Same-Sex Schooling

While learning about Everdeen, an elite private school in Australia, I came to understand that this particular institution utilizes gender segregation in classes. I find this interesting as someone who attended a co-ed public school. My experience of high school education is seemingly different in many different aspects as compared to Everdeen but gender segregation stands out to me the most. Much of my own education experiences are in part related to collaborating with people of all identities, including those of gender. With that being said, I have only ever heard of all-boys or all-girls schools, so the idea of both boys and girls existing on the same campus but not learning in the same classroom is puzzling. Ultimately, my research so far has made me wonder: what are the benefits of same-gender classrooms? 

In our research project, my group members and I divided up interview transcripts to read and analyze. Violet, one student interviewee, noted that she was aware of the gender split, especially beginning in her younger years at Everdeen. She reflected upon her earlier education saying that she was grateful to not have had classes with “stupid boys.” However, as she got older, Violet recognized how she preferred having a class with boys because she believed collaboration with them would prepare her how to work professionally after graduation from Everdeen. While Violet’s reflection seems to be socially oriented, I wonder if she is also thinking critically about the purpose of same-gender education. 

https://tenor.com/view/boys-boys-are-gross-gross-gross-boys-cooties-gif-5621549 

It is also interesting to consider the role of gender segregation at Everdeen which instills the importance of becoming a global citizen. In this case, students of all identities are taught lessons about becoming a person who understands and is aware of the global world. However, after reading through Everdeen students’ interviews, I was intrigued as to how splitting classes based on gender prepares students for the global world. If an Everdeen student is supposed to learn about the global world, wouldn’t this involve gaining knowledge on the changing perspectives of gender identities? Violet, our interviewee, spoke again and again about global citizenship being about understanding various cultures. Therefore, perhaps recognizing various gender identities is not a significant part of being a global citizen.

With that being said, what does the future hold for gender-segregated schools? Specifically, I come to think of the changing world in which we live where the gender binary is being abolished. In many societies and schools, students of all ages are encouraged to explore possibilities of identity, regardless of the standardized definitions of gender, race, etc. that many of whom have grown up learning. I wonder how the students at Everdeen who do not identify as a girl or boy are educated. Overall, after learning about a gender-segregated school, I have grown more curious about the benefits and impacts of the system on students in an ever-changing world.