From Mr Coppin
Why a Girls' School?
Recent media discussions about co-education have intensified following the announcement that a 150-year-old boys’ school in Sydney’s Inner West will transition to a coeducational model. While much of the conversation has focused on the benefits of co-education, one critical trend has been overlooked—the fact that it is predominantly boys’ schools making this shift, not girls’ schools.
Historically, boys’ schools have sought to introduce co-education to evolve their culture, broaden their appeal, and elevate their academic standing. As the Sydney Morning Herald noted in 2016:
“In fact, since 2000, only one prominent girls' school has converted to co-ed.”
This trend underscores a key point: girls’ schools remain committed to single-sex education because research consistently shows that girls thrive in these environments. A 2016 British Parliamentary Inquiry found that, in coeducational settings, girls continue to encounter both teacher and gender biases when pursuing subjects like advanced mathematics, computer studies, and physics. The study also highlighted that girls in co-ed schools frequently experience everyday forms of harassment, which can impact their confidence and participation.
Additional research reinforces the unique advantages of girls' education. The International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) has highlighted key benefits, including:
Academic Achievement: Studies show that girls in single-sex schools achieve higher academic results, particularly in STEM subjects. Research from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) found that girls in all-girls' schools were more likely to take advanced mathematics and science courses compared to their counterparts in co-ed schools.
Leadership and Confidence: According to a 2022 report by the ICGS, graduates of girls’ schools are more likely to develop leadership skills, engage in public speaking, and participate in decision-making roles. A study by the National Coalition of Girls' Schools (NCGS) in the U.S. also found that alumni of girls' schools were significantly more likely to consider themselves strong leaders compared to their co-educated peers.
Reduced Gender Stereotyping: Research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that girls in single-sex schools were less likely to internalize traditional gender roles, leading to greater confidence in pursuing careers in male-dominated fields such as engineering, politics, and technology.
- Positive Learning Environment: A study published in the American Educational Research Journal concluded that students in girls' schools reported feeling more supported by teachers and peers, leading to higher levels of engagement and well-being.
On the other hand, research suggests that boys often perform better in coeducational settings, where they benefit from the presence of female peers.
At Kambala, we see it as our duty to amplify the voices of our students—to be a school for girls, not simply a school with girls. Our learning environment is intentionally designed to empower them, free from the social pressures and biases that can exist in mixed settings.
For those interested in the impact of girls’ education, I encourage you to explore these Sydney Morning Herald articles on why girls’ schools excel at fostering leadership:
🔗 Why girls’ schools succeed at producing women who lead
🔗 Why you should send your daughter to an all-girls’ school
Junior School Meet theTeacher Evening - Wednesday 19 February, 2025
Preparation to Year 6 Parents are warmly invited to meet their daughter's class teacher in their respective classrooms for an informative session.
PLEASE NOTE - this evening is for parents only not students.
Year 6 Production - Parent Volunteer Meeting - Wednesday 19 February, 2025 over Zoom
Dear Parents/Carers of Year 6 Students
In Term 2 your Year 6 daughters will be showcasing their performance skills in their Production of Goldie Locks On!
If you would like to volunteer with hair/ make-up, costuming and props, please note the following details for the meeting with Ms Derrig:
Date: Wednesday 19 February, 2025 (Week 4B)
Time: 12:30 - 1:00pm
Zoom link: https://kambala.zoom.us/my/annaderrig
If you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to help, please email anna_derrig@kambala.nsw.au.
Thank you in advance.
Kind Regards,
Anna Derrig
KPA Golf Day - The Lakes Golf Club - Monday 24 February, 2025
Please CLICK HERE to attend
Cross Country Training Years 3 - 6
Cross Country training for girls in Years 3 - 6 will take place on Thursday mornings from 7:00 – 7:45am on the oval, led by Head Coach Jason Hunt.
Training will begin on Thursday 13 February, 2025.
All girls in Years 3 - 6 are invited to participate. Please wear your PE uniform and sneakers, and bring an extra pair of socks to change into after training, as the oval may be damp in the mornings.
We recommend having breakfast after the session, with a light snack beforehand, such as a banana or a piece of toast.
Students who require an asthma inhaler or EpiPen must bring it with them.
Please note that Lyne Park is currently closed for rehabilitation following the recent circus event, so we are unable to use it for training at this time.