As a father of two girls of primary school age, I have a vested interest in the educational options available to them. That being said, I think I’m safe in saying that I am not your stereotypical advocate of girls’ only education As the son of a coal miner and having been educated in co-ed state schools in south Wales, girls’ only education was something that didn’t enter my consciousness until I moved to Surrey in 2013. Whilst I was aware that many of highest achieving schools in the area were single-sex, I didn’t really stop and think about the benefits of a girls’ only environment until I came to work in a girls’ only school myself. The first thing that struck me when I began teaching a class made up entirely of girls was that roles within the classroom that were almost always filled by boys in a co-ed classroom (the joker, the loud child, the sporty child, etc.) were now occupied by girls. This also extended to the academic subjects. Science, mathematics and PE were no longer ‘boys’ subjects’. But what about the ‘real world’ where girls and boys have to coexist? Are girls at girls’ only schools at a disadvantage? I would argue that they’re not. Whilst they The importance of a Girls’ Only education may not mix with boys on a daily basis, single-sex schools offer opportunities for girls and boys to learn together when and where appropriate - this may be in mixed teams at maths, science or chess competitions. Furthermore, they have more opportunities to take on leadership roles than their peers in co-ed settings. I truly believe that girls’ only education proves beneficial to the vast majority of the girls that come through our schoolgates, however every child is unique and as a parent it is important to consider the needs of your child. I asked both my daughters whether they wanted to attend a girls’ only school before enrolling them. My eldest had attended our local co-ed infant school whilst my youngest was in a coed nursery. Both were extremely eager to join a girls’ only school and are having a wonderful time. I believe that the absence of boys gives my girls space to develop a strong sense of themselves and their values without the pressure of gender stereotypes. Girls schools were established to try and offer girls the educational opportunities that had long been afforded to boys and I believe that they still have an important role to play in further enhancing opportunities for women today. Matthew Parry, Deputy Head – Curriculum St Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley RECEPTION PLACES AVAILABLE For 2023 entry To hear more about how your child will thrive at our outstanding school, please book a personal tour with our Headmistress. Email Jacqui.oneill@rydeshill.com to arrange a visit. PREPARATORY SCHOOL & NURSERY www.rydeshill.com 29 Raring2go! EDUCATION 28 EDUCATION Raring2go! raring2go.co.uk GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info Open Mornings from 9.45am St Catherine’s is a place where your daughter will develop a lifelong love for learning, in a supportive and homely environment . Both in and outside the classroom, she will experience a range of opportunities, and discover her strengths and passions. From this foundation, she will grow in confidence and develop a curiosity about everything around her. She will leave our Prep School believing in her abilities and ready to embrace new challenges in senior school. Friday 12th May 2023 Friday 9th June 2023
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