In this special episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, tune in to a curated collection of the most important insights generated throughout a year of professional development programs and conversations with leading educators and experts. The world changing at such a rapid pace forces us to reexamine the very nature of how and why we educate boys. This episode synthesizes a year of learning, focusing on six essential themes: the power of relational learning, nurturing resilience an...
Jun 14, 2025•30 min0
In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys Education Podcast, explore student well-being with Tracy Mackenzie from St. Andrew's College, South Africa. Mackenzie shares her school's wellness program, built on fostering boys' safety, long-term well-being habits, and crucial self-awareness. Discover how St. Andrew's champions a collaborative, holistic approach, moving beyond silos to integrate a diverse support network. Mackenzie explains "breath intelligence" and shares how simple breathing techniques...
May 30, 2025•34 min0
In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, join the urgent conversation surrounding boys in the digital age, sparked by the impactful Netflix series Adolescence. Head of School John Botti from The Browning School (United States) offers insights on navigating this complex landscape. Originally highlighted in his Head of School Blogpost, Botti discusses the unique challenges boys face online, the vulnerabilities that can draw them into harmful spaces like the manosphere, and the pr...
Apr 28, 2025•39 min0
In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, delve into the growing concern about online gambling and sports betting in the education of boys. Saul Malek shares his personal experience and insights into the prevalence of online gambling and its impact on boys. He discusses the unique challenges boys face, the vulnerabilities that make them susceptible, and the proactive steps boys’ schools can take to address this issue. Learn how to create a culture that discourages harmful gambli...
Mar 18, 2025•32 min0
In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys' Education, journey to the fascinating intersection of technology and boys' brain development with Kathryn Berkett from Engage Training in New Zealand. Using firsthand experience and valuable insights, Berkett illuminates the challenges and potential consequences of excessive technology pose for boys. Explore the neuroscience behind technology addiction and the impact of tech on boys’ behavior and development. Discover practical strategies for creating a ba...
Jan 21, 2025•40 min0
In this episode of IBSC Exploring Boys' Education, investigate the complex world of the “manosphere” and its potential influence on young men. Tanya Zalar and Philip Gaydon from St. Paul's School (United Kingdom) share insights on cultivating strong character in boys through a values-based approach to education. They shed light on the concerning aspects of the manosphere and its recruitment narratives, emphasizing the importance of empowering boys with critical thinking skills and a strong moral...
Dec 17, 2024•46 min0
In this two-part episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, explore the crucial role the relationship between teacher and student plays in boys' education. Hosts of the IBSC Special Interest Group on Relational Learning Peter Coutis from Hale School (Australia) and Sandra Boyes from Crescent School (Canada) discuss the significance of relational learning, impact of teacher-student connections on boys' engagement and learning, and practical strategies for educators to build strong rel...
Nov 25, 2024•27 min0
In this two-part episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, explore the crucial role the relationship between teacher and student plays in boys' education. Hosts of the IBSC Special Interest Group on Relational Learning Peter Coutis from Hale School (Australia) and Sandra Boyes from Crescent School (Canada) discuss the significance of relational learning, impact of teacher-student connections on boys' engagement and learning, and practical strategies for educators to build strong rel...
Nov 25, 2024•37 min0
In the latest episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast, journey to St. John's Educational Trust in Zimbabwe to explore the world of child-centered education for young boys. Janine Harvey, head of the St. John's Early Childhood Development Centre, shares insights on creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment specifically designed for boys. Uncover the power of play-based learning to achieve specific learning objectives. Learn to create an environment that fosters exploratio...
Oct 22, 2024•43 min0
The latest episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast highlights the work of the IBSC Special Interest Group on Libraries—Reading Culture. Since May 2023, two dozen colleagues from IBSC member schools across continents have focused on discovering different ways boys’ schools can motivate boys to embrace a strong reading culture. The group committed to five different research realms: readers' advisory, modes of reading, social aspects of reading, reader identity, and school-wide invest...
Sep 24, 2024•36 min0
This special bonus segment showcases additional highlights from the 2023-2024 IBSC Action Research projects, featuring inspiring educators who delve deeper into the promotion of healthy masculinity. Carla Boniolo of Westlake Boys High School (New Zealand), Huw Blood of The Shore School (Australia), Kendall Murphy of St. Mark’s School of Texas (United States), Sarah Moss Holland of Marcellin College (Australia), Marissa Sanghvi of St. Christopher’s School (United States), Kyle Kelvington of Town ...
Aug 23, 2024•33 min0
In the latest episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education podcast, Laura Sabo, Luke Rawle, and Erna Goodier explore promoting healthy masculinity beyond the classroom. Sabo of St. Christopher's School (United States) and Rawle of Toowoomba Grammar School (Australia) offer highlights from the 2023-24 IBSC Action Research project. Goodier of St. Andrews College (South Africa) shares her groundbreaking work in challenging gender-role stereotypes with a group of Grade 11 boys. Discover ways to pro...
Aug 23, 2024•42 min0
In this episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys' Education podcast, join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Author and HP Education Ambassador for Australasia Brett Salakas shares his insights on the purpose of schools, the unique skills teachers bring to the classroom, and how AI can both support and potentially transform education. Delve into the potential pitfalls of AI in education, explore how to use it to create more personalized lear...
Aug 05, 2024•38 min0
Explore the transformative power of sports in shaping boys' lives. In this episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys' Education podcast, Chester Koyana of Sport for Lives, Chris Kingsley of Hilton College (South Africa), and Chris Oldnall of Pretoria Boys’ High School (South Africa) offer insight into how sports can unlock generosity and empathy in boys. Discover how playing for a purpose can teach boys about their place in the world and inspire them to become responsible citizens who see and meet the ...
Jun 26, 2024•40 min0
Discover how Susan Hassall, outgoing headmaster of Hamilton Boys' High School (New Zealand), has worked to create an environment where boys can thrive and grow into the men the world needs. In this episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education podcast, she shares her philosophy of leadership—emphasizing authenticity, courage, and the importance of a shared vision. Hassall reveals how the concept of arete shapes the culture at Hamilton Boys’ High School as she reveals the unique challenges and re...
May 06, 2024•42 min0
This bonus segment of Season 5, Episode 5, explores the unique challenges and opportunities of fostering well-being in boys' boarding environments. In this segment Bott and Robinson emphasize the need to use every moment of residential life to build relationships and encourage healthy norms. IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC
Apr 08, 2024•14 min0
In this episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys' Education podcast, unpack the critical role of well-being in boys' education as David Bott and Justin Robinson from The Wellbeing Distillery share actionable strategies for educators to create supportive, honest, safe, brave, and relational school environments that foster resilience and emotional intelligence in boys. IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC
Apr 08, 2024•40 min0
In the latest IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education podcast episode, Laura Sabo and Justine Kolliou delve into fostering inclusivity and understanding in boys' education. As lower school librarian and academic research coordinator at St. Christopher's School (United States), Sabo discusses her role in promoting a research culture and leading action research in boys' education. As head of Indigenous education at The Scots College (Australia), Kolliou shares her groundbreaking work in supporting Indigeno...
Dec 15, 2023•43 min0
In the latest episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education podcast, Mark Dowley from Brighton Grammar School (Australia) shares his expertise on managing classroom attention and behavior in boys' schools. He discusses strategies for engaging energetic or distracted boys, effective ways to handle challenges to authority, and the importance of clear instruction. Dowley also debunks common myths about boys’ behavior, particularly those related to testosterone, and emphasizes the role of positive r...
Nov 24, 2023•39 min0
In the latest episode of the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education podcast, Gabrielle Mace of St. Augustine’s College (Australia) and Pooja Mathur of The King’s School (Australia) discuss the reasons why boys may feel reluctant to read, including societal factors at play. Discover the cognitive and emotional benefits reading offers boys and learn about strategies educators can employ to foster a reading habit. Explore the evolving role of school libraries and librarians in shaping boys' literary journe...
Nov 01, 2023•37 min0
Season 5 kicks off with a special two-part episode featuring Matt Englar-Carlson, a professor at California State University at Fullerton and the director of the Center for Boys and Men. Delve into the heart of boys' education, as Englar-Carlson debunks myths about boys’ mental health and highlights the essence of healthy masculinities. Uncover how schools can foster genuine conversations on masculinity and learn about the mind-body connection in boys. With a focus on the strength-based approach...
Sep 18, 2023•37 min0
Season 5 kicks off with a special two-part episode featuring Matt Englar-Carlson, a professor at California State University at Fullerton and the director of the Center for Boys and Men. Delve into the heart of boys' education, as Englar-Carlson debunks myths about boys’ mental health and highlights the essence of healthy masculinities. Uncover how schools can foster genuine conversations on masculinity and learn about the mind-body connection in boys. With a focus on the strength-based approach...
Sep 18, 2023•27 min0
In this special season finale, we celebrate the incredible week we spent together in Auckland at the 2023 IBSC Annual Conference hosted by Westlake Boys High School (New Zealand). Thank you for your continued support of the podcast. We look forward to bringing you more valuable information to help all of us guide boys on the journey to leading fulfilling lives. Stay tuned for the debut of season five in September 2023. IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni...
Aug 04, 2023•44 min0
Explore the evolving landscape of boys' education in Spain with Miguel Dionis, secretary general and head of high school at Viaró Global School (Spain) who serves as an IBSC trustee. In this crucial discussion he unpacks the shifts in all-boys education in Spain, his school's advocacy for single-gender education, and Viaró’s initiatives to foster dialogue among similar institutions. Dionis also delves into the creation of the Equal and Different Association and shares the vision for Viaró Global...
Jun 26, 2023•22 min0
Unpack the future of boys' education with IBSC Executive Director Tom Batty as he illuminates how best to equip boys for the opportunities and responsibilities of the 21st century. In this crucial conversation, explore the meaning and benefits of a broad liberal education and consider upcoming trends in boys' education. Batty shares his insights into strategies to counter the stigmas of failure and rejection experienced by some boys. He also highlights the qualities of an effective teacher for b...
Jun 14, 2023•36 min0
Delve into the intersection of race and gender in boys' schools with Ramón Javier, head of school at George Jackson Academy (United States), who shares insights on how schools can address the crucial aspects of diversity, inclusion, and equity. The discussion covers the unique challenges and opportunities that boys' schools face in fostering an inclusive environment, as well as the initiatives they can implement to address potential biases. We also explore the impact of these efforts on students...
May 11, 2023•34 min0
Hear sociologist and anti-violence advocate Ethan Levine (he/him) discuss supporting gender-diverse students in boys' schools. He shares his motivation for advocacy, highlights the importance of this work for all students, and addresses common misconceptions. Levine provides best practices for inclusive environments, mission statements, and language use while emphasizing the impact of policies that support gender-diverse students. This insightful conversation offers valuable guidance for educato...
Mar 28, 2023•43 min0
Hear professor, author, and licensed clinical psychologist Christopher Reigeluth highlight the importance of having conversations about masculinity in current times. He unpacks the “guy code” and offers advice for educators and leaders in boys’ schools to help boys engage with society’s gender rules and the boxes these rules create. Reigeluth also describes The Masculinity Workbook for Teens, a workbook he developed to give boys a roadmap to discover what kind of man they want to be. IBSC Explor...
Feb 06, 2023•36 min0
Catch up on 2022 with the IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education Podcast. Reflect on highlights from the year, including excerpts from IBSC programs and podcast episodes. Celebrate our IBSC community as we wrap up an exciting year and look forward to 2023. Keep an eye out for more upcoming events and resources to support you as you guide boys on the journey to leading fulfilling lives. Catch you in January! IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. IBSC...
Dec 08, 2022•35 min0
Hear from Shannon Frigyik and Thembekile Maseko from St. John’s College Preparatory School (South Africa) and Mark Stenhouse from St. Alban’s College (South Africa) as they reflect on the role of the arts in the lives of boys. Delve into the positive impact music and drama have on younger boys and the skills older boys develop engaging in arts programs that are made accessible to all students. IBSC Exploring Boys’ Education music composed and performed by Tom DiGiovanni. St John's College Prepar...
Nov 23, 2022•36 min0
