The quality of the education that your child receives influences how they grow up and who they grow up to be. It dictates what kind of change-maker they become; it plays a key role in the way that your child develops their skills, preferences, and personality.
As such, it is important they get the right kind of education to allow them to become life-long learners and develop the skills necessary to successfully navigate their way through this ever-evolving world. As a parent, choosing the best school for your child can be a daunting task.
Why Same-Sex Schools?
Research has repeatedly shown that same-sex schools have comparatively more advantages for your daughter, yielding the best learning experience. Typically, girls learn differently to boys, so when education is tailored to girls’ learning preferences, girls are empowered to reach their potential. This leads to higher academic achievement, the development of self-leadership skills, and a heightened sense of self and belonging. In an all-girls’ school, there are no glass ceilings of gender stereotyping and there is a freedom for them to be themselves, without the pressures that are accompanied by the presence of boy students.
Advantages of Same-Sex Schools
Although not all same-sex schools are the same, here are a few advantages that are common among them.
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A Culture of Strong Academic Achievement
Girls from a single-sex school achieve “significantly higher” university entrance scores and are more likely to enrol in a university degree than girls who attend a co-ed school (Park, Behrman and Choi, 2012).
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Stronger Performance in STEM Subjects
Girls in a single-sex classroom have a higher level of confidence in their ability to learn and perform in subjects such as science and math than girls in co-ed classrooms. The research also defines that “girls in single-sex schools have the most positive attitude towards math” (followed by boys in single-sex schools, boys in co-ed schools and lastly, girls in co-ed schools) (Simpson, Che and Bridges, 2015).
Furthermore, a Monash University study found that girls in single-sex schools are up to 85% more likely to study higher-level math and science subjects (Forgasz and Leder, 20217).
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Higher Self-Confidence and Development of Leadership Skills
Students in an all-girls’ school are more confident, feel free to compete and take risks, and have a higher level of self-leadership. Study after study has shown that girls from single-sex schools are more willing to be curious by asking questions, take risks, make mistakes, express creativity, and be involved – skills that will allow students to successfully navigate life beyond school. Without the distraction or discouragement associated with co-ed classrooms, girls form a strong sense of self, develop a calculated approach to challenges, and are empowered to lead.
How to Decide:
The best way to decide which school may be best for your child is by doing thorough research on the school/s you have in mind. Start by following these simple steps.
- Note the top qualities you are looking for in a school. Some areas of consideration could include:
- Quality teachers – ask the school how they attract and retain the best teachers
- Depth and breadth of subjects offered
- Focus on wellbeing
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Book a tour of the school – ask all the questions you may have and, where possible, bring your daughter. Some schools then have the option of trying the school for a day where your daughter can take part in a typical school day.
- Consider the difference between WACE, International Baccalaureate, and VET pathways and whether your daughter would benefit from having each of these options available to her. PLC is one of the few schools in Perth to offer the IB.
- Whether the school’s values and morals match your family’s.
- Talk to your child about same-sex schools and consider their opinions. Will their specific skills and talents be nurtured and will they flourish? What is your child’s individual learning style and academic needs? Ultimately, you should choose the school that best supports and nurtures your child’s learning abilities.
Next Steps
Those who are interested in a top girls’ school can look into Presbyterian Ladies’ College. PLC Perth offers quality education tailored to girls in both the Junior School (Primary School) and Senior School, allowing them to grow into strong, independent, and inspiring women.
Click here to book a tour of the best private girls’ school in Perth.
References
Forgasz, H., & Leder, G. (2017, October). Single-sex versus co-educational schooling and STEM pathways: Final report. Melbourne: Monash University.
Lee, K., & Anderson, J. (2015). Gender differences in mathematics attitudes in coeducational and single sex secondary education, in M. Marshman, V. Geiger, & A. Bennison (Eds), Mathematics education in the margins, (pp. 357-364). Sunshine Coast, Queensland: MERGA. Retrieved from: https://www.merga.net.au/documents/RP2015-37.pdf
Park, H., Behrman, J., & Choi, J. (2012). Causal effects of single-sex schools on college entrance exams and college attendance: Random assignment in Seoul high schools. PSC Working Paper Series, PSC 10-01. Retrieved from: http://repository.upenn.edu/psc_working_papers/15
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