Naturally we know that it is a fact that the capacity to understand the opposite sex on equal terms is based on a child’s early life. Furthermore, it is known that people learn most at a young age, so if boys can learn how to play with and cooperate with girls as well as other boys at an early age (and vice versa), they are at a great advantage. When they are adults they will know how to ‘maintain the peace’ as it were; i.e. they would be proficient in diplomacy.
Moreover, studies have shown that girls think differently from boys (their thought patterns differ) so in a coeducational classroom, boys may see a problem or challenge differently from girls- this is stated in the article. The implications of these differing viewpoints, however, I believe enhance the learning experience; as the boys and girls can help each other- which is what adults must do in the real world in order to survive and excel.
Furthermore, some of my doctor colleagues who have sent their children to single-sex schools have talked to me about how neurotic they have become; they have been suppressed so much, it is as if they are jelly in a mould, putty in the school’s hands. They are almost like robots, and schools were designed to educate children so that they become autonomous, productive members of society, not mindless drones.
This whole idea of the gender stereotyping of subjects is complete and utter nonsense; since when has Mathematics been regarded as a “boys’ subject”, or French a “girls’ subject”? I have never heard these subjects described using such juvenile language in my life!
The writer of the article, also mentioned that the behaviour of the children in single-sex classes was considerably better than that of students in co-educational classes. Chuck Faust, the headteacher of Newport Middle School near Cincinnati, Ohio (USA) switched the classes in the school from co-ed to single-sex. He discovered that the boys’ behaviour actually worsened; without the calming influence of the girls, the boys were much more “rowdy”, and discipline cases drastically increased.
I can honestly say, without a shadow of a doubt, that my nephew has grown up to be a much better person than he could have possibly been had he gone to a single-sex school. He has become a well-balanced person; he works hard, and plays hard. He has lots of male and female friends, and he knows how to talk to and cooperate with both groups. If he had been sent to one of those robot factories you call ‘the way forwards’ I do not know what he could have become – I shudder at the thought of it.
In conclusion, I urge you to remove the offending writer from your workforce, as he is a disgrace to all the writers on the team. The magazine is normally of an exceptionally high standard, but this individual’s literary cacophony is a blemish on your clean record. I had once been an avid reader of the Magazine, but this article has discouraged me from reading your publications. Once again, I beg you to relieve [writer’s name] of his duties.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. E. Micklewright
Church Stretton, Shropshire
