Gareth Malone - I'm furious at the idea that boys and girls need treating like this

[JaneS]

I've been watching the Gareth Malone 'School for Boys'. I know been discussed elsewhere, but I am really angry and want to know if anyone else feels the same.

The programme is apparently meant to look why boys do worse than girls in school, which I agree is a really important point. However, the solution here is to say that boys need hyper-macho teaching - and the girls don't. Now, I know I should leave aside the fact that for centuries girls underachieved academically, and no-one thought this was remarkable. But I find myself watching this programme and smarting.

When I was at school, I was a tomboy. I liked being competitive (according to this programme, something boys - but not girls - benefit from). I liked being active; I hated sitting still. I was punished for it at school, even though I got good results.

At university, men perform better than women - the opposite of what happens at school. Suddenly, it seems that being outspoken, argumentative, or 'typically male' is an asset. If you are a tomboyish girl, you can't win. At school, you are not sufficiently feminine and polite. At university, you are a girl and so less is expected of you - for your problems are doubtless the result of your timorous feminine nature.

I know I'm coming on strong but I am so cross about this - is anyone with me? I don't doubt boys would benefit from different kinds of teaching, but doesn't this particular approach only make things worse for some girls?