Experts weigh in on single-sex or co-ed school debate

Do students thrive when surrounded by both boys and girls, or are they better off at a single-sex school? Experts weigh in on one of education’s hottest debates.

Experts say parents should consider the school’s curriculum, culture, class and the policies of individual schools.

Single-sex schools compared with co-ed schooling – it is a hot topic that has been raging for years.

There is ample research showing both pros and cons for each type.

The debate also often brings up staunch views for or against, but experts maintain there are actually more important things to consider.

They say parents should look at the individual student and school culture as well as whether there are quality teachers, leadership programs and a comprehensive curriculum.

CHOOSING A SCHOOL FOR 2022? Pick up School Selector — the ultimate guide to finding the right fit for your family — in Thursday’s Herald Sun (selected areas only).

Gender and education

University of South Australia Adjunct Associate Professor Judith Gill has been studying gender and education for 30 years.

Dr Gill said despite an overwhelming amount of studies on the topic, she was yet to find definitive research showing either option was superior.

“By and large the research demonstrates there are more similarities between boys’ learning and girls’ learning than there are differences,” Ms Gill said.

She said there were some excellent co-ed and single sex schools.

“Whether it’s co-ed or not may not be the most important factor,” she said.

Dr Gill said things to look for were strong leadership, highly qualified and engaged teachers and a supportive parental group.

While statistics show more boys do maths and science subjects in university, Dr Gill said such differences reflect a broader problem of gender inequalities in society.

“You can’t just presume putting girls into STEM courses is going to fix it, you’ve got to think about all the other messages about gender appropriate choices” she said.

“It’s so much more than single sex versus co-ed, it’s so much more than STEM or girls in maths.

“These are band aid fix up projects, for real reform you’ve got to look at the whole picture.”

Dr Gill said external factors needed to be considered in terms of messages reinforcing gender stereotypes in the broader culture in everything from books, to social media as well as what children experience at home.

Research shows there are more similarities than differences in how boys and girls learn, says education expert Associate Professor Judith Gill.

Why school culture is important

Chris Hickey is a Professor of Health and Physical Education and Chair of the Academic Board at Deakin University.

Prof Hickey said mixed or single-sex school should not be the primary factor in parent’s decision making.

“Good teaching is good teaching, teachers who build relationships with their students and who are clearly interested in their topic, that is what’s important,” Prof Hickey said.

He said finding out the school’s culture was key.

“If you walk into the foyer of a boy’s school, and all you see is sporting trophies and sporting photos, you immediately get a cultural sense of the place,” Prof Hickey said.

Prof Hickey stressed all schools need to constantly work on promoting a positive, inclusive culture.

Prof Hickey said he was often asked by parents what school to send their children.

He said there was no definitive answer but urged parents to look beyond whether the school was single sex or mixed.

“Have a look at their programs, is it a school that takes its culture seriously, has it made deliberate attempts to be inclusive and does it have a broad curriculum,” he said.

Parents should seek to find a positive, inclusive culture in the school they choose, say experts.

Take into account the individual student

Not all students fit a particular gender profile.

Leading Australian education academic, Dr Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli, said boys who did not conform to heterosexual, sporty, masculine stereotypes may be better suited to co-ed schools.

The Deakin University lecturer said co-ed schools offered broader friendship groups for these boys and they tended to experience less bullying and harassment.

“These boys will often find great friendships with girls,” Dr Pallotta-Chiarolli said.

“Given what we know about gender diversity, it’s time for schools to see themselves as ‘gender-inclusive’ and not just co-ed.”    

Dr Pallotta-Chiarolli stressed it was vital for parents to consider things like the curriculum, culture, class and the policies of individual schools before deciding which was most suitable for their child.

CHOOSING A SCHOOL FOR 2022? Pick up School Selector — the ultimate guide to finding the right fit for your family — in Thursday’s Herald Sun (selected areas only).