Prior to the pandemic, Crescent School, along with alumnus Dr. Greg Wells ’89, launched an approach to student well-being based on the principles of STEM (Sleep soundly, Think clearly, Eat smarter, Move more). Now, post-pandemic, the importance of mental health is at the forefront of education. Embedding STEM 1.0 into school culture ensures younger boys have the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The Crescent Centre for Boys’ Education opened in 2019 in support of developing a research culture amongst the faculty. The Centre houses our professional library and is a dedicated space for faculty members to receive research support and onboarding training. The CCBE is also responsible for facilitating thought leaders and hosting conferences. We began embedding a research culture with our students in 2020 at the Grades 10 & 11 levels through international collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania and Challenge Success. Empowering student agency has become a key feature of the CCBE. This experience has led to the creation of a student-led School Improvement Plan.
Discover how Crescent School’s investment in a research institute has furthered its mission and strategic priorities. The focus on the professional growth of middle leaders and the development of student research programs has resulted in a more engaged and connected school community and informed school improvement plans.
Mrs. Cislak collaborated with four teachers, representing five different research realms, from boys’ school to investigate the current status and importance of a strong reading culture in boys’ schools as an IBSC Special Interest Group. Their team workshop presentation focused on sharing insights, celebrated best practices and offered inspiration for how schools can promote and engage in pursuing a strong reading culture.
Dr. Boyes, along with her colleague Dr. Peter Coutis, shared an overview of activities of this special interest group, including findings from a range of projects and policies designed to promote practical, visible, and embedded approaches to the relational teaching and learning of boys across middle and upper school contexts.
Year-End Faculty Research Highlights from the CCBE
by Caitlin Tino, Lower School Faculty and CCBE Research Associate
This year, I was pleased to accept a new role within the Crescent Centre for Boys Education (CCBE) as a Research Associate. In this capacity, one of my responsibilities includes encouraging faculty to engage in research initiatives and fostering a culture of professional dialogue and inquiry across the school.
The conversation around gender and identity continues to evolve, prompting reflection on how these topics relate to educational environments, particularly in boys’ schools. A recent article on gender and masculinity raises important questions about how young men understand and express what it means to “be a man” in today’s world.