The reading gap between
boys and girls in England is widening but there is no official strategy to
address it, a report says.
The Boys' Reading
Commission took evidence from teachers, 226 schools and 21,000 young people in
the UK . Last year, 80% of boys reached the expected level in reading at age
11compared with 88% of girls. In the early years of secondary school the gap
widens further, with boys outstripped by girls in English by 12 percentage
points at age 14. Last year, 59% of boys achieved an A*to C in English GCSE
compared to 73% of girls. The findings also suggest girls are enjoying reading
more than boys and that this difference has been intensifying in recent years
Commission Chairman,
Gavin Barwell MP, said specific action to address the gender issue was
required.
The commission also
examined the influence of the home environment on reading ability. It cites
earlier research which suggests parents do not support boys in their reading to
the same extent as they support girls. This is supported up by National
Literacy Trust research which found that boys are less likely to be given books
as presents.
Schools Minister, Nick
Gibb MP said: "Reading for pleasure is key to boosting a young person's
life chances. As a government, improving reading standards in schools is central
to all our education reforms.
The government said it
was focusing on getting every child to read using phonics and reading for
enjoyment.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18644811
No comments:
Post a Comment