There are many myths about why students attend boarding school. However many of those are simply based on a lack of information. In understanding the impact of a boarding school one needs to consider the various aspects of a student’s life it affects.
A boarding school, residential school, or school hostel [as it’s also known] is not just a place for improving academics but an environment that allows for holistic development of children.
It provides an academic environment for intellectual development. It equally also encourages students to actively participate in extra-curricular activities by offering a stimulating and exciting environment.
Boarding schools give freedom and foster originality. It is essential for personal growth, character building, and helps one become a socially adept and confident individual. Skills such as self-reliance, time management, and other relevant life skills act as catalysts in transforming a child into a mature individual with a keen sense of self. . Through this experience, students also emerge as independent individuals, who can express themselves well over the time they’re ready to join a university, preparing them for a life of independent thinking, personal reliance, and self-regulation.
Ways in which boarding schools prepare for university life:
1. Independence:
Boarding schools prepare students for the transition required for university life. To excel in college, children need to experience a sense of independence as living away from home is a major adjustment and students find it difficult at first. Students must be capable of making the right decisions for themselves while they live away from their families without their parent’s constant oversight. In colleges, students try various activities, develop strong social and communication skills and experience new interests and positive friendships. Boarding schools prepare them in adjusting and adapting to such a changing environment. Due to their time spent away from home, while at a boarding school, students find themselves much more comfortable in adapting to new places, and experiences and eager to try different activities, in addition to exploring new aspects of university life.
2. Discipline :
Discipline is an important part of life at boarding school, and everywhere else in life. The school has its own sets of rules and regulations which students and teachers follow, as is expected of them. By following a life of strict discipline, and rules, a student is more comfortable, after leaving a boarding school, setting up a routine that they deem as useful, and required for their life ahead. This could pertain to aspects as simple as following a discipline when it comes to exercise, learning, exploration of hobbies, or even being disciplined in creating some time for relaxation. This core skill underpins the success of individuals. By virtue of having to follow school rules, students become adept at self-regulation by the time they turn into adults.
3. Appreciate diversity:
In a boarding school, students from diverse cultures and backgrounds study together. As boarding schools draw students from different parts of the country and also from other countries, students learn to appreciate the difference and diversity. This prepares students for interacting with college peers and getting adjusted to college life comfortably.
4. Extracurricular Activities:
Boarding schools encourage students to explore various extracurricular activities and discover their passion. As students live on campus, they have more time to be involved in extracurricular activities. Co-curricular activities are a great way to improve communication skills, team building, and make new friends. These activities would include debates, sports, music, dance, and art. Organised activities instill practical learning skills and assist them to develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills that promote success in college and life after graduation.
5. Academic:
Boarding schools provide world-class education with the best possible teachers, coaches, and other staff members who help students to excel at their individual potential, develop capabilities, and learn more efficiently without any stress and pressure. College courses are challenging and boarding schools prepare students for a high-caliber college curriculum by focusing on providing advanced academic experience and offering diverse courses.
6. Guidance with college admission:
The boarding school’s staff and teachers assist students with the college choices and admission process. They organise several career guidance where counsellors help students choose the best for themselves. In addition, many schools also help with preparing for entrance exams such as DPS Warangal and aiding students in choosing different streams based on their preferences.