Strong gender distinctions at schools

The stereotyping that sees girls much more likely to take part in music or arts activities should be challenged as early as preschool, a report has recommended.

The research for the Arts Council on children’s participation in arts and culture found strong distinctions between gender. Girls are much more likely to take art and music as second-level subjects, but there could be influences in schools much earlier on.

All-girls’ schools are more likely to provide cultural activities outside normal school time, according to the study by ESRI research professor Emer Smyth.