Standing Committee on Education and Training

Inquiry into the education of boys
Media release, 3 May 2002

Cannon Hill Anglican College talks about literacy and boys' education

Boys are often blamed for disruptive behaviour or having a bad attitude. Some have low self-esteem, difficulty communicating with others and display problems at school. Some boys are experiencing learning difficulties and the literacy gap between boys and girls is increasing.

So, what is the problem facing boys and what can be done to help?

On Wednesday 8 May, the House of Representatives Education Committee will visit Cannon Hill Anglican College.

The Committee will talk to College staff about the literacy program it has developed for its students.

Wednesday 8/5/2002 - Public hearings:

• 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
  Cnr Krupp and Junction Roads, Morningside, QLD
  

Background: The House Education Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into the education of boys, focussing on social, cultural and educational factors.

House Education Committee Chair, Mr Kerry Bartlett, says boys' literacy achievement affects their achievement in all subjects and their overall attitude to school and learning.

"The Committee wants to learn all it can about the most effective strategies for teaching literacy to young students." Mr Bartlett said.

"Cannon Hill Anglican College has developed its own literacy program that provides individual tutoring to students at every Year level in the school at moderate cost. The Committee is interested in the effectiveness of the phonics and writing based program, how it compares to other available programs and whether the program could be adopted by other schools."

For more details on the Brisbane public hearing, as well as background information on the inquiry, visit: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/edt

For media comment contact Mr Kerry Bartlett, MP, Chair of the House Education Committee, on (02) 4751 7494

For background information contact the Committee Secretariat on (02) 6277 2121.

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