Are you considering senior school choices for 11+ or 13+?
Here are a few thoughts on why you might choose a single sex school.
Few would dispute boys and girls are wired differently. They
develop physically and emotionally at different speeds, learn in different ways
and diverse motivating factors will inspire them. By studying in a tailor-made
educational environment which recognises these differences, it is easy to
comprehend why children in single sex schools thrive.
Teaching styles, subject choices, sporting opportunity and a
full extra-curricular programme are entirely focussed on either boys or girls.
Boys express themselves differently. They tend to need more
coaxing to be forthcoming in class than girls. In a single sex environment they
are less likely to be intimidated or embarrassed by peer pressure, especially
if they lack confidence.
In a similar way girls may find the presence of boys within
the classroom intimidating, especially when they reach the teenage years and
their hormones are running wild. At this crucial stage in their education, for
both boys and girls, a mixed environment can be distracting and hence a barrier
to learning.
With the dawn of social media, children appear to grow up so
quickly, often feeling pressure from peers. In my opinion, a single sex school
environment seems to allow children to be themselves for longer, without
pressure to ‘perform’ allowing for their sole focus to be on learning and
building supportive friendships, which often last a lifetime. To gossip, laugh
and play, without the pressure to grow up too soon.
Of course learning to thrive in a mixed community is an
important part of growing up. This can however be attained just as effectively
through social interaction outside the classroom. In my experience, all single
sex schools deliver a comprehensive programme of mixed social and
extra-curricular activities, often through building close relationships with
another single sex school locally.
.........Next week some thoughts on the advantages of co-education.
Do you need some advice to help you to choose the right school for your child?
Give us a call on +44 (0)1865 522066
or email consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk
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