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In recognising the fact that many boys from different cultural background; many of which are White working class, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Travellers and African-Caribbean are underachieving in British schools across the country; Janet Graham argues that this can be changed with the implementation of strategies and policies which focus on the needs of boys and on motivating them to learn. It is evident in this study that a `one fit all curriculum' is not enough and the voices of boys must be listened to in order to bring about positive changes in their academic achievement. The author's work with boys highlights their voice for changes in teaching, in the classroom, in their environment, in activities (including more sports and extracurricular classes) which are interesting and fun and also in school structures. In the twenty first century motivating boys have never been more important. This study looks at boys' and the issue of underachievement from their perspective. The author also conducts research with the boys' teachers and senior teachers of a London school.
About the author
Dr.Janet Graham is a teacher in an inner London school and an education researcher. She has a keen interest in the achievement of African-Caribbean children and contributed to the debate about African-Caribbean girls and boys underachievement. She developed a mentoring package to help these students in inner city schools to focus,learn and achieve.
