Girls only - a parent's perspective
Suzie Forbes
Parents/Guardian: Jane Forbes
Location: Surrey
Case study: Manor House School
I am sure that we all want our children to enjoy their school days and, when looking back in later life, to remember the environment as supportive, nurturing and above all enjoyable.The period between that first parting at the school gates and the attainment of GCSE’s is little more than a decade but it is the time during which the approach to life is formulated, ambitions are generated and the ability to deal with society’s many and varied pressures is developed.
A girls’ school can provide the supportive environment to help develop individuality, personality and an empathy towards others, free from the distractions which inevitably occur in a mixed environment.
Girls and boys have different approaches to learning. In later years and with more advanced studies these differences can be combined to mutual advantage. In the formative years however the lack of disruption and distraction is a benefit to girls and they flourish in the more controlled environment. There are plenty of years ahead to share opportunities.
Within a girls’ school environment competition is on an equal basis and girls get the chance to excel in their own sport, drama and art without comparison with mixed or male sports/activities.
This framework also gives girls the chance to develop their own personalities and learn to cope with growing up without the distractions which young and teenage boys may provide on every level.
Whilst there is no doubt that some girls are capable of thriving in a mixed educational environment I feel that the vast majority mature more fully, both intellectually and emotionally, in an all girls’ school. The times outside school and years ahead from the age of sixteen provide the opportunity to develop their cross gender interaction and relationships.
I have three girls with a very wide range of abilities, they are all approaching the end of their time at school. The eldest is now at university and the youngest has just commenced GCSE’s. They attended very different all girl’s schools but for all of them it has been a very positive experience.
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