BOARDING schools in Queensland are a great way for students to combine the benefits of a quality education with a supportive and caring residential service.
The opportunity to develop close friendships with students from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds at a boarding school generates a deep understanding and appreciation for others that boarders take with them beyond their school days.
Some boarding schools are semi boarding in the way that they are part day school and part boarding school.
Parents, faced with such a wide choice of schools, naturally want to know which school is best for their children.
School policies and values are a good place to start. Is the school single sex or coeducational, what are the student numbers in the school and average class sizes, what values and religion does the school aspire to.
Of course academic standards are fundamental as well as extra-curricular activities.
Then have a look at the boarding facilities and the level of supervision provided.
Boarding staff should be properly trained in their obligations as carers.
The location of the school can be significant in terms of transport.
Also see what recreation programs are offered for boarders out of school hours and if there is peer support.
Values at these schools include the ability to think, to value thinking and to want to think; to know that information is not knowledge and knowledge is not wisdom; an ability to stand on their own two feet balanced by consideration of the needs of others; plus a positive and spirited approach to life.
Schools also focus on clarity about expectation, a respectful relationship between teacher and student and a sense of purpose for the learning - a curriculum that makes sense, interesting subject matter and achievable goals.
Discuss fees and extra costs with the boarding school concerned.
The school may offer a fee-paying plan as well as scholarships and bursaries.
Perhaps there are entitlements to state or government allowances.
Boarding schools aim to give students a broad academic education including leadership, a love of learning and caring for the community.
