The Rite Journey allows us time to truly slow down and step away from the rush of normal life. We get to embark on a journey to comprehend the intricate tapestry of perspectives within our Year 9 cohort. To allow us to gather valid data, the students were invited to contribute to a question box which was placed outside Mr Goodhew’s office over a period of five weeks. From here, we constructed a comprehensive survey.
This study extended its reach to the Year 9 boys within the St. Gregory's College community and their counterparts, the Year 9 girls, hailing from both local and distant schools. Our aim was to unravel the multifaceted experience of being a 14/15-year-old in today's dynamic world.
Through a series of probing questions, we ventured into the uncharted territory of adolescent concerns. From discerning the top qualities sought in a romantic partner to contemplating the omnipresence of technology in their lives, we delved into their daily experiences. The survey probed into their thoughts on technological saturation, explored desired changes in technology, and even navigated the intricacies of what ‘bugs them’ about the opposite sex. In this exploration, we sought to understand the impact of social media on the lives of our young learners and understand its influence on their relationships with themselves, friends, and potential romantic partners.
Interestingly, the survey revealed a disparity between the perceptions each group held about the other. While both sets of students initially professed a lack of familiarity with the other's experiences, the survey results painted a contrasting picture. The findings exposed an unexpected common ground, demonstrating that the challenges and aspirations of Year 9 boys and girls, irrespective of their school affiliations, were more interconnected than anticipated.
These revelations invite us to reconsider our assumptions and encourage a more profound dialogue with our young people. As we navigate the intricate landscape of adolescence together, let us use these insights to foster a more empathetic and collaborative environment for our young men (and women).
Mrs Debra Monte
The Rite Journey Coordinator