Boys’ Education

Educational performance at school can vary depending on the gender of the student – and there may be a wide range of contributing factors, many of which can be improved by an effective learning environment.

In addressing the educational needs of boys, our aim at St Mary’s College is to provide an environment where the widelyheld social perceptions of men and boys are challenged and students can embrace a healthier, more constructive definition of what it is to be male.

The curriculum at St Mary’s College is designed to engage the interests of boys and the teaching strategies are chosen in order to meet the needs of all learners. Our understanding of boys allows them to undertake risks at stages appropriate to their development and within a supportive, encouraging environment. Strategies to maximise learning and engagement include:

• Curriculum design that connects with boys’ interest areas

• Careful design and scaffolding of assessment tasks

• Programs that enable the demonstration of care for others

• Classroom planning that emphasises dynamic learning (such as interactive or hands-on resources)

• Opportunities for reflection and self-analysis

• Consistency and fairness