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…

In today’s interconnected world, young people are among the most active users of digital technology, which makes them prime targets for ever-evolving cyber threats. As young people increasingly rely on digital platforms for socialising, learning, and entertainment, understanding cyber security becomes crucial for safeguarding their personal information and privacy. Prioritising cyber security at Toorak College Our newest corporate partnership with Tesserent Academy has been pivotal in the…

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…

Philanthropy is the act of assisting those who may be less fortunate than others. It is an effort by either an organisation, individual or group of donors who are willing to make changes for an equitable future. At Toorak College, we nurture this idea at a grassroots level in the hope that it will promote our students to continue their efforts into their adulthood. The importance of women in philanthropy There are many lessons we must teach our young women today, but none are more important…

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…

It is well documented that women still face gender inequality across various facets of society. Despite much progress, entrenched gender stereotypes continue to influence our behaviour, expectations, and aspirations. These biases permeate social media and help to shape the perceptions young girls have of themselves and their aspirations, resulting in a phenomenon called the dream gap. The dream gap is the space between young girls’ ambition and their full potential, hindered by what the world…