Is Boarding School System beneficial to students?

A boarding school is an institution where children live within premises while being given formal Education. Some boarding schools also have day students who attend the institution by day and return off-campus to their families in the evenings. Boarding school students are typically referred to as “Boarders”. There is a lot of information out there about what a boarding school is and how students can benefit from attending one. There are so many different types of boarding school – from prep academies to military or religious school. While it is clear there is no one-size-fits-all model, there are some characteristics that we feel can create a beneficial learning environment? Here is how we can define a great boarding school. We have heard about and seen many students who study at boarding schools, away from their parents and homes. Then there are those who attend day schools where they go in the morning and spend few hours of the day to study and get back home. Both methods have their own attributes.
How Boarding school is better for students:
It is believed that Boarding schools introduce the students to the real life scenario at an early age which then helps them in the long run and they enjoy and feel that they have an advantage over their counterpart from a day school. Students of day school are constantly under the watch of parents and this will only make them more indulged and less confident of the self whereas students of a boarding school are more disciplined and confident of themselves. At the boarding school all the students are treated equally irrespective of their financial or social status. This is a very positive aspect because at day schools most of the times students from affluent and rich families tend to show off which results in bitterness and feeling of inferiority among the students who belong to modest families. This kind of behaviour is very much likely to lead to inequality and disparity in future society.
In a boarding school, the number of students per class is less compared to a day school hence every single student gets more attention of the teachers. Since the number of nuclear families is rising and both parents are working they are not able to devote much time and attention to the child therefore it is better that he is sent to boarding school for overall attention and care. Also, at boarding school he will be introduced to the disciplined way of life.
Advantages of boarding schooling:
An open-minded community
Depending on which part of the world you are coming from, you have probably heard something about how boarding school can be quite strict. For some, these common misconceptions create a dramatic picture of a suffocating environment. But a good boarding school shouldn’t feel that way.
A safe and supportive environment
Safety is something every school takes seriously, but that doesn’t have to equate to strict the unrealistic expectations. Instead, students should be given respect and space to explore, receiving guidance wherever needed. While a strict environment is one that might enforce rules effectively, a supportive environment is one that helps students to feel confident in their decisions. That is better for students in the long run as it fosters an atmosphere where students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and discover their creativity.
A place for everyone
There is so much to be learned from a diverse community and what better place to find one than at an international boarding school? Students from all backgrounds are welcome and cared for, having the opportunity to learn about new cultures and celebrate diversity. Take the opportunity to explore their new home and enjoy their free time by filling it with interesting new activities and diverse hobbies. Because everyone is experiencing life through a new lens together, they’re able to connect on a deep level and build lasting friendships.
A foundation for a bright future
Boarding school students are given so many opportunities to build a solid foundation for their future. Living away from home and balancing an advanced curriculum encourages them to become more disciplined and responsible. They are also given the opportunity to advance academically and carefully map that into their future – whether in their furthering education, career aspirations or otherwise. While there are many advantages to learning in a boarding school there are certain disadvantages that you must keep in mind if thinking of sending your child to such a school.
• Homesickness: While boarding schools are full of kids who have a lot of things in common, there is no denying that a child will still feel homesick for his family and home.
• Empty Nest: You too might find that the separation from your child is emotionally too difficult.
• Blending In: Boarding school is full of children and it isn’t necessary that your child will fit in. While some children immediately find themselves some friends, certain children will have a tougher time.
• Adjusting: Some children do not take to the regimented life of boarding school and would much rather be the masters of their free time. These children might also find it hard to reconnect with the family after spending so many months away.
• Other Risks: Some other risks include bullying which can be especially hard to weed out in boarding schools where children spend most of their time together.
• Academic Pressure: With regular schools, children can leave the school and remove themselves from the pressure of excelling at studies. However, in a boarding school, the pressure is constant.
• Only the extracurricular activities provided by the school are given any importance or attention. If your child has any special talents, this will not be given the attention it needs to flourish.
So it finally it depends on child’s behaviour and parents as well to decide which of the two options is better——- Boarding or Day School. Honestly boarding schools and Day Schools have their advantages and disadvantages. It is really up to the family and the child to see which a better fit for the child.
(Author a teacher@School Education Department is presently posted at Govt High School Brakpora Anantnag. Views are his own) [email protected]