‘It’s easier to build a boy than repair a man’

Brad Gioia, Headmaster
Montgomery Bell Academy
Nashville, Tennessee USA

2 July 2014

Each week, Brad Goia quotes the slogan above to remind his staff of their vitally important responsibility in raising boys and shaping young lives. The 21st International Boys’ School Coalition Conference revealed this and many other themes as we explored the challenge of how to ‘build boys into good men’ earlier this month in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

Over four days, many fascinating ideas prevailed but the cleverly crafted address of Christian Gospel singer, Amy Grant was most striking! In her closing presentation, Amy proposed that we only know if we really have succeeded in ‘building a good man’ when they reach 40 and we reflect upon ‘their story’. If we are to succeed, we need to help our sons learn how to frame their story. We must remind them that there is a ‘beginning’, a ‘middle’ and an ‘end’ and that lots of characters will be involved. Most importantly, the story of their lives will be made richer by what went wrong and their response. Amy’s message resonated with me as all too frequently boys fear failure. Too often we are so focused on the final outcome and we fail to acknowledge that ‘we grow a little each day, each week, each month’. We must encourage our boys to be patient, to embrace the present and make the most of each moment as it all helps build their ‘story’. A great message to reflect on and discuss with your boys.

The IBSC now numbers almost three hundred member schools. The opportunity to focus and reflect on issues specific to boys’ education was invaluable. My four days with teachers from every part of the globe confirmed two things. First, Newington is well placed to meet the challenges of a changing world. Second, our conversations at Stanmore, Wyvern and Lindfield are at the forefront of innovative ideas being shared around the world. The College community can truly feel that our boys are enriched by an internationally respected, liberal education.

Dr Andrew Hirst
Head of Stanmore