The Power of Play in the Primary Years
written by Mr Stewart Kemperman, Head of Primary.
In the busy rhythm of school life, it can be easy to see play as something that happens only at break times. However, research continues to remind us that play is one of the most powerful ways children learn and grow—well beyond the early years.
Through play, boys develop essential skills that underpin their learning and wellbeing. Whether it is building, climbing, creating, or imagining, play strengthens social connections, resilience and confidence, while also supporting problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking.
Importantly, play also fosters physical development and emotional regulation. Outdoor and active play, in particular, encourages boys to take healthy risks, build coordination, and develop a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them.
At MBBC, we are continuing to deepen our commitment to play through the introduction and development of loose parts play spaces. Supported by the MBBC P&F, these environments provide open-ended materials—such as crates, timber, pipes, fabric and natural elements—that invite creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. Without fixed instructions, boys are free to design, construct, negotiate and reimagine their play, building not only physical structures but also communication skills, teamwork and agency.
This work is further strengthened through our ongoing collaboration with The Outsiders – Play Advocates, who guide our Out of School Hours Care program. Their philosophy affirms that children are capable, creative and self-directed, and that adults play an important role in creating safe, responsive environments where play can flourish. This alignment between school and OSHC ensures a consistent, intentional approach to play that supports the whole child.
Over the past fortnight, we have proudly celebrated Under 8s Week, a long-standing Queensland initiative that recognises the importance of the early years and the powerful role of play in children’s development. From family fitness sessions, to loose parts play, to excursions to MBC, across our early years, students have engaged in rich, hands-on play experiences that spark imagination, encourage exploration and nurture a lifelong love of learning.
It is a wonderful reminder that when children play, they are not just having fun—they are building the foundations for who they will become.
Supporting Boys to Talk About Emotions
Written by Mrs Naomi Williams, Head of Secondary.
A key focus at MBBC, through our use of The Resilience Project program, is helping students understand that emotions are not “good” or “bad”—they are signals that help us make sense of our experiences. Developing emotional literacy allows young people to recognise, name, and manage what they are feeling.
For many boys, this can be challenging. Research consistently shows that boys are less likely to articulate emotions unless they are given structured, safe opportunities to do so (Biddulph, n.d.; Dent, n.d.).
At school, students are learning to identify feelings and talk about how they respond to them. At home, this can be supported in simple, practical ways:
Share your own feelings in everyday language (“I felt frustrated today when…”)
Ask open but low-pressure questions (“What was something that challenged you today?”)
Focus on experiences rather than forcing labels immediately
One activity we use is encouraging students to identify trusted people they can speak to when they feel worried. Families can reinforce this by helping boys name their “support network”; who they can go to at home, at school, and beyond.
Importantly, connection often comes before conversation. Many boys will talk more freely during shared activity, walking, driving, or playing, rather than in direct, face-to-face conversations. This aligns with research highlighting the importance of side-by-side communication for boys (Biddulph, n.d.).
References:
Biddulph, S. (n.d.). Raising boys. https://www.stevebiddulph.com
Dent, M. (n.d.). Raising boys. https://www.maggiedent.com/com...
The Resilience Project and The Imperfects podcast
If you would like to know more about The Resilience Project, please visit their website: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/
And, if you are into podcasts, Hugh van Cuylenburg (founder of The Resilience Project), his friend Ryan Shelton, and his brother Josh van Cuylenburg interview with interesting people who vulnerably share their personal struggles and imperfections, with the aim of helping listeners improve their mental health and embrace their own, non-perfect lives: https://www.theimperfects.com.au/episodes/