Tuesday, January 25, 2011

my boarding school

being in boarding is one of the best things in  my life. i want to post some of my old pictures here but unfortunately all of those pictures were lost a few years back when my thumb drive got attack by virus. maybe i'll upload some of the boarding school's picture in my country for your viewing. but for now, i'll just let you imagine the scenery and the lifestyle we had there.  

hope you are patient to wait.

thanks.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

5 Things You Didn't Know About Boarding Schools

Published January 15, 2011
By Robert Knox Kennedy

1. There's a school which will fit your requirements.
With about 400-500 hundred boarding schools in the United States and Canada you have a pretty good chance of finding a school which will suit your requirements. Remember that your requirements are something which you determine together with your child. She needs to buy into the concept of going away to school. She needs to understand the benefits for her both in the short term and in the long term. Her instinctive reaction will be negative because all she will see is that she is going to be losing all her friends. And her family. And, in short, everything she knows and cares about. That's tough for a teenager to deal with.

But, if you plan your strategy carefully, and discuss the matter rather than dictate what will happen, you will quickly build consensus. After all, you only have to point out to her how you wanted her in the first place and have nurtured her emotionally and in every other way since birth. She has to trust your judgement and good sense when you put it to her that way.

Then discuss what she needs to build a happy and successful 3 or 4 years away at high school. (Most boarding schools will accept students in grade 9 though grade 10 is undoubtedly a more popular entry point.) Is she a rider? Musician? An athlete? It's pretty easy to find a boarding school which will have the programs and activities which she wants and needs.

2. The teachers will care about your child.
The advantage that a teacher in boarding school has over her public school colleagues is that she is with your child 24/7. Well, not literally. But most boarding school teachers live on campus. There'll be one or more living in the same building with your child. As a result your daughter can get to know her teachers and, of course, they get to know her.

There is a genuine sense of community in a boarding school that simply is not possible to generate and maintain in a public day school. You also have to understand that your child cannot hide in a boarding school. So, if she has issues, they will come out. And as they surface, the school will have the resources and good sense to deal with them and counsel your daughter as necessary.

3. They are more affordable than you think.
Boarding schools have financial aid programs. While these programs vary from school to school, the intention is put a boarding school education within reach of any child who has the academic ability to do the work. The important thing for you to understand is that if you need financial aid in order to send your daughter off to boarding school, all you need to do is to ask. There is the usual paperwork involved to prove that you need help. Boarding schools seek to attract children from every strata of society. Boarding schools are not just for rich kids any more.

4. You don't have to worry about your child.
Supervision is part of the deal when you send your child off to boarding school. 24/7 supervision. Think of the school as a legal replacement for you. (The legal term is in loco parentis.) The campus will be secure. Entrances locked. Staff will be on the premises. She will be safe.

The other thing we parents worry about is our child's eating habits. The food at boarding schools is professionally cooked. It's often served family style as well with faculty and students sharing a communal meal.

Can she watch TV? Listen to her iPod? Talk on her cellphone? Sure. The only caveat is that she will not be allowed to do any of those things exclusively. She will have homework to do, extracurricular activities to attend, sports to participate in and much more. Her life at boarding school will be structured but not in any regimented way. Because everybody else will be doing the same things, your daughter won't feel like she has been singled out to do three hours of homework. Or two hours of field hockey. She and her classmates will be so involved that they won't feel overly scheduled. At least no more so than any teen does!

5. Your child will learn to love learning.
This may or may not be high on her list of priorities. But for certain it is at the top of your list. The great thing about learning in a boarding school is that the teachers don't have to teach to a test.No Child Left Behind is not part of the boarding school academic scene. No matter what boarding school you choose, you can be assured that the teachers have been carefully selected not only for their strong education and academic work in their chosen field but also for their love of teaching teenagers. Teaching styles vary from school to school, so have a look at that aspect of each school as you make your visits. Most of the time you will like what you see and hear.

Another point to consider is that boarding schools offer academic coursework not usually found in public schools. The languages and arts offerings are not frills in private school. They are part of the mix which a school feels it must offer in order to develop your child's fullest potential.

Robert Knox Kennedy is a consultant who writes extensively about private schools.

Is Boarding School Right for Your Child?

Published August 14, 2010
Is boarding school right for your child? Answer these questions to help you make that important decision.


source : http://www.life.com/image/1344765

1. Do you want to stretch your child?
If you are content with the status quo, then boarding school is probably not a good idea. Why? Because by going to boarding school your child will be embarking on an incredible adventure. She will be exposed to all kinds of new ideas and different points of view. She will be able to select academic courses which will enrich and challenge her. She will be in small classes where she cannot hide in the corner. Her opinion and ideas will matter. Her strengths will be expanded. Her weaknesses will be addressed in a positive environment.

The stretching occurs because she will simply do more academic work at boarding school than if she were in a public school with its large classes. Moreover, the students who attend boarding school want to be there.

2. Do you want her to have sports opportunities fall, winter and spring?
It's a major difference between public and private schools. Stories about public school budgets being cut are everywhere. The first things to get cut are sports, arts and extracurricular programs. They are often considered extras. Not at a boarding school.

Boarding schools have long subscribed to the idea that education works best when there is balance. Academics, sports and the extracurricular activities which are part of every boarding school's program make this philosophy work very well.

3. Do you want him to be with other young people who are serious about achieving something?
A parent's worst nightmare is that your child will fall in with the wrong crowd.  While things like substance abuse and inappropriate behavior of all kinds are worrisome enough, so is the idea that your child will hang out with kids who have no goals, no dreams and no aspirations. Boarding school offers a safe haven for your child, to be sure. But it also puts him in the company of children who want to achieve something in life, who want to be the best and who aspire to greatness. Boarding schools educate the whole child. They don't just teach them how to solve an algebra equation or how the stock market works. They educate the whole child and strive for a balanced approach to accomplish that objective.

4. Do you want her to develop a network of friends which she will have for life?
We adults understand the importance of networks more than ever in these tough economic times. Networks of friends and acquaintances who know you, understand you and can vouch for you are one of the lasting benefits of a boarding school experience. When you live with your classmates 24/7, you really get to know them. You also appreciate them, and, even more important, learn to get along with them. The diverse nature of most boarding school populations these days means that your child has the potential for a network of friends which literally could stretch around the world.

5. Do you want her to be taught by talented, experienced teachers who are passionate about their subject?
Boarding schools seek out talented, experienced teachers who have first and second degrees in their subject or subjects as opposed to having a degree in education. A teacher who has majored in French and Spanish and graduated summa cum laude is the sort of teacher most boarding schools will snap up rather than the teacher who did an education degree with a couple of French courses as electives. 'Education lite' is not what boarding schools want.

Consequently you will see schools proudly advertising the fact that 80% (or whatever the specific percentage is) of their faculty have advanced degrees.

If you have gotten this far and want to find out more about boarding schools, you are in the right place. Boarding School Review offers hundreds of profiles for you to explore. Take the virtual tours. Look at the pictures. Then go visit the schools which appeal to you. You will be glad that you did.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Why Boarding School?

published December 19, 2007
Going to boarding school isn't an easy decision. You'll need to adjust to a new environment. The physical separation from your family and old friends can make the decision emotionally difficult. Financial costs are also a consideration. Is it worth it? Couldn't the same education and experience be offered by a private day school? Or a magnet school? Or a good public high school?
Boarding School Vs. Other Options
Things you should consider and compare:

Depending on where you live, local schooling options can compare to boarding schools in several ways. Nearby private day schools, magnet schools, or public high schools can naturally have very bright student bodies and qualified faculty. Academic and extracurricular offerings can also be equally challenging and diverse. If you're considering local options besides boarding school, compare these important considerations:


  • Attention to students - boarding schools generally have small class sizes that help teachers engage every student in the classroom. Classroom settings are often specifically designed to encourage student participation and eye contact among everyone in class.
  • Quality of faculty - the majority of boarding school faculty have advanced degrees in either education or another specialty.
  • Quality of resources - student resources at boarding schools - such as the library, theater facilities, or athletic complexes - can often be superior relative to local options.
  • Challenging academics - academics at boarding schools operate at high standards. Students are pushed to "ask why," become inquisitive, and tackle challenging problems.
  • Broad and diverse offerings - course selections at boarding schools tend to be quite diverse, have plenty of AP options, and offer a wide range of topics. Athletic and extracurricular options tend to be broad as well, which encourage students to try new things. Many boarding schools also offer opportunities to study in different countries for a term.
  • College counseling - college counseling departments at boarding schools are generally well-staffed and taken quite seriously. Counselors often have plenty of experience in helping applicants identify appropriate schools and advising them on getting-in at competitive institutions.

say yes to boarding school

as a boarding school product, i am proud to say that going to boarding school is a good pathway in life.
in the boarding school there are a lot of good values that can be gained. being independent is one of it. 

doing your own laundry for instance really makes you know some off the burden your parents are doing for you at home. besides that, it teaches you to be independent. you cant rely on any one to do your laundry cause everyones doing their own. but, if your doing business with it, thats a different story. this also teaches you to love them more and even give them the chance to miss you. look on how just by doing your own laundry can do to you and yet theres a lot of other things your doing in that boarding school. imagine the many things you will gain..

you can check my boarding school on Wikipedia :



Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Busy, Productive Life

Boarding schools present their students with a unique mix of opportunities and experiences. The trick to choosing boarding school lies in answering the question- "Am I the kind of student who can and will do well living and working away from my parents ?" If your answer is "yes," you'll want to consider the qualities and benefits of a boarding school environment.

Relationships drive boarding schools. You will know your teachers as you never imagined. They don't go home at three o'clock when classes are over; they live with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The classroom is just a small part of a boarding school faculty member's work. Some of the most important teaching takes place outside of the classroom.

Boarding schools also have special relationships with parents. Boarding schools communicate the good and the bad- a phone call from a teacher or advisor at early signs of struggle isn't uncommon. Nor is it out of the ordinary to hear from the school when their child excels. A great trust supports the sharing of information between home and school.
Engaging academics. Small classes, personal attention and relationships with teachers means not getting lost or overlooked in the classroom. Be prepared to participate by asking questions and knowing your material.

The schools understand and value college admission process, dedicating great resources and energy to their juniors and seniors. College admission directors provide structure and guidance through standardized testing, self-evaluation, essay writing, and college selection. Boarding school college admission officers help students explore possibilities and focus on the schools that best fit their talents and interests.

In preparing students for college, boarding schools create a busy life for their students. Participation in a wide variety of activities, some of which you may never have tried- from athletics to debate- is required. You don't just go to class. You're on an athletic team, play in the jazz band, and work as student tour guide for the admission office.

All of which leads to the ultimate boarding school goal- a busy, productive life.

Boarding schools provide schedules, structures, academic demands, extra-curricular demands and evening study requirements that keep students engaged throughout the day.

5 Top Reasons Students Are Going For Boarding Schools

Private Boarding Schools are known for their focus on student education and mentorship in leadership positions. These schools engage the students in activities, classes and in roles prepping them as leaders.
Because of the smaller classes, choice of quality courses offered and quality time spent with the students, boarding students are better equipped for success. Read the following reasons of why the switch keeps growing.

Better Academics - More than 60% of International and domestic students enroll in boarding schools because of better education, higher SAT scores and (for the International group) more ESL courses offered. Stats also say that 90% of the students agree that they find their schools academically challenging: students spend more than twice as many hours a week on homework than their peers in public schools. That's a huge difference already!

24-Hour Learning - With a uniquely challenging, but encouraging campus environment, these schools provide a very real support base. Students are very active inside and outside the classroom! Boarding Schools are known for keeping them engaged. Surveys show that boarding school students participate in more extracurricular activities than public school students, whether it is exercising and playing sports (12 hours vs. 9 hours), engaging in creative endeavors like music and arts (over 6 hours vs. 4-5 hours), or participating in student government and club activities.

Learning to Lead - One of the most distinctive characteristic of a private boarding school is that character development counts as much as academics. Also, the environment in which teachers live among their students, and students live away from home, creates the development of self-discipline and independent thought. Leadership opportunities also emerge with students developing the characteristics to lead out more, rather than to succumb to their peers. More than three quarters students say they have been given leadership opportunities, a far higher percentage than public and private school students. Students also gain an advantage of continuous interaction with their teachers outside of the academic setting, unlike their public school peers.

College Ready - It is globally known that boarding school environments along with the balance of closer mentor guidance and additional personal responsibility, delivers well adjusted graduates to a University well prepared, making them very attractive. Additional stats say that: 87% of graduates agree that they were well prepared for the non-academic parts of college life, which includes most importantly independence, social life, and especially time management.

Cartoon of a Graduating Class at Graduation Ceremony
source : http://www.clipartguide.com/_pages/0511-1006-0417-1665.html

Getting Ahead - Looking beyond college, these graduates are most often professionally accomplished and well balanced active adults. High percentages of graduates achieve top management positions than students from most public schools. Another impressive stat: 60% of boarding school alumni give to social service organizations, compared with 46% of all others.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

choosing the right boarding school

Picking the right path when it comes to your child's education is a crucial and potentially nerve racking experience for everyone involved. Follow these top tips and you're bound to overcome some of the most common problems parents encounter when attempting to pick the perfect boarding school.

Boarding school education can provide a safe and fulfilling environment from which your child can flourish academically and socially. Selecting the correct boarding school takes time however and it's important for both you and your child to feel that your final choice is the right one. So where to start when picking the perfect boarding school?

The youngest age for a child in the UK to attend a boarding school is eight-years-old. Despite this being a relatively young age, your child will undoubtedly have started developing some sense of the subjects he particularly enjoys. Any boarding school should put their primary focus on the strength and variety within its offered curriculum. Therefore, its advised that you spend some time with your child deciding which subjects he would like to study in order to make sure that the school is capable of offering a superior education; both in standard subjects like English, maths and languages as well as speciality areas like art, drama and sporting activities.

As well as offering curricular excellence, it may also be worth considering elements such as class sizes and whether the school is mixed or gender specific. Different children do well in different environments and it's important to find the right balance for your child so they can do well inside and outside of the classroom environment. Some parents may feel there is less of a distraction if their child goes to a boys or girls only school. Others would argue, however, that mixed schools allow children to develop the vital skills needed when working and communicating with the opposite sex. Ultimately the decision lies with you and your child and what you deem to be the most beneficial and comfortable situation.

Finally, when picking a top boarding school it is always worthwhile considering how easy it is to access the school, particularly in the winter months during the Christmas holidays. With boarding schools located around the globe, many students are accustomed to travelling many miles to attend school.

However, for students studying in their native country, it's always worthwhile considering how easy it is to access the school in poor weather conditions; particularly if children are expected to spend at least one weekend at home per month or are a 'day student'. Boarding schools in Scotland, and other remote parts of the UK, boast some of the most beautiful grounds and historic buildings but can be tricky to access if they are very remote so this is well worth considering.
Harvey McEwan writes to offer information amd advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

benefits of boarding schools

Boarding schools are private-run educational institutions where enrollees live in dormitories during an entire school year. As opposed to traditional schools, boarding school students do not go home after a day's class. These schools can be costlier than usual and often, only families with above-average income can afford to send their children to these facilities. Still, there are many benefits that this type of institution can offer.

One of these benefits that a student can enjoy when going to a boarding school is a closer relationship with teachers. In a conventional school, one teacher will be teaching a roomful of students but because these schools have fewer enrollees, the teaching methods can be more personalized and students will have an easier time coping with their studies. For example, if a topic discussed in class remains unclear to a particular student, this student can easily ask for clarifications because there will be few others who will be competing for the teacher's attention.

Another benefit of these schools is its promotion of solid friendships among students. Because they will be staying in a dormitory, they have no choice but to deal with each other every day. Friendships are a natural consequence of a scenario like this one. Furthermore, the young ones will have more opportunities to develop their social skills because in this school, they will be working closely with fellow students, teachers and other school staff and they will usually have no way to go but to make their relationships harmonious.

Of course, when children stay in a boarding school, they will learn independence. They will have to mind their own clothes, meals and other needs while inside the facility. There will be no mom and dad to do their assignments and there will be no brother or sister to bully into fixing their rooms. When children stay in a boarding school, they become more acquainted with themselves and this helps them shape their identity.

Some people think sending children to a boarding school will cause the young ones to be misguided or to lack adult supervision as they grow up to become adults. On the contrary, many of these schools are dedicated to troubled teens that need special guidance. These schools also have competent staff that has extensive experience in dealing with children having growing-up issues.
These schools will have specific programs in their curricula that allow them to resolve their issues while not missing out on their educational needs. When left to study in conventional schools, troubled teens may just start wandering off to dangerous paths but when they are studying in a facility where they cannot just go out with anyone who might be a bad influence, they are surely in a safe place.

If you're looking for the best therapeutic boarding schools, look online and find reviews of ADHD boarding schools and other similar schools for troubled teens. Know them, compare and find the one that you think will be best for your child.