NEWS
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ATTRACTS 430 REGISTRANTS FROM 10 COUNTRIES
Seventy-five schools represented in a shortened IBSC 2020 event
This year ’ s IBSC conference had been scheduled to take place at the Viaro Global School , Barcelona , over three full days at the end of July . For a very obvious reason , the decision was taken to postpone this event to 2021 , and instead to run a virtual conference with significantly reduced content over two two-hour sessions . In all , 430 individuals , including 20 Scotch staff , registered to participate . Collectively , these staff members represented 75 schools spread out over 10 countries .
The first session commenced at 7am Melbourne time and involved a panel discussion hosted by Ross Featherston , Headmaster of Brighton Grammar School , featuring a number of principals from around the globe , including our own Tom Batty , who is also the current IBSC Chair . This discussion was wide-ranging , but there was a particular focus on the manner in which teachers and institutions had dealt with the significant challenges raised by the current pandemic , and the possible implications for boys ’ schools in the future .
Alongside this discussion , conference ‘ delegates ’ were invited to participate in the chat room , responding to ideas and concerns raised by panellists , and also offering each other reassuring messages of encouragement and support .
One important facet of the IBSC is its Action Research Program , which entails educators first being trained in the specific research methodology and then guided through school-based projects relating to a particular educational theme . This year ’ s researchers presented via pre-recorded videos , with a focus on student agency ( essentially relating to giving students greater voice and choice ); this formed the basis for the second hour of the conference . Attendees were able to access these videos according to their interests , and could engage with researchers , and each other , via the live chat function .
Day two of the conference began with a presentation by the keynote speaker , Professor Ada L Sinacore , who is actively involved in research , addressing issues such as gender equity education , social justice and human rights , migration and immigration , workplace harassment ,
bullying , gender-based violence and sexual violence .
Professor Sinacore ’ s address focused specifically on the urgent need to both prioritise and normalise educating boys around topics relating to sex , pornography and loving relationships . This generated a great deal of response in the chat , including many recommendations for strategies that have been successfully applied in schools around the world , and suggestions for the changes that might need to be made in the future .
The final session entailed a second opportunity to engage in an Action Research presentation , including one which I had conducted . My research question centred on student agency and creative writing with my Year 7 challenge classes , and culminated in them displaying their work on the English corridor .
Members of the Scotch community who are interested in finding out more about the IBSC are encouraged to explore the coalition ’ s website at https :// www . theibsc . org /. This site includes information about the organisation and professional development opportunities it offers including courses , conferences and Action Research . Members of the IBSC who are interested in reading my report can access it there .
DANIEL WIGHTMAN – ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
BOYS IN MR WIGHTMAN ’ S ENGLISH CLASS
PARTICIPATING IN THE CREATIVE WRITING ACTION
RESEARCH PROJECT
34 Great Scot Issue 160 – September 2020