What are the benefits for children of boarding at school?
This is sponsored content for Kinross Wolaroi School.
The idea of enrolling at a boarding school can initially be intimidating for children; leaving their home for extended periods of time and getting used to a new environment is a big step.
But it's not one without its benefits. Boarding school provides a place to develop self-confidence and maturity, and can positively impact a child's education, skills and social life.
Principal of Orange's Kinross Wolaroi School Dr Andrew Parry said living on campus as a boarder provides many unique opportunities for young people, both academically and socially, that are invaluable in preparing them for their future lives ahead.
"Boarding schools provide an environment that's brimming with academic opportunities, as well as providing opportunities for our students to bond with peers and develop a strong sense of self-confidence and belonging," Dr Parry said.
"In Year 7, Kinross Wolaroi's boarding students are surrounded by new faces and personalities but when they leave in Year 12, they have developed lifelong friendships and leave as part of an extended family."
Here are some of the top benefits of boarding at Kinross Wolaroi.
More time to spend with your peers
Living on campus at Kinross Wolaroi School provides opportunities to develop strong friendships with other students in an environment that aims to create a supportive and welcoming home away from home.
"The life inside our boarding houses creates memorable moments that our students will take beyond their school years, all whilst sharing experiences with a diverse range people of different ages and backgrounds," said Dr Parry.
Every week the school's boarders enjoy group activities that can include board game and card nights, cook outs, sporting contests, movie nights, cooking and food challenges to name a few.
This helps students better understand the needs of themselves and others, building values within them that contribute to well-rounded success in later life.
Increased access to educational resources and support
Boarding schools provide an environment full of academic opportunities. Boarders get access to ongoing support from teachers and peers, as well as to high-quality facilities, as well as an action-packed activity and weekend schedule.
Boarding schools provide a structure that balances study and leisure time, which is designed to enhance a student's focus and productivity.
"High value is placed on developing the independence of students, with improvements in organisation and time management skills being a clear benefit in residential students," Dr Parry said.
Increased access to facilities
The importance of recreational activities such as sport and music can never be overlooked, and at Kinross Wolaroi students have access to state-of-the-art facilities to develop their skills and focus on the things they love outside the classroom.
"Being able to utilise our many sports grounds across two campuses and onsite learning spaces during the evenings and weekends affords students with more chances to develop, staying healthy and active with their peers," said Dr Parry.
Boarding students are also able to use the space of our nearby school farms for outdoor activities, adventures and camp outs.
Experience living away from home
Many young people only experience living away from home once they enrol in university. Being a boarder at a co-educational boarding school prepares children for "real-life" experiences, teaching them to adapt and flourish in new surrounds and learning to complete simple life tasks.
"Whether it's feeding the chickens of a morning or helping to prepare a weekend BBQ in the boarding house; we believe all of these life experiences help to build character in young people," said Dr Parry.
"It's a controlled environment that encourages students to make their own decisions and develop independence early on. This kind of responsibility cultivates admirable traits such as leadership and initiative."
Kinross Wolaroi School provides high-quality, co-educational boarding, set within a family-like environment that focuses on education, well-being and inclusiveness. We want to help you find the right school, and to offer a home away from home during this crucial stage of life. To find out more about enrolling with us email admissions@kws.nsw.edu.au or visit the Kinross Wolaroi website here.
This is sponsored content for Kinross Wolaroi School.
