Volume 36 December 2006 www.agsa.org.au in alliance

in this issue GirlsGirls andand SportSport

Eyes on the ball: at The Alliance of Girls’ Schools PO Box 22 From the President... Cleveland Qld 4163 Beth Blackwood Executive Officer Jan Butler T/F: +61 7 3488 2686 E: [email protected] President Summer has announced its arrival in Australia the first survey in 1980. However, results showed Beth Blackwood through the shift in media coverage from football to only 10.7% of newspaper sports space was devoted to Presbyterian Ladies’ cricket. So … with the theme of girls and sport in women’s sport, compared with the men’s at 79.1%. College, WA mind for this edition of in Alliance I could not help Women were often described in ways that stressed but reflect on the equity issue with regard to weakness, passivity and insignificance, deflecting Executive television and other media coverage of women and attention from their athleticism. Like Schell’s Kitty Guerin sport. research, the Australian Sports Commission reported Our Lady of Mercy that sportswomen “were frequently portrayed as girls, College, NSW A website search revealed that I am not alone in no matter what their age”. Helen Jackson pondering the issue. Lea Ann Schell, in her article Pascoe Vale Girls’ (Dis)Empowering Images? Media Representations of Schell asks whether we should be concerned and College, Vic Women in Sport states that “Since … the fitness boom concludes that such portrayal “greatly restricts the Christine Jenkins of the 1980s, the number of girls and women availability of role models and representations that Korowa Anglican Girls’ participating in competitive and recreation sports has depict a wider range of women involved with sport, School, Vic dramatically increased. Subsequently, more female and may discourage young girls from engaging in athletes and women’s sports have been in the those sports deemed unfeminine.” Susan Just international and national spotlights through Canberra Girls’ Schell encourages those concerned to challenge television, newspapers, and magazines. The seeming Grammar School, ACT media to increase the coverage they provide of optimism generated from such an increase in media women’s sport as well as extending “the range of Ann Mildenhall attention given to women’s sports, however, is offset Diocesan School for diversity to include coverage of racial and ethnic by the fact that men’s sports continue to receive more Girls, Auckland, NZ minorities, larger women, women with disabilities, coverage than women’s sports, and minority women and older women. We must support (financially and Belinda Provis are practically non-existent in sports coverage.” philosophically) those media who do not objectify Seymour College, SA Moreover, “when female athletes are the focus of women athletes or trivialize their athletic endeavors, Karen Spiller media attention, the images often sexualize and but do provide positive role models and celebrate the St Aidan’s Anglican trivialize their efforts … most covers and story accomplishments of women from various Girls’ School, Qld photographs featured white, slender models wearing backgrounds. Finally, we must encourage young girls scanty fitness clothes exposing those body parts and women to become educated consumers who will equated with feminine sexuality, such as thighs, have the power to resist biased media images and abdominals, cleavage, and buttocks. Such images incite change at the local and national levels.” divert attention from women’s achievements as serious athletes and reinforce misguided assumptions The participation of girls in sport at all-girls’ schools that women in sport are non competitive and is, I believe, exemplary. An environment relatively interested only in sex-appropriate sport.” free of gender stereotypes and one that celebrates achievement encourages their engagement. One of Schell’s research is American-based but similar our challenges would seem to be to teach them to be research by the Australian Sports Commission that is ‘educated consumers’ and continue their engagement carried out every four years to gauge any in sports beyond their schooldays. improvements in media coverage shows little difference for Australian women. in Alliance 2007 An illusory image: A report on the media coverage and portrayal of women’s sport in Australia 1996 Editorial Deadlines shows that, although Australia’s “sportswomen are Beth Blackwood VOLUME 37 playing harder, faster and more professionally than Friday 6 April 2007 ever, and have a proven international record, they still struggle for consistent, long-term coverage.” Career Education Lea Ann Schell, (Dis)Empowering Images? Media Representations There was some good news, with newspaper of Women in Sport, www.womensportsfoundation.org VOLUME 38 reportage of women’s sport doubling since the 1992 Australian Sports Commission - Women and Sport, Media Coverage Friday 27 July 2007 report and recording just over a 500% increase from of Women in Sport www.ausport.gov.au/women/fsmedia.asp Women in Public Life VOLUME 39 27 November 2006 Annual Conference 2007 presentation proposals due (see back page) Friday 19 October 2007 Global Education 17 - 21 January 2007 Student Leadership Conference 2007, Penrhos College, Perth, WA, Australia The Editor would be grateful for any articles or photographs for forthcoming editions. Please 15 - 17 June 2007 Annual Alliance Conference, Lauriston Girls’ School, Armadale, , Australia forward these to Jan Butler at [email protected] 26 - 29 June 2007 2007 NCGS Annual Conference, Roland Park Country School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA FOR YOUR DIARY FOR YOUR DIARY

2 From the Editor...

Jan Butler

One of the greatest challenges highlighted in the media today is the huge rise of AUSTRALIA obesity in the general population and in Womensport - Information about women and Women and Sport South Africa (WASSA) - children in particular. It is well known and sport from all states in Australia. Their under the auspices of Sport and Recreation documented that exercise, along with a mission is: “Developing and supporting the South Africa. healthy diet, is an important factor in aims of women in all aspects of sport and www.srsa.gov.za keeping fit and reducing obesity. Various recreation.” www.womensport.com.au studies have shown that girls, while keen Australian Sports Commission - Australian to engage in sporting activities at primary National Sport Information The Office for Recreation and Sport school, tend to lose interest and are www.ausport.gov.au/nsic/webarch.asp encourages the involvement of women in all participating in sport at secondary school aspects of physical activity, recreation and at a much lower rate than previously and AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL sport and is pleased to promote initiatives in to a lesser extent than boys. It is important this area. that this trend is changed for not only TERRITORY www.recsport.sa.gov.au/training- fitness reasons but for social reasons as www.sport.act.gov.au development/womens-girls.html well. CANADA A fact sheet from NSW Sport and Canadian Association for the Advancement of Recreation (www.dsr.nsw.gov.au) states Women and Sport and Physical Activity Sport and Recreation Tasmania that: www.caaws.ca www.development.tas.gov.au/sportrec “Those who participate in sport, recreation UNITED KINGDOM and physical activity are generally healthier, more confident and feel better Womensport NSW. One of their programs is Women’s Sports Foundation than those who don’t. Current research Schoolgirls’ Breakfasts with the Stars. The www.wsf.org.uk indicates that 30 minutes of moderate aim of the breakfasts is to utilise positive National Action Plan for Women and Girls in physical activity (such as walking) done sporting role models to inspire and motivate Sport and Physical Activity most days of the week is the minimum high school girls to continue their www.wsf.org.uk/docs/WSF-Goodpractice.doc required to maintain good health.” involvement in sport and physical activity. UNITED STATES According to the fact sheet some of the www.womensportnsw.com.au advantages of playing sport are to: National Association for Girls and Women in Sport - The leading organisation for equity • socialise and have fun Sport & Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) issues in sports - champions equal funding, • learn new skills Dedicated to getting New Zealanders moving. quality, and respect for girls’ and women’s • keep slim and fit That means everything from supporting elite sports. www.aahperd.org/nagws • feel good and relieve stress athletes to getting out into local communities and encouraging people to get active. • belong to a team www.sparc.org.nz VICTORIA Girls’ schools have a strong focus on full Girls’ Sport Victoria (GSV) was established in participation in sporting activities for their 2001 and is one of the largest independent students. This is highlighted in articles Womensport Queensland aims to improve school sporting associations in Victoria, with from our South African and opportunities for women and girls in sport. 24 member schools. GSV recognises the member schools. There are also many This could mean assisting girls and women to importance of school sport in developing organisations working to encourage girls participate and get active or play at the elite positive attitudes towards women’s health and to continue to play sport. We feature level or coach or officiate or be a a lifelong involvement in physical activity articles from Girls’ Sport Victoria, representative on a board or do all of these and sport. Womensport Queensland and Womensport activities. The website provides updates on www.gsv.vic.edu.au West. statistics, research and any other information available that is of interest to women and girls See the box on this page for web links of in sport. Womensport West is a not for profit organisations supporting girls and women www.womensportqld.com.au organisation dedicated to increasing in sport in your state, territory and opportunities for women and girls of all ages country. SINGAPORE to participate in sport and physical activity as Sports Web Women and Sport Group well as recognising the sporting achievements www.ssc.gov.sg/SportsWebg of women and girls. www.wswest.asn.au Jan Butler

3 Sports at Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary), Singapore

Sports play a significant part in the shaping of young lives in Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) (RGS). The School recognises that a vibrant sporting culture helps to develop its pupils’ emotional, mental, physical and social health, and adopts a multi-pronged approach in cultivating in our pupils the importance of sports for girls. RGS seeks to provide a holistic education for its students and sport is one of the platforms offered by the Raffles Program to develop their interpersonal skills in the areas of leadership and team building, as well as intrapersonal competencies such as perseverance and resilience.

The RGS Physical Education Program Festival is when the pupils see the consists of 13 game modules: “Focusing on personal fruition of the House practice hours Gymnastics, , and Track and they have spent preparing for the mass Field for Secondary 1 pupils; excellence rather than glory dance performance, and competing in , , and Sport alone, and offering sporting track and field events, telematches, and Climbing for Secondary 2 pupils; cheerleading. Besides providing a Rugby, , and for handshakes in defeat are platform for pupils to compete in Secondary 3 pupils; and , traditional events, the Floorball, , and Soccer for attitudes reflecting the Swimming Carnival gives pupils the Secondary 4 pupils. The Games mindset of the students in avenue to try many water-based Concept Approach has been integrated activities: for example, water captain’s as part of Physical Education pedagogy RGS, where every scholar is ball competition, mass swim, and to promote and reinforce in our pupils aqua-aerobics. For the annual and life-skills such as communication, also a sportswoman.” national All Children Exercise decision-making, problem-solving, and Simultaneously (ACES) Day, pupils esteem building. from each House prepare, choreograph and present their aerobics routine to judges. The House with The school has a high number of Sports Co-curricular the best choreography which fulfils the fun, fitness, and Activities (17 in all): Badminton, Basketball, Cross- creativity criteria will be selected as the year’s ACES Country, Fencing, Golf, Gymnastics (Artistic, Rhythmic, Day Routine for the School. Trampoline), Judo, Netball, Outdoor Adventure, Sailing, Shooting (Air Rifle and Pistol), Squash, Swimming, Both the Sports Festival and Swimming Carnival Table-Tennis, Tenpin Bowling, Tennis, and Track and are also organised at Inter-Class level. Another Field. The School believes in developing each pupil to mass sports event that is based on Inter-Class the fullest potential in her area of sporting talent. A competitions is the Netball Carnival which multitude of sporting activities are arranged for the pupils involves the entire pupil population. Four after their End of Instruction examinations, including separate Netball Carnivals are held Kicking Boxing, Paso Dobla, and Kendo. annually, one for each level of the pupil population. Competitions in cheering In addition to the strong tradition of a wide, varied, and and Netball Shooting are also incorporated excellent sporting arena, the School’s House System in this sports event. provides many opportunities for pupils to partake in sporting activities. House RGS’ approach in sustaining an excellent sporting practices include mass dancing, track and culture yields an additional important desired field events, and cheerleading. Pupils also outcome – the nurturing of a sense of belonging have the following array of Inter-House among the pupils to their class, Co-curricular sports competitions from which they can choose to Activity, House, and ultimately, to their school. It participate and represent their House: Badminton, also cultivates sportspersonship, a virtue strongly Basketball, Fencing, Floorball, Golf, Netball, Outdoor related to those of respect and grace in the pursuit Adventure Activities, Rugby, Shooting, Squash, Soccer, of victory. Focusing on personal excellence rather Sports Climbing, Swimming, Table-Tennis, Tenpin Bowling, than glory alone, and offering sporting Tennis, and Track and Field. handshakes in defeat are attitudes reflecting the mindset of the students in RGS, where The Inter-House competition system transcends every scholar is also a sportswoman. numerous annual mass sports events. The Sports

Softball at RGS

4 Sports Festival 06 - the 5 houses together Dance competition @Sports Festival 06 - Hadley House

Athletes participating Swim carnival 06 Netball at RGS in Sports Festival 06

Supporting the swimmers

5 Saints Sport and Recognition, South Africa

Karen Prinsloo, Deputy Head, St Stithians Girls’ College, South Africa, www.stithian.com

We offer sport at ; in fact, if a sport exists and Sport at Saints and the enthusiasm for the activity are closely girls wish to try it, we will source a coach and offer it. As a result related to the enthusiasm and passion displayed by the staff we offer hockey, netball, tennis and swimming - sports we consider member in charge of the activity as well as the coaches employed as traditionally offered at girls’ schools. Over and above these we to assist the staff member. We also try to provide opportunities for offer athletics, cross-country, squash, soccer, , , all of our girls to compete in leagues, and if a league structure does rowing, touch rugby, Saints striders not exist for an age group of 6th team (our non-competitive walking program) for example, we will organise a and our girls also compete in the friendly tournament or friendly games schools equestrian league. Many of our “Sport at Saints and the for the more social or non-first teams. activities such as swimming and enthusiasm for the activity A housing structure is also in place to athletics provide the core skills needed promote the pleasure of sport at our for other minor sports such as water are closely related to the school. By dividing the school into polo and touch rugby for example. the four houses this provides greater enthusiasm and passion participation in the competitive side of We are also very fortunate to be able to activities on offer at our school. We offer these sports on the most beautiful displayed by the staff member have inter house and often staff versus campus in , grounds pupil activities and on occasion girls which are exquisitely maintained, in charge of the activity...” versus boys matches with our brother where parents and girls are provided school across the field. This year we with eats and refreshments at the edge have embarked upon a very successful Spirit Committee which is of the astro, pool or field at the end of a match. Altogether a very committed to promoting a supporting team of girls to accompany privileged experience! the athletes at all of our ‘high’ games. This has had an incredible Our philosophy at Saints is to provide our girls with opportunities effect on those girls competing and also on the spirit committee to participate and experience the life skills that are so easily taught themselves. They are all ‘fired up’ for the season. It is a delight to through fun team participation in sport. It is commitment to shared see and hear their enthusiastic cries from the edge of the field and visions, the ability to win graciously and lose with dignity that we pool. aspire to teach our girls. Sport also provides a wonderful avenue We strongly encourage all of our students to maintain a healthy to promote, develop and hone leadership skills – one of our balanced perspective of school life through sport and by becoming strategic goals in the Girls’ College. involved in cultural activities, playing traditional instruments,

Hockey Team on Argentina tour

6 Women come in all shapes and sizes “When are we going to stop talking about the shape of women’s bodies and start to recognise that women come in all shapes and sizes? The recent discussion about Serena Williams’ body shape is reflective of how disapproving the media is of women who do not fit an ‘ideal’ body type. This, coupled with recent reports that schools are conducting weigh-ins of children and young people, only adds to the growing number of people, in particular women, who feel that they are less than perfect and who struggle with body image issues, disordered eating patterns and low self esteem. What should be highlighted is that Serena Williams sends a message to all women that she is confident, strong and participating in a sport that she loves and enjoys. Her recent win shows that she is a formidable competitor who should not be written off. Must we again, in 2006 go over old ground that questions the participation of women in sport as a threat to feminine virtues and appearances? Arguments like this heighten the anxiety of women who feel uncomfortable about their bodies and does nothing to help address the current low participation rates by women in sport and recreation.” Womensport and Recreation Victoria, ‘giving of themselves’ in acts of service to the community and of http://www.womensport.com.au course to still maintain academic excellence. This is quite a demanding load and then on top of all that we are quite revolutionary in our outward recognition of their achievements. None of our girls ‘wear’ their colours for sport and academics on their blazers, we don’t have prefects and there are no ‘badges’ for GoGirlGo.com achievement or captaincy worn outwardly on their uniform. We At the 2006 World Conference on Women and Sport a do however recognise all efforts and achievements whether it be group from the United States spoke about empowering girls an improvement to a breaststroke time from the beginning to the in sport around the world. The group has developed a end of a season or to the presentation of South African colours for website called GoGirlGo.com to encourage girls, parents a sport. and program organisers to get active and mix with like Our girls are recognised in Assembly, they receive their colours minded people. The site has an area for girls, an area for certificates at a formal end of year ‘Celebration’ function and we parents and an area for program organisers. The area for often forward their photos to the press. We also acknowledge girls is a great way to bring active girls together and provide activities like dancing, fencing, , kick boxing, ballet and them with a space to chill out, chat and learn more about wake boarding that are not offered at the school but where our things they are interested in. There are four sections to this girls participate in clubs or at community centres. These ‘gifts’ are area including a School, where higher learning intersects showcased at school events such as at our annual Spring Festival with sport in a girl’s life; girls can read about how their and Arts Festivals, are listed in our newsletters and acknowledged favourite athletes deal with curveballs, and how to become at the annual function. a leader themselves. The next section is the Lounge; this is where girls can hang out and put shootouts to team mates on The underlying philosophy behind this is that not all our girls can the message board. The Gym has videos on how girls can obtain badges for the many ‘gifts’ that they might possess such as perfect their game, information on over 100 sports, and wise friendship, integrity, character or being a good listener. Nor words from a Sports Diva. The final area is the Action should girls with sporting talents grow up thinking that they are Centre, a place for girls who want to lead the way in making better than others. Who you are and become should be shaped by sure all other girls have a chance to play and be active. The your positive deeds and actions and your internal measure of self parents’ area is a place for adults to give them information worth. We are encouraging our girls to build their own intrinsic on how to get their girls active, as well as providing motivators and not to rely on what others think about them. sponsorship opportunities for the site and girls in the At Saints we encourage mass participation and strive for community. excellence – a delicate balance exists between these two From the Womensport Queensland web site: viewpoints, but what is pivotal is that ‘you have to enjoy what you http://www.womensportqld.com.au do – you have to have fun!’

7 Increased Opportunities: Girls’ Sport in Queensland

Barbara Barkley, Chief Executive Officer, Womensport Queensland

Womensport Queensland was initially established in 1993 to celebrate the achievements of extraordinary women in sport through the Mazda/The Courier-Mail Queensland Sportswomen of the Year Gala Dinner. Queensland sporting greats including Vicki Wilson, Susie O’Neill, Karrie Webb, Kerrie Meares, Joanna Stone and Leisel Jones have been announced Queensland Sportswoman of the Year at these dinners. Fourteen years later the organisation actively promotes opportunities for women and girls in sport, increases women’s well-being through sport and physical activity and is extending its networks and support for women and girls across Queensland. With the recruitment of its first Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Barkley and the increased strategic focus of its Board, Womensport Queensland is now undertaking a stronger advocacy and advisory role on behalf of women and girls in sport across Queensland. This advocacy role continues to recognise the outstanding achievements of “Womensport Queensland Queensland’s female athletes as well as increasing opportunities for women to is now undertaking a take on leadership roles. stronger advocacy and Throughout its history, Womensport advisory role on behalf of Queensland has appreciated great women and girls in sport loyalty from its sponsors which has included Mazda, The Courier-Mail, across Queensland.” Sport and Recreation Queensland and St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School. Our organisation would not have had the success it has achieved without the support of these and many other fantastic organisations that acknowledge the importance of improving the opportunities for women and girls in sport. In 2005, Womensport Queensland, in partnership with our sponsors, Sport and Recreation Queensland and Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, delivered several Active Girls’ breakfasts and professional development forums across Queensland where 600 schoolgirls attended breakfasts in , Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Townsville. There they were inspired by outstanding Olympic cyclists Kerrie and Anna Meares, Paralympic swimmer Karni Liddell and softballer Joyce Lester. This year, schoolgirls in Mt Isa, , Noosa and Gold Coast have had the opportunity to be inspired by presenters including Olympic cyclist Sara Carrigan and Townsville Fire basketballer, Naomi Pedro. Womensport Queensland provides information to anyone interested in increasing opportunities for women and girls through its website and electronic newsletters. Information can be accessed on upcoming sporting events throughout the State, available funding and interesting topics related to women and girls in sport. For more information on the Active Girls Breakfasts; the 2006 Mazda/The Courier-Mail Queensland Sportswoman of the Year Gala Dinner; the Kumamoto Conference on Women and Sport; and other Womensport Queensland activities; or to become a member of Womensport Queensland visit www.womensportqld.com.au or contact Womensport Queensland on 07 3004 6860.

8 Leading by Example: Girls Sport Victoria

The following segments have been reprinted from the GSV web pages (http://www.gsv.vic.edu.au) by permission.

Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) was established in 2001 and is one of the largest sporting associations in Victoria, with 24 member schools. Under GSV 16,500 girls from Years Seven to Twelve have the opportunity to be involved in more than 20 sports - in weekly competitions, carnivals, tournaments and skills development programs. GSV also conducts a Year 7 Sports Expo, showcasing up to 30 different sports. GSV encourages girls to participate in sport at all levels, from skills development, to friendly competition and elite performance. GSV recognises the importance of school sport in developing positive attitudes towards women’s health and a lifelong involvement in physical activity and sport.

Sport the Winner as School Principals Lead by Example It’s not often that you can gather the Principals from 24 schools together and even less often that they come together in an act of solidarity. But on a crisp, sunny morning at Bundoora Park this morning (Friday 26 May, 2006) that’s exactly what happened when Principals from 24 independent girls’ schools swapped their business suits for track suits and came together to ‘walk the course’ at the Girls Sport Victoria Cross Country Championships. With hundreds of proud and excited girls in tow, the Principals kept a very brisk pace, proving they were serious about demonstrating their own fitness and commitment to physical activity. They led the way, figuratively and literally, and inspired their whole school communities to get active. President of Girls Sport Victoria and Toorak College Principal Margaret Webb said it was a fantastic experience to walk with the girls and 23 other Principals as a warm up to the Championships. “It was simply marvellous to be out there; the atmosphere amongst the Principals and girls was just inspirational,” she said. “As Principals of girls’ schools we all felt such a strong sense of coming together, encouraging girls to get active. It made us very proud to be a part of GSV.” “There was a terrific buzz out there and already talk about raising the bar next year.” Principal The 24 GSV schools are: Camberwell Girls Grammar School, of Shelford Girls’ Grammar, Pam Chessell, said Fintona Girls’ School, Firbank Grammar School, Genazzano the walk was important to demonstrate to girls FCJ College, Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, Kilvington that, as leaders of our school communities, we Girls’ Grammar, Korowa Anglican Girls’ School, Lauriston take sport and physical fitness seriously and Girls’ School, Loreto Toorak, Lowther Hall Anglican that it is a lifelong commitment. Grammar School, Girls Grammar, Mentone Girls’ Girls Sport Victoria has a strong philosophy Grammar School, Methodist Ladies’ College, Our Lady of Mercy College, Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Ruyton Girls’ to encourage girls to get involved in sport in School, Sacre Coeur, St Catherine’s School, St Margaret’s their school years and to stay involved in School, Shelford Girls’ Grammar, , sport and physical activity throughout Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School, Tintern Girls adulthood. Grammar School and Toorak College.

9 Steps to enhance girls’ participation “Girls who play sports have higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression than girls who do not play sports.” Edwards P, 1995, Facts on Sports and Smoke free Youth, 6 Oct 2006, http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/research_data/youth/ythsprt1.htm

Schools can... • Celebrate girls’ participation in sport activities • Provide PE specialist teachers in primary schools • Encourage high profile sportswomen to visit their school • Encourage students to design and choose their own sports clothing • Provide opportunities for girls to gain equal access to sports facilities • Ensure women in sport issues are included as part of the PE curricula • Provide adequate shower and change facilities for girls which allow for some privacy • Ensure a more even balance of male/female PE teachers and PE Heads of Department Community Sports Clubs can... • Provide non-traditional sports for teenage girls • Experiment with different sports and length of seasons • Encourage and support girls to conduct their own competitions • Provide competitions which focus on the fun and social aspect of sport participation Students can... • Assist teachers to develop their sport program • Provide feedback to the school on changeroom facilities • Assist in the selection and design of appropriate sports clothes • Provide encouragement and feedback to their peers, champion their participation Teachers can... • Be aware of the issue of body image for girls • Segregate groups on ability, rather than gender • Give girls more involvement in the selection of the PE sports • Experiment with different sports, lengths of PE lessons and season • Modify rules and invent games which encourage the fun and social aspect of sport • Provide coaching and activity programs for girls entering high school with inadequate skills Parents can... • Celebrate girls’ participation in sporting activities • Be spectators and enjoy your children’s participation • Encourage girls at a younger age to be involved in community sport • Assist in the development of skills through practice and play at home

Reprinted from the Womensport West web site by permission, www.wswest.asn.au/research.html

10 11 Women of Achievement

Jane Barker – Founder of St Catherine’s School, Waverley, NSW, the oldest Anglican girls’ school in Australia Lynne Stone, 11th Headmistress of St Catherine’s School, Waverley

Celebrating its 150th year educating young women, St Catherine’s at Waverley, Sydney owes its foundation to an amazing woman – Jane Sophia Barker, nee Harden, the wife of the Bishop of Sydney. It was her vision for an outstanding education for girls, coupled with her immense drive and commitment, that laid the foundations for Australia’s oldest Anglican girls’ school. Jane Sophia Harden was born into a well-educated family in the Lake District of England. In her youth, Jane was surrounded by those who are now household names in English literature, art and education. Visitors to her home included the painter, Constable, and poets, Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey. Jane knew and was very fond of the Arnold family of Rugby fame. Whilst touring Europe, entertaining artists and poets wherever they went, the family met Lord Tennyson, and Jane’s father sketched the only surviving portrait of Tennyson with Arthur Hallam, who was the subject of his famous poem, In Memoriam. Hers was a most cultured and diverse experience of life. Still single in her early thirties, it was not expected that Jane would marry but, like other women of her generation, would keep house for her widowed father. Her life, however, took an unexpected turn in 1839 when she met Frederic Barker, an evangelical clergyman, and married him the following year. For fourteen years they worked together in the parish of St Mary, Edge Hill, near Liverpool, before Frederic was offered the post of Bishop of Sydney. In early 1855, Frederic and Jane set sail and it was on Charlotte and Emily. Difficulty and great this journey that Mrs Barker commenced the expense were certainly to come in abundance. journal letters to her sister, Jessie. Journals had been a part of her travels when she was Brushing aside the objections and doubts of her younger and it was natural for her to adopt contemporaries, Mrs Barker set to work and this way of recording and communicating her experiences. early in November launched the first of many These letters became known as ‘Mrs Barker’s Diary’, of which only fund-raising appeals for St Catherine’s. By the 1855 – 1856 survived complete and they record the establishment of St new year she had over 500 pounds and had engaged staff, secured Catherine’s School. premises in what is now Ocean Street, Woollahra and enrolled the first students. Less than 117 days after she recorded her decision, the Disenchanted with the frivolous, materialistic society of Sydney, within Clergy Daughters’ School opened on 5 March 1856 with three students three months of their arrival, the Barkers undertook a tour visiting and a further two expected at the end of the week. While not subject to country clergy. Mrs Barker was a resourceful traveller and loved the the myriad of regulations of today, it was still a considerable feat to open spaces, despite the discomforts of the journey and the need to achieve this in such a short time. travel light. Dismayed at the absence of opportunities for the daughters of the clergy she met, on a wet night in Molong she recorded her In June 1856, the strength of her determination is evident from her decision to establish the school that was to become St Catherine’s. diary, With her characteristic matter-of-factness she stated A Clergy Daughters’ School I am bent upon erecting and I shall An institution for the education of clergymen’s daughters, spare neither friend nor foe in the attempt. similar to Casterton or Brighton…would be a very great boon to No doubt she was a formidable and persuasive advocate for her vision. the poor burdened country clergy; and we have determined by God’s blessing to establish one. There will be many difficulties From the start Mrs Barker set high standards for the Clergy Daughters’ and great expense but I daresay not more than can be overcome. School. She had no intention of training the students in lady-like accomplishments; tuition was to be practical and scholarly, in Casterton is best known as the school attended by the Bronte sisters,

12 Visiting Guest Speakers for the Alliance

Dr Leonard Sax Negotiations are in progress for a return visit and lecture tour to Australia in May 2007 by Dr Leonard Sax MD PhD, Executive Director, National Association for Single Sex Public Education (NASSPE). In our last issue of in Alliance, we featured an article by Brian Lamb, director of the Lauriston Institute, who discussed a recent visit by Dr Sax and his ideas relating to gender difference. In reference to the notion that “girls’ eyes are constructed so that they respond to warm colours and to the texture of objects while boys’ eyes detect silver, black and blue and are more attuned to action and movement”, Dr Sax asked in Alliance to clarify that he was citing the work of Yasumasa Arai and associates in , who used the term ‘warm’ to describe the colours preferred by girls and ‘cold’ to describe the colours preferred by boys. He emphasised that when he is presenting the work of others it is not necessarily his own opinion. He comments “I am personally uneasy with the statement. One reason for my uneasiness is that I have personally seen boys who are very happy to use preparation for their roles as clergy wives themselves and responsible colors such as red, orange, yellow, green, and brown; and I have personally for the education of their own children. seen girls of all ages who are happy to use black, grey, silver, and blue crayons.” He goes on to say, referring to the work of Dr. Edwin Lephart and Mrs Barker poured an immense amount of energy into this project. others: By August 1856 she had secured a five acre land grant at Waverley and before the end of the year, Mrs Barker had raised a further 1000 “Female eyes -- in humans as well as in laboratory animals -- appear to pounds for St Catherine’s as she had decided to name the school. have a predominance of P ganglion cells. P ganglion cells are hardwired Anxious to maintain the momentum of fund-raising and keep the for fine discriminations of color and texture. Male eyes in humans and in project in the public eye, Mrs Barker organised the laying of a laboratory animals appear to have a predominance of M ganglion cells. M foundation stone, something she had eschewed in the building of ganglion cells are hardwired to detect movement. These hardwired sex Bishopscourt at Randwick. differences in the wiring of the retina may have significant implications not only for how children draw and what kind of art they prefer, but also for The plans for the school building which is still the nucleus of St best practices in teaching literature, language arts and creative writing.” Catherine’s School were drawn up by Governor Sir William Denison, a most important ally for Mrs Barker. The thirteen pupils of St NASSPE has gathered on their web site, at http://www.singlesexschools.org, a wealth of material about studies relating to gender differences in Catherine’s moved to the Waverley site with its seven room education, and the talks by Dr Sax promise to be extremely interesting and sandstone building in 1859. St Catherine’s School was already a likely to provoke lively discussion. There now appears to be good evidence success. Her ‘little missionary settlement’ at Waverley was also to to support what those in favour of girls’ schools have long believed. have included a church and a parish school, but only St Catherine’s was built. Jane continued as its patron and general manager until her Some quotes from the NASSPE website: death in 1876. When she died the clergy of Sydney decided that the “Girls who attend single-sex schools are more likely to participate in endowment of St Catherine’s School would be a fitting memorial. competitive sports than are girls at coed schools.” The 2000 pounds raised, together with the 3000 pounds already put aside, secured the future of the school she had loved and nurtured for “Single-sex schools break down gender stereotypes. It’s cool to study.” thirty years. “We now have good evidence that single-sex classrooms can break down gender stereotypes. Girls in single-sex educational settings are more likely to take classes in math, science, and information technology. Boys in single- The references for this sex schools are more likely to pursue interests in art, music, drama, and piece are available on foreign languages. Both girls and boys have more freedom to explore their request. I gratefully own interests and abilities in single-gender classrooms.” acknowledge the work of Evangeline Galettis, Marie Wilson Archivist, in gathering the sources. Marie Wilson, founder and president of The White House Project, was featured in the Women of Achievement section of the last issue of in Alliance. She will be a keynote speaker at the Alliance Annual Conference in June 2007 and will also travel around Australia talking to students, parents and teachers at member schools. More information will be sent to members and will appear on the Alliance web site when the tour details have been finalised.

13 Women Leading: some insights

Carolyn Hauff AM, Principal of , Queensland

In Carolyn’s closing keynote address at the recent Alliance Leadership Annual Conference, she shared some statistics about women in business and leadership positions, and suggested areas • The challenge of leadership is the Great Man theory. where delegates can influence their students, the leaders of The Cinderella myth continues for females. We must tomorrow, to make some important changes. overcome these myths. • We have images of what leaders look like which get in our way. • An important leadership trait is having passion for what In Business you are doing. • Women are less hierarchical. They are encouraging, Women need to help themselves. Women: speak from experience and work outward. • need to get diversity of experience especially line • Men have the trait of positive illusion and the belief that management positions they can do everything. • need to manage careers - set goals and roles • Females need to claim the authority to lead and trust • need to be ‘visible’ their vision. • need to promote themselves • Females need to push the boundary further, take risks and never consider their success to have come through • mustn’t hide ambition good luck. • need to move more quickly through the promotion levels of • There is not a glass ceiling, but a thick layer of men. the company or business (they spend much more time in a position than male counterparts) • need to negotiate rates of pay commensurate with the job and position Problems for Women in the Corporate Sector • need to be attracted into IT, sciences, manufacturing, sales business to increase their access to wealth generation • Juggling caring responsibilities with the demands of the job, ie family unfriendly hours • need to be part of the decision making process, eg politics • Lack of part-time manager roles, perception that part-time • need to understand the need for financial literacy - equals part commitment and limited career path for part-time economic self defence workers • Assumptions about what women can/can’t do (ie. assuming that a woman won’t take an overseas assignment or high risk or high profile project or promotion for family reasons) In Australia: • Assumptions that women aren’t as ambitious as men • Women on average earn 84% of male full time earnings • Lack of female role models and mentors • 4 of the top 200 richest people in Australia are women (3 inherited their wealth) • Lack of critical mass. Women feel ‘out on a limb’, more visible and mistakes more noticeable. • 28% of parliamentarians are women • Management reluctance to give women line management • 3.2% of top executive positions are women experience • 6% of University graduates are women • Retention • 45% of the workforce are women • Pay inequity • 33% of small businesses which are owner-operated are • Inability to access informal networks where key decisions managed by women are made or that give men visibility • 25% of the managerial and senior administration positions • Women are more likely to work part-time where the are held by women opportunities for promotion are limited • Inhospitable workplace cultures

14 News from the US and the UK

Did you know it has been illegal community, special training for teachers and The new rules go into effect November 24. an understanding of how boys and girls to provide education in single sex Supporters of the policy, including Neal learn differently. classes in United States public McCluskey of the Cato Institute, said there schools? “It’s not just separating boys and girls,” said is no constitutional violation because the Meg Milne Moulton, the co-executive changes to Title IX do not mandate students Dr Leonard Sax, director of the National director of the National Coalition of Girls attend single-sex schools. “Very simply, it Association for Single Sex Public Education Schools. “It’s really responding and teaching doesn’t require anybody to do anything,” (NASSPE) has provided the following in ways that reflect where they are said Leonard Sax, Executive Director of the information for us: developmentally.” National Association for Single Sex Public Education. “It says single-sex education is Amost historic development: after more Moulton said she credits single-sex no longer being prohibited to people who than four years of delay, the United States education’s growing popularity to an don’t have $30,000 a year for a private Department of Education has this week opportunity for students to buck school.” finally issued new regulations legalising longstanding stereotypes, like girls being single-sex education in public schools. In bad at science and boys not excelling in Education Daily, Vol. 39, No. 194, Thursday, the United States, more than 90% of language arts. Moulton said a large number 26 October, 2006 students attend public schools, i.e. state of single-sex students defected to schools which charge no tuition for coeducational options in the late 1980s; the attendance. Previously the single-sex tide reversed, however, in the mid-1990s. format was of questionable legality in public Forty new all-girls schools, both public and Do pupils do better in single-sex schools, although the number of such private, have opened since 1996, she said. schools? schools has grown to 241 nationwide since Some public school districts continue to the founding of the NASSPE four years ago. Does separating girls and boys at school experiment with single-sex education increase their confidence and allow teaching For more information on the NASSPE, visit options. The New York City Department of to be adapted to the needs of each gender – http://www.singlesexschools.org/. Education has opened nine single-sex or does it simply restrict their opportunities schools since 2004. Miami-Dade County and narrow their perspectives? Public Schools opened an all-girls academy An article from the education community’s this fall, with plans to open an all-boys Brenda Despontin, President of the Girls’ daily news service, Education Daily, discusses academy in the 2007-08 school year. Schools Association in the UK, and the ramifications. A section from the NCGS Officials from both districts said they are Headmistress of Haberdashers’ Monmouth web site has been reproduced here. tackling the single-sex education option School for Girls, and Professor Alan slowly, taking into consideration students’ Smithers, Director of the Centre for best interests. Education and Employment Research at the Single-sex schools offer flexibility, University of Buckingham, debated this with obstacles question recently in Candis, a UK magazine “for all the family with health, lifestyle By Kris Kitto, Staff Writer Equal protection clause debated matters, features, news, celebrity interviews, The Education Department’s announcement in context of Title IX consumer advice, ideas for the table, home of new Title IX provisions that will grant and garden ...” public schools more flexibility in separating By Steve Berlin, Staff Writer Some quotes from each side of the argument their students by sex has reignited an The newly announced Education are reproduced here: ongoing debate about the merits of single- Department amendments to Title IX sex education. But no matter their positions, “It’s easier for children to learn without allowing development of more single-sex several education experts and district worrying about the impression they are public school programs immediately set off administrators around the country agreed making on the opposite sex.” a clash of contradicting legal opinions. that no schools can or should jump into this “Boys and girls interpret topics in a totally option headlong. The new amendments to Civil rights lawyers said the department is different way, with mixed schools allowing Title IX allow schools to offer single-sex “inviting” schools to violate the equal a wider range of perspectives.” classes in all subjects and even to launch protection clause of the 14th Amendment, entire single-sex schools. The only while supporters of same-sex education You can view the whole article at requirement is a “substantially equal” option disagreed. The 34-year-old Title IX http://www.gsa.uk.com/default.aspx?id=Ne - either coeducational or single-sex - for the directives mandate gender equity in all wsItem&cmnID=4457 excluded sex. aspects of education, from allowing females to enroll in previously male-only classes, Single-sex public education, however, will such as auto mechanics, to fielding girls’ not be an instantly viable option, experts athletic teams. said. It will require support from the

15 2007 Annual Conference [email protected] 15 – 17 June 2007

To be hosted by: Lauriston Girls’ School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Heads and senior staff of girls’ schools are invited to attend the Annual Conference of the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia

Keynote speakers already confirmed: Marie Wilson, founder of The White House Project, a Call for Papers leading advocate and voice on women’s leadership The Annual Conference is a valuable opportunity Mark McCrindle, one of Australia’s foremost youth to share, with other members, what is happening at speakers your school. You are invited to submit proposals The Annual Conference of The Alliance of Girls’ for presentation at small group workshops during Schools (Australasia) will have the following themes: the Conference. Priority will be given to proposals that link to the Conference Themes. 1. Leadership In Education - mentoring, developing staff, innovation, communication The Call for Papers Form should be submitted on the Alliance web site at 2. Demographics - Trends in girls’ values, aims, http://www.agsa.org.au/what_con07.html educational needs, including student voices - girls’ by Monday 27 November. involvement in education The organising committee will then select 3. Knowledge Management - sharing information, accessing and distributing information, learning abstracts, and presenters will be notified by communities, change management, using data to Monday 26 February 2007. inform teaching and learning

Conference details will be continually updated on the Alliance web site at www.agsa.org.au. Please email queries to Jan Butler, the Executive Officer, at [email protected]

Published by: The Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia Phone/Fax: 07 3488 2686 Mobile: 0417 962 466 in alliance PO Box 22 Cleveland Queensland Australia 4163 Email:[email protected] Web: www.agsa.org.au