Men-free areas

The Telegraph reports today on research done by the General Teaching Council, and picked out the experience of boys.

Girls are out-performing boys from an early age, and it's not just sport and computer games.

One reason might possibly be the virtual absence of male role models in the lives of some boys. Many are brought up by a lone mother, but now comes the realisation that the only adult male that many boys will see in their junior school is the caretaker!

Over a quarter of all primary schools are staffed entirely by female teachers, - 4,550 out of 16,900. Overall only 13% of primary teachers are male. The percentage is higher in secondary schools, but in education as a whole only 25.6% teachers are male. In state nurseries only 3% are male. (There may be a reflection of paedophilia, that men are looked upon with some suspicion where the very young are concerned.)

The effect on boys may be imagined. They could see education as a girlish thing, especially if reading material, activities and attitudes are perceived as female. The examination system has come to reward hard work much more than in the past, when ability in a once-off demanding exam was the criterion. Girls generally have more commitment.

There needs to be some change to persuade boys that education is worthwhile. This will need more male teachers, materials which interest and challenge boys, and examination routes where they can shine.