Although generalisations are made about so-called female or male characteristics, for example women are said to be more reflective in outlook and men more speculative, it is misleading to assume that all women have abilities which equip them better for one group of subjects and activities, or men are better at others. For this reason we ensure at Malvern College that there is a genuine equality of opportunity within the school and our teaching reflects the needs of all pupils regardless of gender.
Most schools that become co-educational do so gradually by adding pupils of the opposite gender at one particular year entry point and evolving into a mixed population. We did not do this. In our early days of Co-education in the early 1990's, Malvern College benefited considerably because two successful single sex schools were merged to form today's Coeducational School. Members of staff from each school ensured that the needs of both girls and boys were attended to in an equal way. As a result of this tradition, boys and girls integrate and interact well and we don't fall into the trap of stereotyping either gender!
