CYP Now - Opinion: Debate - Should Black boys be taught in separate classes?

Trevor Phillips, chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, has suggested that Black boys could be taught away from other pupils in some classes as a way to raise their educational achievement, which is below the national average.

NO - Martin Ward, deputy general secretary, Secondary Heads Association

We know from research that this is a problem and clearly there should be support and resources to help all children who are struggling. But I would be wary of any programme that singles children out because of their race. It could be counter-productive and even illegal. Schools have shown that there are other ways to raise Black boys' attainment that address self-esteem and culture, such as mentoring and having more Black male staff as role models.

NO - Henroy Green, PR director, Black Boys Can

We agree that something needs to be done desperately. We can see the benefits for Black boys, in certain subjects, being taught in a way that makes the subject more relevant to their particular needs.

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