children. In looking to provide your children with the best chance to learn, grow and thrive, we must consider what these ideas mean to us in the post-COVID-19 world. The new school year is approaching, and 2021 is set to be a year shaped by a ‘new normal’. But the most pressing questions come from how that new…
The way to change the world, or at least your world, is to dare to be ambitious. Because when you dare to dream big, you challenge the status quo and give yourself the opportunity to pave your own way forward and make a difference. For many young females, embracing ambition is uncomfortable. More so than their male counterparts, females cast doubts in their own minds and feel the pressure to succeed differently. For many, it is not passion nor skill that holds them back, it is the fear of…
What is unconscious bias? Conscious bias is becoming more easily recognised in today’s culture and tolerance for conscious discrimination in our community is at an all time low. On the flip side, unconscious bias, in its subtlety, often goes unnoticed. In particular, unconscious gender biases often happen habitually as part of historical societal norms, and can be present in both females and males. As an independent girls school, Toorak College is acutely aware of the gender biases that affect…
Parents want to give their children the best opportunities to set them up for their future, so every education decision is an important one. Right from the beginning, choosing a primary school is the first step in laying a secure educational foundation, but where do you start? We’ve created a guide to help families navigate these intricate decisions, including our tips for how to choose a primary school in Melbourne, the significance of early education and our tips for creating a cohesive and…
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,…
Attending a school tour? Here are 10 important questions to ask at school open days, to support you in making the best decision for your child’s education. Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision that every family faces. There are many aspects to a child's education, so where do you start? To find a school that is the best fit for your child, attending a school open day is a good way to start the research process. Open days provide you with the opportunity to start…
This week, Toorak College welcomed best-selling Australian author and psychologist Steve Biddulph to speak as part of our Wellbeing Information Series, The Loop. Recognised globally for his work on parenting, Steve’s Raising Girls and Raising Boys talks were informative, charming, heartfelt, and oh so relatable! Over two nights, Steve shared his wealth of professional experience and expertise to an audience that were captivated by every word. As a mother of a young boy and twin girls, here…