Single-sex education for girls - what the research shows
Open Day was a huge success. We welcomed approximately 1,600 visitors to our campus. Parents rely on a variety of factors in determining the choice of school for their child. This led me to reflect on the key school choice factors that would influence parents’ decision making in choosing Somerville House for their daughter’s education. The key differences for our school include the quality of education; school reputation; the quality of teaching staff; the provision of a safe, happy and disciplined environment; school values and, of course, the excellent facilities.
It is also worthwhile to consider the many benefits to girls being educated in the single-sex environment of a girls’ school where there are no expectations that they should fulfil traditional gender stereotypes in the subjects they study, the activities they participate in or the career they pursue. Research shows that girls have access to all leadership opportunities, achieve greater academic success, and are more confident and assertive in single-sex environments. They are also more likely to study in the ‘gender atypical’ areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) at school and university, and are more likely to pursue a career in these non-traditional areas. I look to the research to answer why this may be the case.
Without competition from boys, girls in girls’ schools are free to pursue academic excellence in any area they choose. Research shows that single-sex educated girls receive a less gender-stereotyped development than co-educated girls. Research also shows that girls in single-sex schools engage in more healthy competition and risk-taking than girls in co-educational schools. Risk taking and competitive traits are advantageous skills for leadership and many careers. The research demonstrates that girls feel empowered to behave in more competitive ways without the presence of boys.
Longitudinal research conducted internationally suggests that there are many good reasons for girls to attend an all girls’ school. I have listed a number of benefits of all girls’ schools for the information of those parents who, from time to time, find themselves in conversations with proponents of co-education or those who are uncertain about a girls’ school being right for their daughter.
- Girls do not have to compete with boys for the teacher’s time. There is little doubt that in a co-ed classroom boys can be very demanding of teacher time and attention.
- Girls are more likely to take risks behaviourally and academically without the fear of the censure of boys. Girls’ schools tend to promote a ‘can do’ philosophy; for example, in a girls’ school, girls need to be top of the cohort in Mathematics and Science.
- A girls’ school works to counter the mass media influences on girls. The all girl environment can often provide more space and security in which girls can build up their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities as individuals.
- There are more and a wider range of female role models for students in all girl schools.
- Girls mature physically, mentally and emotionally earlier than boys and this means that both academic and pastoral programs in girls’ schools can be tailored to the needs of the students. Girls, of course, are in all the leadership positions offered in a girls’ school.
- Non-traditional subjects (for example IT courses) are not considered to be ’unavailable’ to girls; in co-ed schools, boys and girls can dominate certain courses and therefore cause a gender polarisation of the curriculum.
- Teachers focus on the needs of girls only in the preparation of the curriculum and the learning experiences in the classroom.
At the School’s Main Reception we have available a copy of the brochure produced by the Alliance of Girls’ School Australasia called ‘Why a Girls’ School?”. If you would like to be sent one of these brochures, please do not hesitate to contact us.
I also invite you to view the video below for more information.
PMSA Governance Reform Update
I invite you to read an update from PMSA CEO, Mrs Sharon Callister, regarding important governance changes to PMSA School Councils. Please click here to view the letter.
Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal