‘Girls on Board’ is an approach to working with girls which empowers them to resolve their own friendship difficulties and helps those caring for and working with them understand how complex their friendships can be. It was introduced to girls in Years 7-11 again this year, with Year 7 talking about the key ideas during their PSHE lesson this week. We feel that it is useful as part of our wider commitment to helping all of our pupils to communicate more effectively with each other and in developing their understanding of and empathy towards each other.
Andrew Hampton, founder of ‘Girls on Board’, joined us for a webinar last year aimed at helping parents understand how the approach works and to highlight ways in which they can support their daughter following the same principles at home.
At the same time, our Year 7 boys explored the concept of masculinity and what it means to grow up as a young man in today’s world. Using the framework of the Four Pillars – Strength, Courage, Mastery and Honour – students examined how traditional ideas about masculinity can sometimes put pressure on young men to hide their emotions or feel they must prove themselves in unhealthy ways. They were encouraged to reflect on their own strengths and consider how qualities like courage and mastery can be channelled positively – not to dominate or isolate, but to support, contribute and look out for those around them.
