Boarding

 Benefits of Boarding

Being a Boarder offers a unique opportunity to learn about oneself and others. There are a number of opportunities, experiences and routines that make being a boarder somewhat different to any other educational experiences. With the end of the winter sports season drawing closer it is fitting to reflect on what the benefits are. Training with your mates for a common goal often leads to building of self-esteem and a sense of camaraderie. This is also exemplified when its game time and watching your peers. It is noticed especially in boarding, with the early wake-ups and late travel to and from fixtures, the buzz of the House after a win, and the mood shift with a loss. This togetherness builds strong relationships and helps build a sense of belonging.

Being involved in community and being part of community is hugely important to the adolescent child becoming an adult, and boarding in its nature has a series of rights of passage that don’t need to be specifically taught or highlighted. Examples are the right to be able to study independently when you are a senior, being able to drive your vehicle to and from home and school, being a leader in your house and having the opportunity to apply for leadership positions, mentoring younger students and being involved in House meetings, playing a chosen sport at the top level, and building a masterpiece from scratch in the IT room or the textiles room. All these skills help us to understand who we are and what we can achieve.

It has been impressive this term to see the vast array of talent and dedication that has been on display. Whether it is welding, textiles and design, rugby, netball, academic achievements, celebrating culture and identity or simply improving on something that in the past has been almost unattainable. Boarding provides opportunities to grow as individuals and as a result better contribute to the community in which we live.