Southern Downs principal Will Curthoys helping to shape Warwick’ State High School’s youth after taking top job

A positive shake up is coming for Warwick State High School in 2024, with a new principal and a new teaching approach. See what’s happening here.

Almost 29 years in education at both Queensland and NSW school’s has been nothing but rewarding for Will Curthoys.

Twelve months ago he graced the Southern Downs taking on the position of acting principal at Warwick State High School.

Mr Curthoys will continue his reign in 2024 after receiving the permanent principal position in December 2023.

For those who grew up in the Darling Downs, Mr Curthoys is likely a familiar face, having worked at a range of high schools around the region since 1999.

Warwick State High School is set to see some major changes this year, partnering with University of Southern Queensland professor Andrew Hickey to form a tailored teaching approach.

“Essentially, it’s around as a teacher, getting to know your students the best that you possibly can, and ensuring that your pedagogy (approach) engages those students in the best possible way to get the best outcome,” Mr Curthoys said.

“The work with Andrew Hickey has been fantastic, because we are tailoring it to Warwick State High School, not just using someone’s approach that may not work for us.”

Teaching approaches aside, Mr Curthoys said the high school’s other major focus this year will be working to improve and maintain positive school culture.

Warwick State High School principal Will Curthoys is working to make the high school the best in the state. Photo: Jessica Klein

“Positive school culture is really important for us around changing the way that we work within Warwick State High School,” he said.

“(That means) ensuring that people are safe, they’re respected, they’re responsible and they build positive relationships with each other.”

Mr Curthoys said this positive culture will be projected both inside and outside of the school fence, ensuring students are having positive influences in the Warwick community.

Making his debut as an ambassador for prospective teachers later in the year, Mr Curthoys will work closely with university education students to help prepare them for teaching in the real world.

“My advice (to prospective teachers) is to understand that you’re in the most important profession, because every student who goes through school ends up in our community,” he said.

“It’s our responsibility to build fantastic communities, therefore, we need to do that through school.

“I think the responsibility that teachers have is huge and it’s a very rewarding job, and an extremely enjoyable job.”

It’s no secret there’s a shortage of teachers not only in state school’s, but nationwide.

Making the practical teaching experience as real as possible for education students is key to ensuring their long careers in education, Mr Curthoys said.

“At the same time (we need to) be able to offer them as much support as we can to allow them success,” he said.

“It’s a job where you need to build your skill set, it just doesn’t come the first day you walk in the door.

“So, we need to ensure that we’re supporting those teachers, and universities are supporting those teachers to make that happen.”

As the oldest school in Queensland, Mr Curthoys said with the changes coming in 2024, he has no doubt the sky will be the limit for Warwick State High School’s staff and students.