It is a fact that girls outperform boys academically. Girls
enter school with superior verbal ability to boys, obtain a higher
proportion of A*-C grade GCSEs and A/B grades at A level and go on
to gain more first class degrees. In the League tables, single sex
girls' (and boys') schools regularly dominate the top
positions.
Girls in girls' schools are less likely to follow stereotypical
subject choices and are more likely to choose to study mathematics
or the physical sciences at A level. Confidence improves in the
single sex atmosphere. Social and peer group pressures are
separated from academic concerns and girls' schools provide
positive role models. Girls pursue academic paths according to
talent not gender and are valued for their abilities. Their natural
interest in boys is saved for outside the classroom, so that they
can work with no distractions.
Recent research indicates that there are considerable
differences in the brain development, structure, function and
development between boys and girls. It is not what they can do, but
how they approach it. This means that girls need a particular
teaching style that will optimise their learning. Girls more easily
work collaboratively and enjoy problem solving but are more self
critical. Confidence and security in the classroom are essential to
girls' success. Girls' schools can and do provide this.
Girls' schools encourage girls to push the boundaries and take
risks through outdoor pursuits and extra curricular activities.
This is important for the world of work as girls educated in a
single sex school are more likely to enter professions
traditionally better paid and previously dominated by men. They
develop their leadership skills and learn to become competitive but
in a supportive atmosphere.
Bolton School girls leave as confident, articulate young women
who are going to go out into the world and make a difference.
The main difference I have felt changing from a mixed sex to a
single sex learning environment is the environment itself. The
environment is a lot more friendly and caring, making learning more
comfortable and fun.I think this is due to the fact that the
learning styles and teaching techniques promoted in single sex
school are different. There is more collaborative learning between
the students here at the Girls' Division which appeals more to
girls than to boys and helps us with our learning, being able to
discuss and work through problems. The attention in class is also
more balanced, rather than there being boys distracting the class
and being told off by the teacher, the girls are given the chance
to "get on with it" and receive help when needed without the
distraction of the boys.
Charlotte, Year 12
Further reading:
a Guardian article on how girls prosper in single-sex
schools