Tony Atkinson
2 min readJul 17, 2021

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OK, this is based in the UK system, which is the one I have worked in.

Single-sex schools from 11-18. In the 5-11 age range the sexes either get on reasoably well, or manage to ignore each other. In FE and HE, people should be grown-up enough to cope.

Curriculum is not the issue, culture and pastoral care is. I would expect male schools to be more regimented, with stricter and harsher disciplinary measures up to and including corporal punishment where necessary. At the same time, there should be carefully managed and rigidly fair competition across all fields of activity, with valid and valued rewards for achievement andacasemnic achievement as values as sporting prowess. Boys are much more emotional and far less capable of self-control than girls, and it often comes out in aggression. They also have a shorter attention span. The aim of the system is that in the early stages they should embrace self-discipline as a way to avoid punishment. Later on, hard work and participation should be seenas a path to reward. The final stage is to encourage reflection through looking at what has been achieved,celebration of what you have now that you didn't have then, and the revelation that self-discipline and hard work are their own reward in making you a better person.

I would make curriculum changes, but the same curriculum would be taught in all schools, to both sexes. English Language, English Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, History, Geography and a modern foreign language. To this I would add sign language, Makaton and basic First Aid. There would be Home Management, teaching both sexes the basics of household budgeting, cookery and healthy diet, child care, gardening, pet care, car maintenance and simple DIY. Social Studies would cover Civics, sociology, cultural studies, equality and diversity, basic economics, basic law, relationship and sex education and what is currently called Religious Education (which should encourage secularism). Phsyical Education should include dance, self-defence, Yoga and t'ai chi as well as the more common sports and exercises. Music and Art should be taught in both a practical and a critical context, with a wide range of genres and styles explored. I'm not sure about mindfulness, though some people do benefit from it.

As I said, the style of teaching should differ, in order to give everyone the help they need. The content and level, however, should be the same for everyone.

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Tony Atkinson
Tony Atkinson

Written by Tony Atkinson

Snapper-up of unconsidered trifles, walker of paths less travelled by. Writer of fanfiction. Player of games. argonaut57@gmail.com

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