In 2000, the Howard government initiated a parliamentary inquiry into the education of boys in response to widespread concerns that boys were seriously underachieving academically. In 2002, the committee reported that boys’ school performance was much lower than girls, particularly in literacy, and had been declining over time. A variety of social and educational factors were identified and for a few years there was a flurry of activity in schools to improve the education of boys.
Tripe isn’t most people’s idea of an appealing breakfast, certainly not mine. But readers of recent Sydney’s Sunday papers have had it with their toast and coffee – whether they wanted it or not.