Standing Committee on Education and Training

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

Gold Coast area teachers talk about 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 conduct a school visit and public hearing at Tallebudgera.

The Committee will talk to school principals and teachers about behaviour management and the usefulness of single sex classes in boys' education. In particular, the Committee will be looking at the 3R Program at the Tallebudgera Beach School and talking to representatives of Elanora State School about its experience with single sex classes.

Wednesday 8/5/2002 - Public hearings:

• 9:45 am - 11:00 am
  Tallebudgera Beach School, Gold Coast Highway, North Palm Beach, 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 it is important to look at some of the things happening outside the capital cities.

"The Committee wants to know whether the issues outside the capital cities are the same." Mr Bartlett said.

"Schools on the Gold Coast are trialing some things that are of interest to the Committee. The Committee is interested in the alternative education program being offered at Tallebudgera Beach School which aims to address early school leaving and under-achievement for students at risk by restoring their confidence and interest in learning while maintaining the students' links with their home schools. We also want to hear about the achievement of primary school students in single sex classes at Elanora State School."

For more details on the Gold Coast public hearings, 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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