Notes

The last 10-15 years have seen a steady decline in boys’ academic achievement and attitudes to schooling, particularly in the middle years (6-10). This has resulted in an increased alienation of boys in the schooling system. Around Australia people working in boys’ education spheres agree that young men need to have responsibility; accountability; creativity; courage; generosity; and good mental and physical health. This booklet looks at research; boys’ attitudes and learning; feelings and movement; the boy code; peer pressure; ways of helping boys re-connect; research from the UK; feelings; rites of passage; childhood; discipline and punishment; single parents; sport and role models; computers and technology; the teacher; the sense of touch; empowerment; praise; bullying; the mask; encoraging autonomy; ways to support your son.