From The Principal
You may have noticed a recent article in the SMH regarding Newington College investigating a potential move to coeducation and entering into a consultation period with the school community, with a focus on the diversity of the student body and preparing students for their lives post school.
Newington is not alone as a traditional single-sex school that is considering or has transitioned to a coeducational model. In fact, a previous article in the Financial Review predicated that at the rate schools were transitioning there would be no single-sex schools in Australia by 2035.
When speaking to current and prospective parents a common theme is the importance of Redlands being a coeducational school and the benefits this brings to their child’s holistic education, personal growth and development.
Our students learn, lead and grow together in an environment that reflects the real world beyond the school gates and this naturally prepares them for the next stage in their lives. Educational research has demonstrated that single-sex schooling can actually perpetuate gender stereotypes, which can persist after students leave school. In contrast, coeducational settings can break down assumptions about the other gender. Girls and boys work together as friends and colleagues, develop equitable relationships and regularly challenge gender stereotypes.
There are many myths and false statements that get perpetuated when discussing the merits of coeducation versus single-sex schooling. A classic example is that coeducation is preferable for boys but not necessarily for girls. Extensive meta-analysis on educational research clearly dispels this myth, along with any logical interrogation of the position. How could it be that boys would benefit from learning, leading and developing along with girls, whilst this wouldn’t be the case for girls? When our students undertake tertiary education and employment they will be collaborating in diverse mixed gender teams and prior experience in doing so, throughout their education, is extremely important for girls and boys. I would go as far as to say we are disadvantaging them if this is not the case.
So, I give thanks for the bold step taken by the leaders of Redlands, Board and Executive in the late 1970s in moving to a coeducational model and laying the foundation for the future success of the School, to the benefit of our students.
Twilight in the Garden, Friday 1 April, 6.00-8.00pm
On behalf of the Redlands Parents and Friends Association, I am delighted to advise that we have rescheduled our Twilight in the Garden event to Friday 1 April, 6pm in the Fahl Garden on the Senior Campus. I am very much looking forward to meeting new parents and reconnecting with current parents at this annual community event. More details will be provided so for now, please save the date.
Photo Caption: Yr 9 students in Science class excitedly investigating how waves made by different sized tubes affect the distance a candle could be extinguished.