Gender patterns in school performance: comparative evidence Presented by Professor Tony Gallagher Queen ’ s University Belfast Northern Ireland

selective system since 1947 tests at end of primary school a third to grammar schools rest to secondary schools gender patterns separate groups for grades court case ruled this illegal short-term increase in % of girls going to grammar school

Leavers with good GCSEs

Leavers with 2+ A Levels,

Grammar leavers with good GCSEs+,

Secondary leavers with good GCSEs+,

Grammar schools: %Year 12 with good GCSEs

Secondary schools: %Year 12 with good GCSEs

Boys aged Girls aged NumberPass rate NumberPass rate English22, ,07794 Maths33, ,02491 Physics21, ,98892 French4, ,65191 Success rates in A Levels (England, 2000)

NCES maths & science participation in maths and science activities opportunity to participate career expectations and aspirations

Northern Ireland: A Level choice 10 year follow-up on A Level choice gender pattern: increase for girls in Chemistry continuing low rate for girls in Physics career expectations interest in medical-related no interest in engineering

Factors affecting gender & performance familiarity with context of problem link to socialization patterns impact on confidence presentational style

Conclusions performance pattern changing over time increasing performance levels faster rate of increase for girls influence of equality measures other factors constraining performance continuation of social and economic constraints

Northern Ireland review of selective system recommendations: end academic selection promote formative assessment establish collaborative networks of post-primary schools