Cranbrook School, Australia, an IBSC member school
Why a Boys’ School in the 21st Century?
In brief, boys’ schools provide:
A stimulating and safe learning environment that
encourages full participation by boys in all activities (arts, athletics,
community service).
promotes self-expression and a respect for the many different paths to manhood.
provides an atmosphere in which to explore sensitive gender and sex-related
issues.
Educational programs tailored to meet the developmental needs of boys where
boys can gain confidence
in their ability to learn without being compared to girls who mature more quickly
and tend to enjoy more success in school.
books and curricular
materials that excite boys can be integrated into all aspects of the school’s
program.
boys have opportunities
to be taught and coached by faculty (including a significant number of males)
who have been hired because they want to work with boys.
boys can grow at their
own pace and can “be boys” for as long as they need, protected from society’s
pressure to get involved with girls before they are ready.
An environment free of cross-gender distractions in which
boys need not waste energy
posturing or trying to live up to the gender stereotypes so prevalent in the
media and society at large.
focus on academic tasks
and achievement in extra-curricular activities can be paramount.
frank and direct communication
foster development and growth.
A setting in which boys develop strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie with
peers and teachers so that
the impact of positive
male role models can have its fullest effect.
a distinctive esprit
de corps enriches the lives of boys.