Music, chocolate will make children study

SYDNEY: Worried about your son's academic performance? Australian high school boys may have the answer.   

Background music during lessons and chocolate treats would be among the things that would keep them interested in studying, according to a wish list of ways to make a perfect school given to Sydney University researchers by pupils at one Sydney school.   

Enthusiastic teachers, more drama, less paperwork and comfortable arm chairs would also help.   

The Sun Herald newspaper said on Sunday that the ideas came from students at the Balgowlah Boys High School in northern Sydney when university researchers asked them what would keep them interested in school and studying.   

Boys underachieving at school has been a big issue in Australia in recent years, and the government has stepped up funding of education to try and address the problem.