Boys in School and Society

In the past decade there has been a growing perception in Australia that girls have become more successful pursuing their educational goals than boys - especially in educational outcomes relating to literacy. In addition there is evidence from a range of studies that boys regard their school experience less favourably than girls and are less strongly engaged in the work of schools. This paper focuses on students' achievement and attitudes to school, and the influences that shape different outcomes for boys and girls. Areas of difference discussed include literacy, year 12 performance, mathematics, proficiency with computers, educational participation, and social development and outcomes. Beyond school, a smaller proportion of boys than girls progress to higher education, although a larger proportion of boys participate in vocational education and training programs. Consideration is also given to the broader social development of boys and how schools contribute to their development.