Mowden Hall
We all know that young people today face pressures that educational leaders never experienced during their school days. As pupils nationally are driven to fly higher, it is vital that schools and families do as much as they can to strengthen the wings needed to keep them in flight.
Educators must look several decades ahead: the society in which we want those currently in our care to thrive will be very different to the society we know today. It will offer new kinds of opportunity and make different demands. Looking forward 10 or 20 years, the picture is characterised by its very unpredictability. All around us we see evidence of a fast-changing and complex modern world where globalisation and technology are transforming the way we live, work and relate to one another. Today, we must prepare young people to rise to challenges we cannot fully imagine.
If managed sensitively, and appropriately, the opportunity to introduce children to boarding life can be transformational. Building self-confidence and self-esteem is fundamental to any young person’s development. It helps to extend their perception and appreciation of the world around them. Boarding plays an important role in this and in the social, emotional and academic development of a child. Mental Health and wellbeing The white water of growing up is hard enough to steer through without having to pretend that it is not happening when you are online. The best way to mitigate this taking hold of a pupil is to throw them into as many real, collaborative experiences as possible. The obvious point to make about a good school life is that it will take you outside as often as not, for physical, psychological and spiritual reasons.
Of course, nobody can deny that the internet has had a hugely positive impact on children’s and young people’s lives. But would it not be healthier to celebrate anything that shouts individuality, selfexpression and freedom to choose? Above all, Mowden Hall cheers authenticity by encouraging children to be bold, whatever the online consequences.