Academic Excellence

Gregory Terrace has developed a tradition of striving for excellence in the classroom and for recognising academic achievement. It is an extension of the importance placed on learning, particularly classroom learning, which our College considers the fundamental basis of our students’ education.

This spirit of striving and application has seen Gregory Terrace’s academic performance remain consistently high. Recent Senior cohorts have attained outstanding Tertiary Entrance and Queensland Core Skills (QCS) test results and Terrace typically figures in the top five high schools in Queensland for median OP scores.

Academic Excellence is a central part to the Terrace story and the Terrace Family can be very proud of this reputation, which has been earned through the hard work of our students, the dedication of staff in fostering a culture of excellence and the wonderful support of our parents.

Importantly, we acknowledge that not all of our students will attain the highest standards and that excellence is measured in different ways, for each student. Rather, it is the process, the aspiration, the diligence and improvement, which we also award, that underpins our academic pursuits. We have an innovative and progressive school structure and superb campus facilities that reflect much planning and research into the education of young men, as well as our College Mission.

Student performance is tracked from entry to exit, through a detailed exams and assessment process, providing students, staff and parents with pertinent information on the effectiveness of study habits. Terrace offers a wide-ranging and relevant curriculum and by Years 11 and 12, our students have honed a course of subjects, designed and moderated by the Queensland Studies Authority, appropriate to them. This diversity of opportunity can be seen in our range of faculties.

Academic medals continue to be a prized possession by our students. Great enthusiasm and apprehension is evidenced on the announcement of medal winners. The Buchanan Medal, in particular, holds a historic place in our tradition of scholarship, replicas of which are now awarded to those students who obtain an Overall Position (OP) of 1. We welcome these students back to the College to a Scholars Assembly, to celebrate this achievement.

The announcement of the recipient of the Laurence Healy Memorial Prize, The Blessed Edmund Rice Award for the Dux of the College, our premier academic award, at our annual Celebration of Excellence, also is highly anticipated.

Gregory Terrace is also famous for producing a record number of Rhodes Scholars, currently 17, the most of any school in Australia. As a College, the achievements of our Old Boys provide a strong endorsement of the culture of holistic learning that develops at Terrace, the well-rounded attitude and character of our men.

Our Academic Programs are overseen and administered by Dean of Studies Mrs. Julie Quinn.