UK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
...The new boarding experience
PREPARING CHILDREN FOR BOARDING “There is no easy way to prepare a child for boarding, and any preparation will be dependent on the individual student. The student may have some anxieties, and these need to be addressed with some positive reinforcement.
“Parents should speak openly with the child about
the experience/adventure they are about to embark upon. Familiarity of surroundings is also important as an initial step to relieving homesickness, so if you do have the opportunity to have a taster session, this will help.
“Most boarding schools will have an induction process to help the student settle in. This will include orientation sessions, icebreakers, bonding experiences, and so on. At Box Hill School, we have in-house activities; the sixth-formers all take part in an assault course, house meetings, marshmallow and hot chocolate evenings, and other activities. All house staff must complete an induction sheet for each individual student, which covers the crucial information they need to be aware of. “We also have an orientation trip to Dorking, to show pupils where to catch the bus, the library, banks and mobile phone shops. In addition, each student receives a welcome pack that includes Oyster cards, bus timetables, a school map, school information, and some goodies.” Alison Vernon, director of communications and development,
Box Hill School, Surrey (independent coeducational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11–18)
“The best way parents can prepare their children is to help them with organisational skills, as they will have responsibilities within the boarding House. Parents should also encourage their children to speak about their feelings and be open with the people around them. “We recognise that every child’s needs are different and reflect this in every aspect of our approach to schooling, including boarding. There is always someone to talk to at Culford.”
From a discussion with boarding staff, Culford School, Suffolk (coeducational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 1–18)
“Honest conversations at home are very important when preparing a child to board. Parents should involve the child in the selection of the school and we encourage prospective pupils to have a taster day and overnight stay to help them understand the boarding experience before they join the school.
“St Lawrence College has a long tradition of welcoming boarding pupils of all ages and the school rapidly becomes a reassuring source of stability for families who like that siblings can be kept together and educated in the same place as the school offers boarding from 7–18 years.
“Communication is an important element of successful boarding. Parents should teach their child to use Skype, Facetime, email etc. as pupils will enjoy seeing a family face wherever they are in the world.”
Melissa Gabbott, marketing and admissions manager, St
Lawrence College, Kent (coeducational independent school for pupils aged 3–18)
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES “An extensive range of lectures and talks is held every week, and there is usually a full programme of sport on Saturday afternoon. Sundays are more leisurely – a brunch is offered in the late morning and we provide transport to a local shopping centre in the afternoon.
“The art studios, design and technology centre, music
school, library, sports facilities and swimming pool are made available over most weekends.” Diana Cree, director of external relations & communications,
Lancing College, Worthing (independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 13–18)
“Sport plays a pivotal part in Haileybury life, and the college believes it is important for building confidence and resilience and developing teamwork and leadership skills. “Haileybury has a team of highly experienced sports staff,
including specialist coaches who have played at an international level. These include former Wales and British Lions captain Michael Owen, who is Haileybury’s director of rugby.” Fran Pemberton, marketing officer, Haileybury, Hertfordshire (independent coeducational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11–18)
THE ‘HOUSE’ STRUCTURE
“Both day and boarding pupils develop a sense of identity and belonging in their houses, learning how to cooperate to achieve goals together and to take a pride in what they present, whether that is the House Song Contest, debating competition, or on the sports pitches. Fierce though inter-school rivalry is, house competition is more important!
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