Exploring Boys' Education

In this special episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, tune in to a curated collection of the most important insights generated throughout a year of professional development programs and conversations with leading educators and experts.

The world changing at such a rapid pace forces us to reexamine the very nature of how and why we educate boys. This episode synthesizes a year of learning, focusing on six essential themes: the power of relational learning, nurturing resilience and healthy masculinity, the educator's role, school culture, navigating the modern digital landscape, and engaging boys in learning and literacy.

Dive into this thought-provoking summary of the challenges and opportunities in boys' education today, filled with expert analysis and practical strategies to help the boys in our care become their best selves.

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC

In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys Education Podcast, explore student well-being with Tracy Mackenzie from St. Andrew's College, South Africa. Mackenzie shares her school's wellness program, built on fostering boys' safety, long-term well-being habits, and crucial self-awareness. Discover how St. Andrew's champions a collaborative, holistic approach, moving beyond silos to integrate a diverse support network. Mackenzie explains "breath intelligence" and shares how simple breathing techniques help boys manage stress and self-regulate. The discussion also covers peer support, dedicated wellness classes, and creative activities that promote introspection. Tune in for an inspiring look at practical strategies for boys' well-being.

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC

In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, join the urgent conversation surrounding boys in the digital age, sparked by the impactful Netflix series Adolescence. Head of School John Botti from The Browning School (United States) offers insights on navigating this complex landscape. Originally highlighted in his Head of School Blogpost, Botti discusses the unique challenges boys face online, the vulnerabilities that can draw them into harmful spaces like the manosphere, and the proactive steps boys’ schools must take beyond simple screen-time limits. Learn about fostering essential digital literacy in educators, building resilience in boys, and the critical role of relational connection and supportive school cultures in guiding boys toward responsible digital citizenship and positive human values.

New episodes of the IBSC Exploring Boys' Education podcast are available exclusively to IBSC members on the IBSC website for the first two weeks. Afterward anyone may access them from all popular podcast platforms. We encourage you to share this resource across and beyond your school community!

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. Blog: 'Adolescence' and Parenting in a Digital Storm · IBSC

In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, delve into the growing concern about online gambling and sports betting in the education of boys. Saul Malek shares his personal experience and insights into the prevalence of online gambling and its impact on boys. He discusses the unique challenges boys face, the vulnerabilities that make them susceptible, and the proactive steps boys’ schools can take to address this issue. Learn how to create a culture that discourages harmful gambling behaviors and promotes healthier alternatives.

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. Saul MAlek · IBSC

In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys' Education, journey to the fascinating intersection of technology and boys' brain development with Kathryn Berkett from Engage Training in New Zealand. Using firsthand experience and valuable insights, Berkett illuminates the challenges and potential consequences of excessive technology pose for boys.

Explore the neuroscience behind technology addiction and the impact of tech on boys’ behavior and development. Discover practical strategies for creating a balanced approach to technology in boys' schools, fostering real-world engagement, and developing emotional maturity. Gain a deeper understanding of how to harness the positive potential of technology while mitigating its risks, empowering boys to thrive in the digital age.

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. Engage Training · Watch Berkett's TedX Talk · IBSC

In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys' Education, investigate the complex world of the “manosphere” and its potential influence on young men. Tanya Zalar and Philip Gaydon from St. Paul's School (United Kingdom) share insights on cultivating strong character in boys through a values-based approach to education. They shed light on the concerning aspects of the manosphere and its recruitment narratives, emphasizing the importance of empowering boys with critical thinking skills and a strong moral compass. Zalar and Gaydon discuss the practical implementation of a values-based approach to educating boys, addressing the successes and challenges they've encountered along the way.

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC

In this two-part episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, explore the crucial role the relationship between teacher and student plays in boys' education. Hosts of the IBSC Special Interest Group on Relational Learning Peter Coutis from Hale School (Australia) and Sandra Boyes from Crescent School (Canada) discuss the significance of relational learning, impact of teacher-student connections on boys' engagement and learning, and practical strategies for educators to build strong relationships with their male students. They also illuminate the challenges and considerations in fostering these connections and how school culture can nurture such relationships.

IBSC Special-Interest Groups (SIG) bring together member schools interested in connecting with other member schools worldwide to share and develop their expertise through projects of mutual interest that focus on boys and educating boys.

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC Special Interest Group on Relational Learning · IBSC

In this two-part episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, explore the crucial role the relationship between teacher and student plays in boys' education. Hosts of the IBSC Special Interest Group on Relational Learning Peter Coutis from Hale School (Australia) and Sandra Boyes from Crescent School (Canada) discuss the significance of relational learning, impact of teacher-student connections on boys' engagement and learning, and practical strategies for educators to build strong relationships with their male students. They also illuminate the challenges and considerations in fostering these connections and how school culture can nurture such relationships.

IBSC Special-Interest Groups (SIG) bring together member schools interested in connecting with other member schools worldwide to share and develop their expertise through projects of mutual interest that focus on boys and educating boys.

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC Special Interest Group on Relational Learning · IBSC

In the latest episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, journey to St. John's Educational Trust in Zimbabwe to explore the world of child-centered education for young boys. Janine Harvey, head of the St. John's Early Childhood Development Centre, shares insights on creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment specifically designed for boys. Uncover the power of play-based learning to achieve specific learning objectives. Learn to create an environment that fosters exploration, investigation, and reflection, nurturing confidence and a love for learning in young boys. Discover the importance of integrating indoor and outdoor learning spaces to maximize engagement and learning opportunities. Gain insights into how the design of the learning space can positively influence boys' behavior.

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC

The latest episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast highlights the work of the IBSC Special Interest Group on Libraries—Reading Culture. Since May 2023, two dozen colleagues from IBSC member schools across continents have focused on discovering different ways boys’ schools can motivate boys to embrace a strong reading culture. The group committed to five different research realms: readers' advisory, modes of reading, social aspects of reading, reader identity, and school-wide investment in reading.

Hear details directly from group coordinator Trish Cislak of Crescent School (Canada). Group members Amaryllis Barton of King Edward VI School (United Kingdom), Carolyn Friedlander of Woodberry Forest School (United States), Gabrielle Mace of St. Augustine’s College (Australia), and Jason Saikaly of The Southport School (Australia) join Cislak to share insights gleaned from their research.

Learn more about the work of the IBSC Libraries–Reading Culture Special Interest Group by visiting IBSC Member Center.

IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC