Meeting the challenge - guiding principle for success from the Boys' Education Lighthouse Schools (BELS) Programme stage one 2003

The Minister for Education, Science and Training commissioned the national Boys’ Education Lighthouse Schools Programme to assist schools in their efforts to address the educational needs of boys by identifying, documenting and disseminating good practices in teaching and learning in boys’ education.

This report provides a detailed analysis and discussion of the experiences of the 230 project schools in stage one of the Boys’ Education Lighthouse Schools Programme.  In broad terms, these schools and clusters implemented programmes and strategies in five key areas: pedagogy, curriculum and assessment; literacy and communication skills; student engagement and motivation; behaviour management programmes; and role models for students.  The report identifies the key lessons learned about good practices in educating boys, to be shared with other schools throughout the nation and to inform stage two of the Programme.

A common set of guiding principles has been identified from the good educational practice which has emerged from this programme and from key research in the area of boys’ education.  The following set comprises 10 interrelated core propositions to inform the development and implementation of ongoing programmes to improve the education of boys in schools:

1. Collect evidence and undertake ongoing inquiry on the issue, recognising that schools can do something about it.
2. Adopt a flexible, whole school approach with a person and team responsible.
3. Ensure good teaching for boys, and all students in all classes.
4. Be clear about the kinds of support particular boys require.
5. Cater for different learning styles preferred by boys.
6. Recognise that gender matters and stereotypes should be challenged.
7. Develop positive relationships, as they are critical to success.
8. Provide opportunities for boys to benefit from positive male role models from within and beyond the school.
9. Focus on literacy in particular.
10. Use information and communication technologies (ICTs) as a valuable tool.

Full report: download PDF    (1.3 MB, 148 pages)

Summary report: download PDF    (332.5 KB, 31 pages)