Report on the IBSC Regional Conference 2024 hosted by Hilton College
The theme of this year’s African conference of the International Boys School Coalition (IBSC) was “Listening loudly”, with a focus on learning to listen to the quieter voices in boys’ schools. The conference ran over three days, and thirteen Maritzburg College staff members were fortunate to attend this year at Hilton College. Whilst it is always easy to celebrate the successes of boys who excel in sport, culture or academics, we need to be mindful of the needs of the boys who have purpose and skills in areas that are less obvious and popular, as there are many different ways to be a valuable boy.
The IBSC is committed to connecting dedicated and skilled educators all over the world in pursuit of best learning practices for boys. The organisation champions and celebrates boys’ schools as dynamic learning environments that are specifically designed to help boys succeed and to take up their place in their societies as men of significance.
We were treated to excellent presentations by a number of keynote speakers, each of whom contributed significantly to a very enriching experience. In addition, there were panel discussions featuring boys, as well as heads of local girls’ schools. The presentations were both inspiring, informative, and challenging and encouraged considerable thought and discussion.
We were proud to have our Headmaster, Chris Luman, and Ralph Paterson present in break-away workshops, and Matthew Marwick and Jeanette Finnie who facilitated discussion groups.
Key themes emerging from the conference were:
- Ritual when done well, fosters belonging, but ritual when done poorly, leads to exclusion.
- Schools may need to reflect on what excellence looks like, and the danger lies in the drift to mediocrity.
- The quieter voices must sometimes fight to survive.
- Schools must create pockets of safety, where the quieter voices can be heard.
- Scholarship boys being given an opportunity is not enough, the tools necessary to use the opportunity must be taught.
- For the gen-z generation, “work-life balance” is not enough, they are seeking “work-life blend”.
- Many gen-z students do not want to push through the challenges.
- The most valued qualities in the future will be humanity; ethics; creativity; compassion and innovation.
- Schools need to focus on growing the best “new-style” boys.
- “A conversation is listened into existence before it is spoken”.
- If you are part of the problem, you can also be part of the solution.
- There is no technology that can take the place of caring, empathy, motivation and encouragement, We are still relevant in the classroom. Teachers will always be needed if there are schools and boys to care for.
- Being given an ‘opportunity’ brings hope, but that is not enough because what’s the point of having hope if you don’t get the tools to know how to use it and, use it as an advantage. That hope needs to be looked after and guided well through mentorship.
- Words are the most powerful tool in our hands. Use words wisely and listen to the voices of the silent people around you.
- Adaptable and unique approaches are needed to encourage critical thinking and diverse skills for the future.
- When we perform for something greater than our own goals the reward and the humanity element can often improve our overall performance.
- The importance of the Arts as a vehicle of expression for the quieter pupil and the need for a balance of academic, sporting, and artistic pursuits in a school.
- “What is possible if we dare to dream?”
- Build resilience in boys through “flocking” – linking them with resources and support structures.
- Listen beyond the spotlight.
- Listen to the world around you. The Future is already here. Create Tomorrow Together!
College 6th former Moosa Mahomed joined a panel of boys from various schools to contribute their voices to the conversions. He drew applause from the delegates for his insightful and mature responses to questions posed from the audience.