Nurturing Excellence: The Case for Educating Boys in Single-Sex Schools
Amidst the controversy in some single sex schools in Sydney and beyond about the relative merits of single sex education compared with co-education, Shore, as part of its 2023 – 2025 Strategic Direction, is doubling down on our commitment to boys’ education as we seek to conduct our School at the level of best practice. Our international scoping of the field has confirmed our affiliation with the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), which is a rich source of collaboration and learning with a very substantial resource base drawn from research and practice. This in no way prevents our commitment to the small number of girls at our Northbridge Campus in Years K-2. Again, we are aware of research, confirmed by observation, which suggests that gender specific education at that age is not a priority. Our commitment to boys’ education is coupled with our desire for significant social and educative activities with leading girls’ schools; activities which are well thought through and conducted in a safe and positive environment. Mr Matt Leeds, our Deputy Head, Academic, has contributed a fine reflection on boys’ education, which appears below.
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
In recent years, the debate surrounding single-sex education has gained significant traction. Discussions about the merits and potential pitfalls of single-sex education in schools have become a prominent topic of conversation. University of South Australia Associate Professor Judith Gill, who has studied gender and education for over 30 years says the following “I’m inclined to take the position that it may not be the most important feature of the school… It is the easiest one to tell. It becomes a defining characteristic, but perhaps it shouldn’t. There are good schools and ordinary schools in both categories.” Building on the idea, Professor Andrew Martin of University of New South Wales writes “The most effective schools are the ones that understand their structural composition and make the most of that opportunity”. At Shore we understand this structural composition very well. As a School founded for boys, we have been dedicated to educating and shaping men of character, intellect, and Christ-like virtue for close to 135 years. Men who not only thrive in the world beyond School but seek to use their gifts and abilities to serve for the good of the community.
What Does the Research say about Learning in Single-Sex Schools?
A much-cited perspective on the benefits of single-sex schooling has often been the academic benefits. Research conducted by the Australian Council for Education Research in 2017 sheds light on the academic advantages of single-sex education. The study found that, when controlling for socioeconomic status, students in single-sex schools outperformed their co-educational counterparts in reading and numeracy NAPLAN scores between grades 3 and 7. This trend was further highlighted in a recent Sydney Morning Herald article which highlighted those students in single-sex schools consistently achieved better NAPLAN results overall than their coeducational counterparts. This evidence supports the notion that single-sex education can offer an academic edge to students, both boys and girls. Dr. Michael Johnston’s research at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand also reinforces the idea that boys benefit academically from single-sex education. His 10-year study concluded that young men attending single-sex schools achieve higher NCEA (HSC) qualifications, University Entrance, and New Zealand Scholarship passes compared to their counterparts in coeducational settings.
While this research is compelling, I do not believe it is the most significant distinguishing feature of a single-sex schooling. At Shore we value holistic education, and understand that education is more than simply unearthing academic knowledge. If this is the case what other inherit advantages are there for boys’ schools?
The Need for Positive Male Role Models
Tom Batty, Executive Director for the International Boys School Coalition (IBSC), penned a recent letter to the editor of the Washington Post making a powerful case for the importance of single-sex education for boys. This was far more broad than simply academic achievement. He highlights several critical points shown in recent research:
- Developmental Differences: Boys and girls develop at different times and rates, emphasising the need for tailored approaches to their education.
- Positive Male Role Models: Boys require positive male role models during key stages of development.
- Decrease in Male Caregivers: The presence of men in caregiving roles in boys’ lives has declined).
- Relational Learning: Boys are relational learners who benefit from relationship-based teaching methods.
- Addressing Testing Outcomes: The focus on content and testing has led to boys falling behind girls in academic testing outcomes.
To addressing these needs, Batty suggests:
- More positive male role models (to join the many positive female role models): Schools should prioritise the inclusion of caring men with interests, skills, and stories to inspire young men and nurture their sense of worth and purpose.
- A holistic education approach: The education system should move away from excessive testing and allow boys the time and variety they need to discover their interests and skills.
- Fostering passion and mastery: Schools should create programs that help boys uncover their passions and develop mastery in various areas.
Shore and The Role of Boys’ Schools
We believe Shore plays a crucial role in meeting the unique needs of boys during their developmental journey. We do this by providing experiences that build relationships, respect, and trust, all of which are essential for boys’ growth. We attempt to focus on activities that help boys find their interests, hone their skills, and guide them toward meaningful engagement with their learning. By dedicating time to know each individual boy, we want to unearth their passions and nurture mastery, encouraging lifelong habits of curiosity and achievement. Our goal is to create an educational environment that meet the diverse needs of all our boys, ensuring they thrive academically and emotionally as they navigate the path to adulthood.
Matt Leeds
Deputy Head Academic