Separate education has both its pros and cons
As Ucheba.Ru notes, this approach to organizing the educational process has its pros and cons.
Why study separately
Ardent supporters of separate education usually justify their position by the fact that such schools have strict discipline and order, children have fewer conflicts and take their studies more seriously. If only because there is no distracting factor in the form of communication with the opposite sex, and as such, there seem to be no accompanying problems during the period of growing up.
Another argument in favor of separate education is the possibility of specialized training that better matches the innate abilities and inclinations of boys and girls. For example, in a boys' school, subjects related to preparation for military or state service are usually introduced – military affairs, horseback riding, shooting, fencing, as well as classes in economics, social sciences, politics. In addition to general education disciplines, 'noble maidens' are taught sewing, handicrafts, cooking, good manners, and dancing.
A more progressive approach to separate education emphasizes not so much gender differences as the educational aspect. It's no secret that girls outpace boys in development up to a certain point. They like to get good grades and approval from teachers, striving to earn respect and authority among classmates.
Research conducted in schools with separate education confirms that the academic success of girls in a single-sex environment is higher than in a mixed one. And boys begin to compete with each other not for the attention of female peers, but for academic and sports achievements. They better assimilate the male social role, more often display leadership qualities or some unusual abilities and talents (for example, musical, choreographic, or culinary).
In the West, separate education has a strong pedagogical tradition. For example, some of the most prestigious private schools in Australia: Kambala School – a school for girls (founded in 1887) and Scott College for boys (1893). In Canada, St-George School – a boarding school for boys – is popular, in the USA – the famous all-female Greenwich Academy. In the best private schools in Great Britain, separate education also prevails.
The other side of the coin
School years are an important stage in a child's socialization. A mixed class represents a model of society where boys and girls have to communicate, negotiate, and make joint decisions. Separate education creates an artificial environment where harmonious development and acquisition of necessary communication skills are not always possible. If a child already has problems communicating with peers, additional isolation only worsens the situation. Representatives of the opposite sex begin to be perceived as aliens.
That is why strict upbringing according to old traditions does not always produce the result that parents expect. When a child goes to study abroad, it is already difficult for them to adapt to a foreign language environment. Being in a classroom with separate education can increase stress, as the situation becomes even more unfamiliar.
Of course, much depends on age. For teenagers aged 11–14, separate education can be a blessing: a child engaged in interesting studies, sports, communication with like-minded peers, more easily overcomes the age crisis. But for younger children and older students, it is still better to study together.
One should not exaggerate the negative impact of artificial isolation either. Even under conditions of separate education, boys and girls can communicate outside the classroom: in interest clubs, on the tennis court, in the pool, or at dances. This helps to separate study and communication.
By the way…
In Great Britain, separate education is customary in the most famous private schools. According to the British, it is private schools that have forged the famous British character over the years.
Thus, from the walls of famous Eton came 19 prime ministers, prominent military leaders, parliamentarians, and church figures. Girls' schools were attended by former British Prime Minister, the 'Iron Lady' Margaret Thatcher, US Secretaries of State – Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice, as well as Golda Meir, former Prime Minister of Israel.