Let's Hear It from the Boys

Book excerpt: The definitive guide to raising boys' achievement in secondary schools by leading expert Gary Wilson. What better way to raise boys' achievement than to hear the issues from the students themselves? Let's Hear It from the Boys encourages readers to take matters into their own hands and listen to the boys in their school. Gary Wilson offers tips to help start a conversation with boys, and guides secondary teachers in placing the needs of boys firmly on the whole-school agenda. It's a well-known fact that girls outperform boys across every stage of the UK education system. Of the boys who underachieve, white working-class boys are consistently in last place. In this unique practical guide to raising boys' achievement in secondary settings, Gary lets the students do the talking through real-life testimonies. Tackling various aspects of learning in the secondary classroom, from exams, essay-writing and academic setting to punishments and rewards, this book offers a fresh perspective on boys' experiences of education, helping teachers to understand the various reasons why boys may underachieve and how teachers can tackle this. Complete with expert advice and practical strategies, it will spark new ideas in teachers and school leaders to support boys in their settings and create the best learning environment for all students.