Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Workplace Relations

Inquiry into the education of boys
Media release, 19 February 2001

Queensland, teachers, students and experts talk about boys' education

Boys are often blamed for disruptive behaviour or having a bad attitude. Some have low self-esteem, difficulty communicating with others and display problems at school. Some boys are experiencing learning difficulties and the literacy gap between boys and girls is increasing. So, what is the problem facing boys and what can be done to help?

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the House of Representatives Education Committee will conduct public hearings and a school forum in Brisbane. The Committee will talk to people from Education Queensland, the Catholic Education Commission, university faculties of education, school principals, teachers and students. Topics include the nature and extent of boys' educational problems, how boys' difficulties relate to broader social and economic change and which boys are most affected.

Tuesday 20/2/2001 - Public Hearings & School forum:

• 10:30 - 11:15am
  Eagleby State School Herses Road (Cnr Fryars Road) Eagleby
  
• 2:00 - 4:45pm
  Woodridge High School (includes school forum) Wembly Road, Woodridge

Wednesday 21/2/1001 - Public Hearings

• 9:00am - 5:00pm
  Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices Level 36, Waterfront Plaza 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane

The House Education Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into the education of boys focussing on the social, cultural and educational factors affecting boys.

Mr Rod Sawford, Deputy Committee Chair, said the complex issues around the education of boys must be considered thoroughly and sensitively.

"The Committee is determined to give boys' education and the related issues the thorough consideration they deserve. This is much more complex than the surrounding debate about whether boys or girls are the winners in education" Mr Sawford said, "While boys are the major focus of this inquiry, the Committee is dealing with issues which affect the educational opportunities and experiences of all primary and high school students. It is incumbent on us to make sure we do not promote changes that favour one group of students at the expense of another."

For more details on the Brisbane public hearings, as well as background information on the inquiry, visit: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/eewr For media comment contact Mr Rod Sawford MP, Deputy Chair of the House Education Committee, on 0418 847 148 or 08 8447 7466 For background information contact the Committee Secretariat on (02) 6277 4573.

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