South Island boys’ colleges aim to tackle issues facing students

St Bede’s College and St Thomas of Canterbury College in Christchurch are looking at joining 11 other boys’ schools from Nelson to Invercargill in the effort.

The proposal first surfaced during discussions about a South-Island-wide 1st XV rugby competition that would involve only single-sex boys’ schools. The group behind the rugby idea didn’t deny that detailed talks had taken place, but pointed out that this was just the tip of the iceberg. The plan is to collaborate across other sports, as well as arts, culture and education.

How it all plays out is yet to be finalised, but the expressed goal is to “raise achievement and strengthen engagement with their students”. The schools also hope to “foster connection, belonging and pride” among young men.

After reading a UK report titled Lost Boys: State of the Nation, St Thomas of Canterbury College principal Steve Hart said that something had to be done in New Zealand, too. He believed the South Island boys’ schools “could do something about it” if they worked together.

NZQA numbers show that, in the last 10 years across NCEA and University Entrance, girls are achieving at a higher level than boys. From year 11 to year 13, the attainment rates for girls are roughly between 4 per cent and 7 per cent better than boys.

Mr Hart said St Thomas has seen success rates soar as a result of building strong relationships with students.

“Boys are very, very relational. When you get that right, you get the results – particularly with the Māori and Pasifika students,” he said.

“Our University Entrance results have moved from 50 per cent pass rate up to 75 per cent pass rate – which is right up there across the country.”

The schools in the proposed collaboration hope their work might eventually benefit boys in co-ed schools as well.

FULL STORY

South Island schools unite to tackle issues facing boys (By Mike Thorpe/New Zealand Herald – subscription required)