At WBHS we focus on developing boys into fine young men. We appreciate and celebrate the fact that boys are different to girls – physiologically, physically and emotionally. They learn in different ways, they thrive on competition, they experience high levels of physicality, they learn best in ‘chunks’; they are invariably pragmatic and do things often on the spur of the moment.

 

Good Man Project Initiatives

Developing Boys into Fine Men   We have already implemented the following initiatives, since 2000, that help to promote the philosophy of boys’ education:   Full day special induction programme for new staff plus ongoing P.D. (over 32 scheduled meetings through-out the year with the Headmaster – promoting teaching skills, sound and practical boy management practices – with a continual focus through out on the benefits of boys’ schooling/pedagogy etc. Two week specialinduction programme for all Year 9 boys – including a full day with the Year 13 boys/prefects. During this day, there is a special introduction for those yr 9 boys (who are to be mentored) to their Year 13 Prefect mentees. The 2nd day of the induction focuses on lessons, along with a 30 min session introducing the Library, split with a 2nd 30 min session in the computer room, learning about WBHS system, logging on, passwords etc. The Whanau times for the first week involve detailed work in completing an induction book. Week 2 starts every day with a 30 min assembly – covering Health and safety, anti-bullying initiatives, emergency drills, student leaders etc Promotion of the fact that teaching styles vary from co-ed (promote advantages of single sex boys’) - simple structure, clear boundaries, fair and consistently applied consequences etc. ie no surprises – boys are aware of the rules which are regularly expounded. Innovations Programmes –a special programme for at risk boys (Yr 9, 10) who are withdrawn from some lessons to take part in self esteem development, learning the right way to do things – support for these boys is provided to allow them to go on camps etc. A Kaiawhina has been appointed (2006) to assist (SRI funded) Quality Leadership courses/mentoring (4 days training Week 0) for Year 13 boys and also Prefects. Leadership Training starts in Year 12 - Open to all. Approx 75% of Y12 and Y13 are either Senior Leaders, Prefects or wannabes. Strong focus on traditions/ceremonies (e.g. ANZAC day dawn parade march of the Prefects and Hostel, School (and Old Boys) special ANZAC Service, Academic Colours Assembly, Old Boys Day, Colours Awards etc - sporting, cultural and academic successes strongly emphasised). Anti-bullying initiatives. Unashamed promotion and celebration of Old Boys – both attending the school to assist (eg archive committee), and also participating in activities with boys (e.g. Annual events – Old Boys’ Day, Swimming Sports relay teams). Attend appropriate P.D. relating to Boys’ Education (e.g. Conferences) to gain ideas and initiate initiatives into our school. Presentations by staff at conferences – Albany Boys’ Education Conference (2004, 2006) Strong Academic Guidance Programme where all boys, Yr10 through to Yr12 are individually interviewed in term 3 to provide subject guidance – to allow appropriate course selection for the next academic year.  Year 13 interviews occur twice with Headmaster and once with Career Advisor during the year. At these interviews, goals for current year and year immediately following school set - and followed up in the later interviews. Continual focus on academic achievement of boys - Specials (extra end-of-year exam practice for struggling Y13 boys) just prior to end-of-year external exams are compulsory. Focussed Tutorials Programme – 1 week duration during study leave prior to end-of-year external examinations – all boys Y11 – Y13 expected to attend specific subject-related tutorials Mentoring – since 2001, WBHS has run a highly organised and effective mentoring programme – in which Prefects mentor specially selected Year 9 boys – to provide them with academic and/or behavioural support during their 1st year in the school. The programme has huge benefits for both mentors and mentees – and is organised/administered by the Year 13 Dean and the school’s RTLB. 10F (Yr 10 Focus Class) (2006) Boys, as a result of end of year examinations, who are ‘demoted’ a class or 2 as they move from year 9 to yr 10 are placed in 10F – where the core teachers focus not only on their subject area, but also special motivating techniques – to prevent the ‘slide’ continuing, and in fact, get the boys back on track for full NCEA(1) the next year. Parents BBQ held etc. Staggered start to the year (to allow all year 9s a quality induction period): Yr 9, 13 day1, Yr 9s only day 2; Yr 9,10,11 day 3, everyone day 4 (powhiri last period day 4). 30 min Assembly for Yr 9 period 1 each day week 2. New 2-2-1period times (introduced 2006) Monitor detentions in detail – and follow up Homework diary initiative – full focus (2006). All boys must write each class in and write specific details re” homework. If no h/w – “no homework” must be written. Monitored by all staff, and SMT who visit classes regularly each week SMT regular weekly visits to all classes, all levels – fly the flag/support the staff/check Homework diaries. HM 3x1hr visits, DP, 2 APs 1x1hr visit First assembly of the year – with all new Year 9 boys (day 1) Headmaster delivers a strong and positive message about the strengths and advantages of attending a boys only school (along with other things), focussing on male teachers and male role models (some Yr 9 boys will not have had a male teacher), stirring and passionate speech from the Head Boy about history, traditions, Old Boys, expectations etc – an excellent welcome – followed up at lunchtime with the traditional Yr9/Prefects BBQ at the pool. First Full assembly (all levels) – Head boy is presented with blazer, Board Chairman addresses boys, Academic Colours presented Weekly Assemblies - structured, involving massed singing, guest speakers, boys presenting information Contacting parents – focusing on male caregiver; parent contact meetings / phone contacts. Invitations into the school focus on male caregiver attendance. Intend to engage fathers/male caregivers in activities (e.g. Sports Day – Yr 9 and Yr 10); Special Dad’s only PTA meeting(s); Working Bees (e.g. gardens); Father/Son Evenings, Breakfasts, Car Rally, etc; Fathers’ assistance at: At risk boys’ camps; Men invited in as readers to groups of boys; Newsletters regularly informing parents of intentions and initiatives on promoting male caregivers involvement with boys education and daily life (e.g. talking to their sons/reading to boys at night, etc.) Formation of committee to address issues relating to the promotion of Boys’ Education – Committee chaired by Assistant Principal. Participate (by giving workshop(s)) at the NZ Boys in Education Conference (Albany 2004, 2006) Wayne Mills (ACE, Auckland)  - Dads and Lads Literacy evenings, (2004, 05, 06) WBHS has been chosen by Massey University Researcher, Michael Irwin, to study the motivation of boys. This study is year long (possibly longer) and will involve the distribution of a  Motivation Questionnaire to boys involved in the Mentoring programme, both the Mentors and Mentees – followed up by discussions and interviews. Homophobia – staff development day (12 March 04, again planned for 06) with acknowledged expert Eugene Moore. Full day course – ALL staff, Waitangi Treaty Grounds (7.4.06) Proposal to introduce Sports and Cultural Leaders (Yr 13) to complement Prefects (2006) Introduce yr 10 leaders, while seniors are out of school on exam leave (2006) Investigate further the introduction of Peer Counselling (using Prefects and Sports/Cultural leaders) (2006) Designing Careers - Study skills workshops (Stuart Wright) for all Year 10 (2005, 2006) Introduce Big Choir – All Prefects, 1st team Captains and Champions (2007) Interwhanau Singing Competition 2007 Book reviews in Assembly (by boys) (2007) Full Hostel Choir (2007) Word of the Week – for Assembly (2007) Blokes Can Read – posters – featuring male staff/senior boys (2007)

Lorraine Munro

PLAN TO BE SUCCESSFUL Give the boys the agenda of what is going to happen in class each lesson DO NOW AIMS(S) OF THE LESSON OUTCOMES HOMEWORK

Dads n Lads

Term 1 Term 2 - Father and son literacy evening and Dads n Lads Breakfast Term 3 - Father and son car rally

The Boys' Highway

The "Boys' Highway" is an efficient protocol that all teachers and students aim for in the classroom. It encourages a productive and assertive learning environment so students can get the most benefit from their lessons. Boys line up outside in two rows before entering class. Boys are to be quiet, uniform checked, surrounds checked at the time for litter. Boys only enter class (quietly) when directed by the teacher. Boys stand behind appropriate desk (as per teacher-created seating plan). Teacher directs them to sit. Maintain distinction between full attention state and working state in classroom e.g.: hands up when asking questions – one person talking at a time. Presentation – writing in blue, underline in red, rulers used, diagrams in pencil. At conclusion of lesson, boys pack up when directed by teacher. All litter off the floor and in bin - stand quietly, when directed by teacher. Boys leave as directed by teacher in an orderly fashion. – NOT before bell. For more information on Whangarei Boys' High School policy, please click here for the prospectus section.