‘At Tintern, we see Parallel Learning as a “best of both worlds” …Parallel Learning acknowledges that the differing rates of physical, emotional, and psychological development between boys and girls can have an impact on their learning styles, however, it also understands that social interaction between genders is essential in developing well-adjusted young men and women.’ – Tintern Principal Mr Brad Fry
While Term 2 feels to have passed in the blink of an eye, it has provided wonderful opportunities for us to reinforce the above advantages and strengths of our Parallel Model.
Classroom learning can be structured by staff in a manner that, generally speaking, best suits our boys and girls. Many people talk about boys learning and communicating ‘side by side’ (doing while learning) with girls favouring a more ‘face to face’ approach.
The selection of and involvement in activities is free from gender stereotyping and our boys and girls tackle and push through the challenges of pre-adolescence without fear of embarrassment.
Wander through our Junior School at any time of the ‘curriculum day’ and the differences in the learning between girls and boys is obvious.
And yet, the interaction, especially during recreational time, reflects our Compass points of Respect, Confidence and Compassion. Already this term, our Prep girls and boys have shared a Fairytale Ball and a visit from the Fire Brigade; our Year 4 girls and boys spent immersed in a day at the Botanical Gardens exploring the healing benefits of plants and Health and Wellbeing in nature, our Year 6 boys and girls spent 4 wonderful days in Canberra visiting, amongst other sites, Parliament House, the War Memorial, the Governor General’s Residence and the Australian Institute of Sport, our Years 5 and 6 students have just completed Interschool sport that included mixed Softball, Netball, AFL, Soccer and Volleybounce teams, our Musical Showcase evening last week featured Ensemble groups showcasing the talents of girls and boys together and our Year 5s are preparing for their annual camps together at Sovereign Hill and their Surf camp at Phillip Island.
There is a deliberate, tailored and rich variety of interactions and opportunities where our Parallel Model intersects to offer our Junior School girls and boys ‘the best of both worlds’.
Adam Kenny | Head of Boys’ Junior School
