Why boarding residential can be best
SCHOOLS such as King Henry VIII College, Malaysia, not only welcome day students but also offer them the opportunity to board at school.
The practice of sending children to other families or to schools so that they could learn together dates back centuries. Boarding schools in Britain started in medieval times when boys were sent to a monastery or noble household to be educated by a literate cleric.
Christ College, Brecon – the sister school to King Henry VIII College – was such an institution.
It was initially established as a friary but has been a place of education since 1250.
In the 21st century, boarding is a great option for some parents who are required to move regularly for work reasons or are based overseas.
Meanwhile, other parents have experienced boarding themselves and thus capable of making an informed judgement about its value for their child.
But what about families who are new to the idea of boarding?
What would persuade them to think that sending their child away to school, even for a couple of nights a week, is a good idea?
In fact, it is often the children who can see the benefits of boarding and the fun to be had.
Why board?
The advantages of boarding are well attested to by those who have experienced it.
Good boarding schools really are a home away from home.
The life-skills that parents instil in their children are augmented and further developed at boarding schools, such as organisation, planning, self-reliance and resilience.
Boarding offers a secure environment with dedicated and experienced residential staff, where children live in a close community with a ready-made social life, activities and designated time and space to do their school work.
What is a boarding house?
The boarding model at King Henry VIII College is the same as its sister school and many other prestigious UK boarding schools.
Each house, looked after by resident houseparents and other residential staff, is home to 50 students between the age of 11 and 18.
This allows children to begin shouldering responsibility as they grow older, as well as to encourage younger students and build strong relationships with others.
The houses at King Henry VIII College are designed to allow children to share communal spaces for study and leisure (including a cinema and house gym), or to work quietly in their own rooms. The school also has outstanding facilities.
What does a houseparent do?
A houseparent is responsible for the overall well-being of the students, as well as the smooth day-to-day running of the boarding house.
Houseparents provide a secure and stable environment where family values are shared and in which students can develop their self-esteem, express their talents and fulfil their potential. In loco parentis, houseparents fully understand the privilege and responsibility this brings.
Will my child miss life at home?
Of course, children will miss home – they will miss having their bed made, their room tidied and other daily familiarities.
But at boarding school, they will also be part of a new community.
Whether they are flexi-boarders, weekday boarders or full boarders, the children will be surrounded by friends and have caring adults close at hand.
Parents are only a Skype call, WhatsApp message or phone call away.
But will I be involved in my child’s upbringing?
Like many schools, King Henry VIII College offers flexible boarding, weekday boarding (Monday to Friday) and full boarding to children from the age of 11 (Year 7).
As they begin senior school, children will begin to enjoy a measure of independence while checking in with parents at the end of the day.
So, the reality of boarding is that it is a great opportunity for children to enhance their educational experience, to develop self-assurance and to begin to prepare for life after school and the world beyond.
■ For more information, drop by King Henry VIII College’s office at G-07, Gem In Mall, Persiaran Sepang, Cyber 11, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor.
Alternatively, call 03-8322 7722, e-mail enquiries@kinghenryviii.edu.my or log on to www.kinghenryviii.edu.my