Taking Boys Seriously – project update

The Ulster University-led ‘Taking Boys Seriously’ project has recently released an update on the data collection phase of the research, informed by the summary analysis of the best practice conference held last year.

Thumbnail

The Controlled Schools’ Support Council (CSSC) is a member of the project steering group and delivered the best practice conference, in partnership with the University and CCMS.

Best practice themes were identified by conference participants seeking to support and positively impact the aspirations, attitudes and the achievement of boys in education.  These demonstrated the extent to which practitioners, including controlled school principals, are at the forefront of knowledge building about what is already working to engage, inspire and support boys using both formal and informal educational approaches.

The tone of the report, presented by lead researcher Dr Emily Stanton, is in keeping with the approach to the research, and seeks to move away from viewing issues of boys’ educational achievements with a deficit mindset.

It is rewarding to read that many teachers identify that teaching boys brings great joy, excitement, fun and professional growth, and it is the view of the steering group that this positive frame, as the research has already begun to suggest, is an important step towards helping boys to believe they can achieve.

 

19 December 2019