New South Wales
Country Areas Program
Projects That Really Make a Difference!

Project: Boys Education Initiative
Type: Wagga Wagga District Initiative
Coordinator: Graeme Anderson
Participating Schools: Boorowa Central, Reids Flat PS, Rugby PS, Rye Park PS, St Josephs Primary
Attributes addressed: Self, Communication, Literacy, Numeracy, Technology, Self Directed Learning, Global Awareness and Responsibility
Barriers:

• lack of appropriate social and conflict resolution skills amongst an increasing number of male students
• small peer groups with limited and restricted role models
• peer pressure amongst boys acts as an impediment to academic achievement
• increasing frustration of staff and parents in dealing with underachieving males
• limited networking and T & D opportunities for teachers
• dwindling base of parents prepared to be involved in secondary school activities

Overview
This is an innovative program which has the capacity to impact greatly on educational and social behaviour of boys, and ensure equitable outcomes for all students at Boorowa Central School. This program will address the growing concerns of staff, students and parents about the lack of progress and negative attitude that boys have to education.
Anticipated outcomes include: an overview of issues within the community which are affecting boys success in their schooling, a greater understanding and awareness of the issues associated with boys education and underachieving males, reduced violence and anti-social behaviour amongst boys, a greater support network and strategies for staff and parents of underachieving boys and closer links and involvement in school planning by students and parents.

Implementation
The program will focus on three areas:

• Boys Supervisor:
  • A Boys Supervisor will be appointed (0.2) to manage, organise and administer the program
• Working Group:
  • A working group will be formed featuring the main stakeholders - teachers, students, parents and the wider community. This group will consult with school communities to identify problems, determine focus areas, generate ideas on Training and Development, formulate strategies, develop activities and provide support to the Boys Supervisor in drafting policy.
• Expert Information
  • Attendance at seminars and conferences to obtain current research based information related to boys issues. Purchase of resources to support Training and Development initiatives and student activities. Hosting a conference at Boorowa Central School of experts presenting information on Boys issues and the disseminate information gathered at seminars.