Back to Boarding!
There has been much excitement for the past week as our boarding students get used to a new routine. Our new students and Year 13s arrived last Sunday. All have settled in well, helped by our boarding tutors playing games with them on their first night so that friendships could begin to be established.
The year 11 and 12s started on Monday, with more “getting to know you” games. The students are beginning to put names to faces.
Routines are exceptionally important in boarding, whether it is a rota to take out the room’s rubbish bins / taking a shower / or waking up early to get the bus from Shackleton / Bancroft, routines help to establish a community that lives together in harmony. If one student does not hand in their devices then they will disturb the other roommates and it is detrimental to the relationships in that room. Many students for the first time are living with someone that is not family. Therefore communication is key. Listening is important as is being able to voice concerns. If a student needs help with this, the boarding tutor is on hand to lhelp.
This year, we have made some changes in Alleyn House, our on campus boarding house. Alleyn House boarding students stay in boarding over the weekend and in the past breakfast was in school. Now, it is a “help yourself” breakfast with cereal, toast and eggs. The students are responsible for getting up and making breakfast themselves. It is helping to get them thinking about time management and organization. To get up, get ready and get to study hall on time (10am) having had breakfast is a life skill that is important since they are also getting used to living in a communal space and tidying up after themselves.
The common room on the 1st floor is also being used, an assortment of games were purchased over the summer, and it has been lovely to see the students interacting with each other playing cards and board games rather than just computer gaming. The piano is also a great addition to Alleyn House, and a couple of year 13 students have been playing it to relax. Once again, an important life skill is to know when to take some time for yourself and look after your mental wellbeing.
Study Hall started on Wednesday evening. Academic staff are available at this time to help students if need be. Staff remain vigilant on the misuse of computers and phones. Phones are NOT allowed during study hall as, more often than not, they are a distraction. If seen on the table or if students are seen to be using their laptops for gaming or watching videos then they will be confiscated and returned the next day.
For 20 minutes every weekday, during study hall, Year 10, IG1 and Year 11 are required to read an English book. This time provides dedicated reading time, to extend vocabulary as they expand their knowledge and horizons on different topics. The library is open during school hours to check out a book, and if a student has forgotten a book, the boarding parent on duty can provide one.
