If you’re a parent looking into private schooling options, you might be wondering about the value of a single gender education environment.
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as every child is unique, but we do know boys develop differently to girls; socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. There are proven differences between the ways boys and girls learn best in accordance with their brain development.
When considering the advantages of an all boys’ school environment, the first thought that might enter your head is possibly “no girls means less distractions”. There is some truth to this idea that the social pressures are much less stressful in a single gender school, but the benefits of an all boys’ education are much broader.
We’ve worked with the team at Blackfriars to look at the way, as a school for boys, they focus on learning that addresses not only how to excel in academics, but also how our boys can grow into young men of character – with integrity and empathy.
Boys develop and learn in different ways
For parents, it will come as no surprise that boys and girls grow at a different pace. As such, boys’ strengths are often different from those of girls. Girls generally develop earlier physically and socially, refining their reading and writing skills sooner, where boys are often more spatial and visual by nature and enjoy learning through action rather than words. Boys’ brains are wired to require movement, space, action, and rest. They also learn better when material is presented in small portions. A typical co-ed classroom that favours verbal and auditory learning can put an active boy at a disadvantage. An all boys’ school is equipped to understand the difference in the way boys learn, and tailor-make programs and structuring learning in ways designed to help them succeed!
Schools for boys teach in ways that boys learn best
Each staff member in an all boys’ school has made a choice to work with boys. Their passion to teach boys means they’re committed to leading a classroom that engages each student in the way he learns best and using strategies and teaching styles designed to achieve better learning outcomes for boys. As specialists in boys’ education, teachers take into consideration the interests and talents unique to boys when they prepare each lesson. And because they understand the rhythm of a boys’ classroom, they can plan physical activity into class time and extended breaks like recess into the school day.
Building good men
No goal is more important at a school for boys than building good character and helping each boy make responsible choices, nurturing them to become good men. A commitment to integrity and a strong ethical foundation are a boys’ school’s first priorities and educating students about how to become a good man informs every aspect of the day.
Schools for boys help students discover and explore their full potential
Without the social pressures of a co-ed environment, students in an all boys’ school can explore the full range of their personalities and potential. Young men, who may not step up in the presence of girls, take on leadership roles at all boys’ schools, often heading community service programs or serving as mentors to younger students.
Schools for boys understand and celebrate boys!
Educators at boys’ schools celebrate and value all that it means to be a boy! Schools that make the intentional choice to focus on the intellectual, physical, social and emotional lives of boys and young men, share an appreciation for the intensity and complexity of boyhood.
Visit Blackfriars
If you’re considering Blackfriars for your son’s education, why not plan a visit to decide if the school community is the right choice for your family?
Why a weekday tour?
A weekday tour is a great way to experience Blackfriars on a normal school day. On your tour you will get a behind the scenes look at the school in action; visiting classrooms and specialist facilities, meeting teachers and students and being introduced to the school’s holistic approach to teaching and learning.
2021 Principal’s Tours at Blackfriars
Thursday 25 February | 9.00 to 10.30am
Thursday 25 February | 6.00 to 7.30pm
Thursday 25 March | 9.00 to 10.30am
Thursday 25 March | 6.00 to 7.30pm
Thursday 29 April | 9.00 to 10.30am
Saturday 8 May | 10.00 to 11.30am
Thursday 27 May | 9.00 to 10.30am
