Boarding schools are renowned for providing a rigorous scheme of education that prepares students for future academic success. However, this is not the only benefit that boarding schools offer.
The teachers at boarding schools work to the highest of standards and push students to become inquisitive and solve challenging problems. For students at boarding schools, learning is not a case of memorising facts for exams – learning is an active process in which new information is discovered and applied to the world around them. This enhances students’ curiosity and motivates them to find out more by developing independent and critical thinking. This way of learning produces self-regulated learners and has a tendency to enhance student achievement.
Boarding schools are associated with small class sizes that aid teachers in engaging with their students. Boarding schools are therefore able to provide students with a greater number of opportunities to enjoy individualised instruction that is customised to meet their personal needs and teachers are able to ensure that students fully understand each task set before they move on to the next. In larger classes, students often misbehave to gain attention. The use of smaller class sizes potentially eliminates this issue.
The programmes of study at boarding schools are diverse, with extracurricular options tending to be just as broad ranging. Many boarding schools also offer students the chance to study in different countries and explore other cultures. Boarding schools therefore understand that all students are individual and possess their own distinct interests. They provide students with the chance to follow their interests and develop their own pathway in life. This, in turn, enhances their motivation to become the best that they can be.
The resources at boarding schools tend to be superior to those found in public schools. From vast libraries and theatres to athletic complexes and advanced technological systems, students are able to learn through a range of mediums. The advanced technology available for use in boarding schools is used to present information to students in a range of formats and this can aid students in learning in a variety of different ways. The range of multimedia programmes available for use can teach students the skills required to succeed in the world of work.
Living in a boarding school requires children to develop a greater sense of personal responsibility and this can lead to maturity in character. While support is always available, students have to learn to behave as adults and this can help them make a successful transition to university later in life. The shared experience of residing at a boarding school helps students to create a strong social network and a sense of community. Community involvement is closely related to academic success as students are able to realise that they are not alone and are surrounded by others who care about their wellbeing and success.
Boarding schools can help students to not only become better learners but better all-round individuals. The academic, social and psychological benefits of sending children to boarding school are many and varied. Boarding schools may not be suitable for all children. However, when children possess the desire and ability to adjust to residing in an environment outside of the family home, the potential positives of boarding schools often outweigh the negatives.
Written by Sam Luther, a copywriter and experienced blogger working with independent schools