SE CHRONICLE 684

12 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Rachel Bellamy Deputy Head Pastoral How important is co-education to the fundamental purpose of education? American philosopher John Dewey suggested that ‘Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.’ Co-education is clearly a very important part of life; the co-educational nature of Teddies enables both pupils and staff to be part of a community of learners who are learning about ‘life itself ’ every day. What are the specific benefits to young people of having lived and worked as part of a co-educational community like St Edward’s? Boys and girls grow up in an environment where it is normal to collaborate with each other in the classroom, to have lunch together in Willows, to perform in the Dance Show together and for the 1 st XI cricket teams to train side by side on Upper 1. This means young people will leave St Edward’s ready to contribute positively to 21st-century life – whether that is at university, in their future profession, in their home life or in wider society. What does co-education bring to the atmosphere and culture of the School? Co-education enhances the friendly atmosphere of the School. Co-education allows pupils to be themselves rather than having to conform to any gender stereotypes. This leads to an inclusive culture which can be seen for example when pupils speak in Assembly in a wonderfully supportive atmosphere. It is

The sports programme has undergone a number of changes in recent years. Tell us how it is shaped by our co educational ethos. The sports programme illustrates the breadth of opportunity to girls and boys and the lack of gender stereotypes. We do not have ‘girls’ sports’ and ‘boys’ sports’ in an old-fashioned way that limits opportunities. Instead, all pupils have a wide choice of sports at a participation or performance level; walk around the sports facilities on a games afternoon and you will see boys and girls playing hockey, tennis, badminton, football, cricket… and on a Saturday you will see girls and boys supporting each other, for example as members of the athletics team and on the river. The School Steeplechase is a fantastic afternoon of co-educational sport, with all pupils running the same distance on either the senior or junior course. In addition, the annual co-educational hockey/netball

Rachel Bellamy

also evident in co-curricular activities – such as the friendships developed amongst the cast of Sweeney Todd and the camaraderie in the Boat Club.

The mixed netball tournament

FREDDIE WALTON I enjoy being part of a co-educational community because it prepares us for the outside world – we have interactions that people in single sex schools would not. I also enjoy it because it makes the School more diverse and a more interesting place to be.

MAYLIA HUME-ASHMAN What I value most about the co

educational community at Teddies is the way in which it prepares us for life after school. It creates a diverse environment in which we can all establish mutual respect through living and learning together. Most importantly, it creates equality between all gender identities making our School a happy and inclusive community.