WHY MUST PENSHURST GIRLS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SINGLE-SEX EDUCATION?

• HIGHER CONFIDENCE - Studies show that girls in co-ed schools have lower self-esteem and feel more pressure to be thin than girls in single-sex schools (Cribb & Haase, 2016) Girls in co-ed schools are more likely to struggle with their body image and providing single-sex education will encourage psychological and social wellbeing in adolescent girls.
• GREATER PARTICIPATION IN STEM - Within a girls school, girls are intentionally equipped with the knowledge and skills required to overcome social and gender bias. Researchers found that STEM participation in Year 11 and 12 was significantly higher, and absenteeism from STEM lessons was significantly lower, among girls attending all-female campus’ (Panizzo , et al., 2018, p. 42).
• REDUCED GENDER-BASED BULLYING AND PEER PRESSURE - Research conducted by the University of Queensland in Australia has indicated that girls in single-sex schools may experience fewer instances of gender-based bullying and peer pressure. Besides this, Penshurst provides its students with the ability to pursue a wider range of interests without fear of gender-related stereotypes. Students are able to have career aspirations in male-dominant fields without being shut down, but rather, encouraged.

HOW IS SINGLE-SEX EDUCATION BENEFICIAL FOR GIRLS? Girls-only education leads to higher academic achievement, higher confidence levels, better wellbeing, greater participation in STEM, and enhanced career aspirations. All girls education allows students to feel empowered to achieve their full potential. Girls are more comfortable and have higher levels of engagement within classrooms. Single-sex education provides girls with better opportunities that are critical to academic and life success.

WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT TO HAPPEN:

• KEEP PENSHURST GIRLS A SINGLE-SEX SCHOOL
• MAKE PENSHURST GIRLS A 7-12 SCHOOL