Students learn etiquette and all manners of things

School are hiring etiquette consultants in a bid to equip their students with life skills ranging from job interview tactics to good grooming.

As well as laying foundations for future careers, the consultants advise on how to cope with the emotional stresses and social awkwardnesses of adolescence.

Year 10 and 11 students at Blacktown High School are undertaking the program. Principal Edward Gavin said those years were "critical" to building their social skills.

"One aspect of our agenda for students is really to prepare them for their futures, whatever they might be," Mr Gavin said.

"We talk about literacy in Maths and English but their is the whole other agenda of social literacy."

He said the classes helped students feel comfortable in different social settings.

"Our brief is to ensure that when these young women leave this school they have a whole range of opportunities. We are always trying to give young women an edge."

Hunters Hill-based company A Matter of Style, run by former June Dally-Watkins instructor Alex Travers, offers school based etiquette classes at schools including Blacktown Girls High School.

She has also worked with boys and girls at a range of schools including Abbotsleigh, Barker College, Riverview, Pymble Ldies College and Kellyville High school.

Mr Gavin was pleased with the effects the tutorials had on his students.

"We see it as very productive. It is important for us to keep finding pieces of the jigsaw. Alex's group is one piece of the jigsaw," he said, "the glass ceiling is definately there. Its not easy being a young woman growing up. The world is not easy and I dont think it's getting any easier."

Giving a good first impression and overcoming low self-esteem and peer group pressure were major topics for school students, Mrs Travers said.

"Marketing is so slick now and that's why their confidence is so low."

She said the lessons helped students understand what good presentation was and what an understanding of manners could do for them.

"I will guarantee them that, if they walk in and have the right presentaion and look someone in the eye and shake their hand they will get what they want."

Aquiring charm and manners does not have to be expensive. Mrs Travers charges $9 a student for a 90 minute session.

"Alot of students have not much experience talking to adults apart from those in school envrionment and all of a siddem they have to get an interview. I am teaching them to learn to be confident."

By Hannah Edwards
Education Reporter
The Sun Herald