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Commission finds three quarters of schools have boys falling behind in reading
2 Jul 2012
The Boys’ Reading Commission findings published today (Monday 2 July) reveal that 3 out of 4 (76%) UK schools are concerned about boys’ underachievement in reading despite no Government strategy to address the issue. Last year an estimated 60,000 boys failed to reach the expected level in reading at age 11.
The All-Party Parliamentary Literacy Group Commission’s report compiled by the National Literacy Trust reveals the “reading gender gap” is widening and says action needs to be taken in homes, schools and communities, with recommendations including boys having weekly access to male reading role models.
MPs and Lords who sat on the Commission heard evidence from teachers, boys, literacy experts and children’s authors Michael Rosen, Anthony Horowitz and Michael Morpurgo.
The Commission has found that the reading gender gap begins in the home, with parents supporting boys very differently from girls. Society’s expectations of boys and peer pressure can also negatively impact on some boys’ reading. Our new research published in the report found that:
- Boys are more likely than girls to believe that someone who reads is boring (18% vs. 12.7%) and a geek (22.3% vs. 18.5%)
- More boys than girls can’t find anything to read that interests them (30% vs. 23%)
- Boys are less likely to be given books as presents than girls (79.7% vs. 85.3%)
- Boys are more likely than girls to say they prefer watching TV to reading (62% vs. 45%)
The Commission has also found that within schools, what texts are read, and how reading is taught and assessed can impact on boys’ achievement. Although boys’ reading lags behind girls even at age 5, the gap widens throughout their time at school. At age 16, 14% more girls than boys achieve A*-C in English GCSE.
The Commission makes a series of recommendations to Government including:
- A toolkit of effective practice to show schools how to support boys’ reading
- School support for reading for enjoyment not just the mechanics of reading
- Boys to have weekly access to male role models that encourage reading
- Family initiatives should help parents, especially fathers, to support literacy
- Library support for boys least likely to be supported in their reading at home
Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Literacy Group and the Boys’ Reading Commission, Gavin Barwell MP said:
“Our report shows that the gender gap is not biological and therefore not inevitable. It is complex - there is no silver bullet – but by promoting reading for enjoyment, ensuring teachers are aware of the reading materials that will engage boys, getting our libraries to focus on those who are falling behind, making sure fathers understand their role as reading role models, getting volunteer male reading role models into our classrooms and using the media to change gender perceptions of reading we can close the gap.”
Our Director, Jonathan Douglas added:
"Boys’ underachievement in reading is not inevitable. Unless we address it too many boys will struggle at school and face inequalities throughout life. The Commission’s report provides rounded evidence on the best way to address this issue and represents a step-change in ensuring all boys reach their full potential."
Schools Minister Nick Gibb responded to report:
"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. Through phonics we are ensuring all children learn the mechanics of reading early in their school career. Helping children to develop a love of reading and a habit of reading for pleasure every day is key to ensuring we have well educated and literate young people by the time they leave school."
Children’s author, Michael Morpurgo said:
"The problem is cultural and deep-seated, therefore unlikely to be resolved quickly. The effort to turn things round has to be multi-faceted and has to be sustained over decades."
The National Literacy Trust’s parent support campaign Words for Life has tips for parents on encouraging boys to read as well as recommended books for boys at www.wordsforlife.org.uk/boys.
Notes to editors
Read more about the Boys’ Reading Commission and access the final report.
For more information please call Fiona Lewis on 020 7820 6253 or email media@literacytrust.org.uk.
For out-of-hours enquiries please call 07786 807 312.
About the All-Party Parliamentary Literacy Group
All Party Parliamentary Literacy Group launched in November 2011. Chaired by Gavin Barwell MP, with Stephen McPartland MP and Lord Knight as Vice Chairs, the group is committed to improving public understanding of the vital importance and impact of literacy.
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/About/donate.html
The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity, no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486, registered in England and Wales, and a registered charity in Scotland, no. SCO42944. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.
