One rule, one way, one size does not necessarily fit all and in education, just as in business and in the world in general, it is recognised that different people respond to different methods. That includes children.
Innovations in teaching are happening all the time and increasing numbers of schools are
trialling one such innovation - boys-only classes.
Girls, as we all know, can be a bit of a distraction for boys, even at a young age. Boys-only classes are seen as one way to help some boys focus on and succeed at, their education while at the same time providing incentives to learn through sport, recreation and cultural teaching.
Rotorua Intermediate introduced a boys-only class three years ago and is proving to be a real success - as well as a popular option with 58 applications this year. The school is selective about who it chooses and just 28 made the class. To make it into the class the boys must show leadership potential, a desire to improve academically and must have an interest in sport and fitness.
The criteria means students have to earn a spot in the class, providing an incentive for the first year intermediate students to work hard to try to gain a spot in the class in their second year.
The programme consists of conventional subjects - reading, writing and maths - as well as fitness and cultural activities. It's a completely different programme to the rest of the school.
The boys' teacher told this newspaper she has noticed a definite improvement in boys' attitudes towards school and learning. Those changes in attitude will surely lead to a greater understanding about the importance and joys of learning.
For those of us who stuttered our way through school in the ancient times before school counsellors, careers advisers and innovative methods, something like the programme at Rotorua Intermediate might well have stood us in very good stead, providing a stimulating alternative way to learn.
It's great to see many schools are now willing to dive in and trial different ways to connect with their students and help them achieve.
