Schools building boys to fine men

Monday 28 February 2005

A researcher from the University of Newcastle says for schools to do well with boys they must capture three things at once; boys' male identities, their learning styles and their need for good relationships.

Deborah Hartman from the Boys in Schools Program says, "Our schools are changing from the ideas that boys are a problem, boys are causing problems and boys have problems."

"Thanks to research we are now much more positive. Schools are now looking to a strengths-based and a solutions-based approach so they can build on the positives that are already out there in the community and in the boys themselves."

The Boys Education Lighthouse Schools Project, funded by the Commonwealth Government is supporting 350 schools across Australia to conduct rigorous, evidence-based research projects to improve the learning outcomes for boys. Schools in this project are developing a wide range of local projects to improve boys’ literacy and to better meet boys' learning needs.

"While it's a complex mix, the key for schools is in realising that identity does matter; boys are growing up to be men, not just people and that our teaching and learning strategies do matter," says Deborah.

The latest research on boys in schools will be presented at the 4th Biennial Conference Working with Boys Building Fine Men, Convened by the Boys in Schools Program, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle to be held from Sunday 3 April – Tuesday 5 April 2005 at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

For more information visit: http://www.pco.com.au/boys2005/

Early bird registrations close Saturday 5 March 2005.

For media interviews: Deborah Hartman on (02) 4921 6749.