Standing Committee on Employment, Education
and Workplace Relations
Recovering disaffected boys in 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?
At this Thursday's public hearing the House of Representatives Education
Committee will discuss what can be done to recover boys who have disengaged
from education. Mr John Fleming from Boys in Focus consultants
will talk about their internationally recognised program for working
with boys which includes specialists in education, policing, juvenile
justice and mentoring. He will be accompanied by colleagues and a couple
of young men who have been assisted by theBoys in Focus program.
- Public Hearing: House of Representatives Education Committee
The education of boys inquiry
Mr John Fleming
- Where: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House
- When: Thursday 29 March, 9:00am - 9:45am
The House Education Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry
into the education of boys focussing on the social, cultural and educational
factors affecting boys.
Mrs Kay Elson, Committee Chair, said it was important to provide ways
for boys who have disengaged from learning to find their way back.
"There is no doubt that the young men most likely to commit crimes
or otherwise lead unsatisfying lives are those who failed to find success
through school and education," Mrs Elson said. "It is vitally important
that school provides successful learning experiences for all students
and this inquiry is seeking to discover why some boys disengage from
learning and what can be done to prevent it. However, we are also concerned
to find ways to assist those who have already given up and the Committee
is interested to learn about strategies and programs that engage boys'
attention and lead them back to positive learning experiences and good
relationships with others."
For background information on the inquiry, visit:
www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/eewr
For media comment contact Mrs Kay Elson MP, Chair of the House
Education Committee, on 07 3807 6340
For background information contact the Committee Secretariat on (02)
6277 4573.
Back to top