Boarding

As we celebrate National Boarding Week, we would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the experience of living in a boarding community and emphasise the benefits of cultivating a sense of extended family. In a boarding setting, living as a close-knit community resembles the dynamics of a family unit. Despite not being bound by blood relations, boarders often develop strong connections and rely on one another for support. 

Emotional support plays a pivotal role in the boarding experience, particularly for younger students who spend extended periods away from their families. Creating a family-like environment enables boarders to find solace and share their concerns, triumphs, and setbacks with their peers and residential staff, who become their surrogate family members.

Living as a family instills a profound sense of belonging and identity within the boarding community as boarders feel a part of something greater than themselves, fostering a collective spirit and pride in their living environment. This sense of belonging enhances their overall well-being and contributes to a positive boarding experience.

A supportive and nurturing environment mirroring a family setting has a positive impact on boarders' academic and personal growth as strong relationships with peers and staff facilitate improved communication skills, heightened self-confidence, and enhanced social and emotional development. When boarders feel safe, valued, and cared for in their boarding environment, they are more likely to thrive academically.

Living in a family-like setting encourages the development of essential life skills and shared responsibilities where boarders learn to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and take ownership of their living space. This fosters the vital skills of teamwork, time management, empathy, and adaptability, which prove invaluable not only during the boarding experience but also throughout their lives.

The connections formed while living as a family in a boarding community often endure beyond the boarding years. Many boarders establish lifelong friendships that extend beyond their time in school, providing a sense of continuity and support even after leaving the boarding environment. The concept of living like a family in a boarding setting encompasses a range of benefits. From emotional support and a sense of belonging to academic and personal growth, shared responsibilities, and lifelong friendships, the family-like dynamics within a boarding community contribute significantly to the holistic development and well-being of boarders.

The boarders have all had a wonderful week celebrating Boarding Week, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on what is so special about our community, something that we sometimes take for granted.