Better Together

With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together".

Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry White. The delegation were active participants in the event, with Mr White (former Head of Corfe Boarding) presenting his research around fostering a greater sense of belonging and inclusion in Corfe Boarding and Mr Rawle continuing in his role helping to lead the IBSC Action Research Program. In addition, Ms Varley began her action research journey and will now conduct research around the impact of evidence-informed sleep and recovery routines on boys’ ability to attending to their learning.

The central theme of “Better Together” resonated throughout the conference, emphasising the collective responsibility and collaborative spirit required to nurture the next generation of young men.

Distinguished Keynote Presentations

The conference featured an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers, each contributing unique perspectives that connected powerfully to the overarching theme. A standout presentation came from retired General Mark Milley, a distinguished military leader and the former Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff who highlighted the transformative power of leadership which is built on service, discipline and collaboration. Drawing from his extensive military experience, General Milley underscored the critical importance of character-building in young men, demonstrating how these foundational qualities prepare boys to lead with integrity and purpose and reflected on the impact that educators had upon the development of his own character whilst attending the Belmont Hill School.

Shabana Basij-Rasikh delivered an inspirational address, outlining her personal journey of establishing the first and only all-girls boarding school in Afghanistan when she was only 18 years old. Her determination and resilience to provide educational opportunities to Afghan girls continues despite the takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 by the Taliban, relocating the school to Rwanda where it continues to operate today. Shabana challenged delegates to view boys' education within a broader lens of educational justice for all young people, and spoke passionately of the pivotal role that our boys and can play in this journey.

Innovation and resilience took centre stage through the presentation of Noubar Afeyan, who shared profound insights on how curiosity and calculated risk-taking foster impactful change. His message resonated strongly with educators seeking to prepare boys for an uncertain and rapidly evolving future, emphasising that innovation is not merely about adopting new technologies, but about cultivating mindsets that embrace challenge and change.

Dr Niobe Way provided crucial insights into boys' emotional lives, exploring themes of empathy, identity and emotional intelligence. Her research-based approach offered practical strategies for supporting boys through the complex journey of adolescent development, reinforcing that emotional growth is not separate from academic achievement but integral to it.

Mental wellness emerged as a critical focus through the powerful presentation of Gus Worland, who promoted emotional vulnerability among boys whilst working to reduce the stigma often associated with vulnerability. His presentation demonstrated how schools can create communities where boys feel safe to express their authentic selves and seek support when needed.

The conference also featured a distinguished Higher Education Leaders Panel from leaders at world-renowned universities. This included Dr Alan Garber from Harvard, Dr Joseph Aoun from Northeastern and Dr Maud Mandel from Williams College. These leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue about preparing boys to become ethical, global leaders, offering insights into the qualities and competencies that universities and society increasingly value.

Emerging Themes and Lasting Impact

Throughout the conference, several key themes emerged that will undoubtedly influence the direction of boys' education in the coming years. The emphasis on community and collaboration reinforced that the "Better Together" philosophy extends beyond individual schools to encompass the entire ecosystem of educators, families and communities committed to boys' development.

Perhaps most significantly, belonging and wellbeing emerged as fundamental priorities, with mental health taking centre stage as delegates explored actionable strategies for creating emotionally supportive school cultures. This focus reflects a growing understanding that academic success and personal wellbeing are inextricably linked.

The conference reinforced that effective boys' education requires us to think beyond individual achievement to consider how we can foster young men who are not only academically capable but also emotionally intelligent, socially conscious and committed to service. The "Better Together" theme served as a powerful reminder that this work cannot be accomplished in isolation – it requires the collective wisdom, dedication and collaboration of educators worldwide.

The conference has reinforced our understanding that when we work together – as educators, as schools and as a global community – we can achieve far more than any individual institution could accomplish alone.