chosen an all boys school.

[forgetandforgive]

Have been roaming at mn for awhile now but would love to hear from mn opinions. My son will be attending a same sex school in September. We have both seen the school and one of his friend will also be going there. But after listening to different disadvantages about attending an all boys school, im starting to have doubts that maybe its the wrong choice. Academically, my ds is just below average so now im worried he might get bullied because he has other health problems. Should I see how it goes or can I apply for another school during the year.

[BackforGood]

What do you perceive to be the disadvantages?

My ds went to a boys' school (and my dds go to a girls' school). We didn't choose them specifically because they were single sex, but because they were the best schools in the area that they were realistically going to get in to at the time of choosing, but I haven't experienced them being 'disadvantaged' by there being no girls (at ds's school) or boys (at my dds' school).
There is no reason he would be more likely to get bullied at a boys school than at a co-ed school.

[nochocolateforlentteacake]

DH and most of his old mates went to (different) boys schools. They are a varied bunch of guys and all very nice and normal. No two headed weirdos among them.

[forgetandforgive]

Thanks, back and nochocolate.The only reason I started to think there are disadvantages of an all boys school is from the things I hear from family. Eg. He will lack social skills with the opposite sex and boys school might make him less sensitive therefore expect to show toughness. But I wouldn't mind that at all because my ds tends to be afraid to try new things and afraid of what others will think of him. Having look at both of your post there seems to be alot of positive things so maybe I can put my mind to rest and just hope ds can settle in when he starts year 7.

[nochocolateforlentteacake]

Hmmm, I can think of two of DHs friends who are very popular with the ladies, and really lovely guys too!

The most macho blokes I come across haven't been to all boys schools, whereas some that have are 'real gents', so you can't really generalise.

Go with you gut feeling about the school, not the 'pnarr pnarr, ooh matron, bet they all had fags, ooooooh!'

[BackforGood]

Also, remember they are only in school for 6 hours a day, 190 days a year.
My dc all have friends from things they do outside of school.

[Essexmum69]

Some of the time the desire to be seen as "macho" is just to show off to the girls! My sensitive, computer nerd, with no nterest in team sports has found plenty of like minded friends in an all boys school. What social skills with girls do your family think the average 14 year old boy has, the majority are awkward around girls regardless of what school they attend! If concerned just make sure his out of school activities are mixed, youth clubs, scouts, non team sports ect.

[MN164]

I think the ability of the school to nurture different talents as opposed to rigid conformity will be much more important to you that whether it's single sex or co-ed.

The potential disadvantage I have noticed in most boys schools is the lack of commitment to "feminism" in their curriculum and everyday life. As an "acid test" ask to see the reading lists (either English department or library). See how many a) female authors or b) female role models are on the list. Most boys schools fair pretty badly on that front. I'm not saying that's should be a huge concern, because you can balance this out in non-school life, but it's something that even schools with huge resources aren't very good at.

[Londonmum07]

Does anyone have recent experience of Horris Hill school.My DS is 9 and we have visited the school and loved it.