Boarding schools offer students a unique educational experience with a scope for growth and learning. Similarly, with a different range of options available, from co-education to single-sex or public vs private schools, selecting a boarding school is overwhelming.
However, selecting to send your child to boarding school is a tough decision, specifically with countless boarding schools all over Australia.
Whether you are looking for a boarding school in St. Joseph’s Nudgee College or looking at a range of options, this guide will offer you a list of important considerations to make. These guidelines will assist you in making the right decision for you and your child.
In this article, we will emphasize important tips to help you choose a suitable boarding school for your child.
Factors To Consider While Selecting A Boarding School
Below-mentioned are tips to follow while selecting the right boarding school for your child.
1. Location
As Western Australia is one of the biggest states, there are multiple options from which you can make a selection.
But, before you decide, consider which area of the country you want your child to be in.
Thus, there are three major considerations you need to make as a parent: safety concerns, transportation facilities, and amenities they can access.
However, sending your child can be unnerving in its own right. As a parent, you can send your child to boarding school where close friends and family reside.
2. Ethos And Philosophy Of The School
Every school has its own philosophy and ethos regarding how young men and women should be brough up and what values should be instilled in them.
Apart from that, think about the following questions:
How does the school discipline your child?
Does the school promote the values that are important to you?
What forms of anti-bully practice are in place?
How does the school cater to your child’s needs when they suffer from mental or physical illness?
It is often hard to gauge these things until you visit the school and keep a regular check on your child.
3. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check
If you decide to send your child to boarding school, you must be prepared to be away from them 30 weeks a year. This makes the boarding house staff hold a large space in their life.
Thus, you might often wonder if they are easily reliable. Similarly, would you trust them to provide your child with valuable guidance and support in their upbringing?
In addition, you need to consider if the college staff and teachers have conducted are vetted with the regulations and policies of State Criminal.
On the other hand, you can ask the staff or facility member for their ID proof and get a nationally coordinated criminal history check. This will eventually increase the trust and morality of the staff members, and parents will not hesitate further to send their children.
4. Academics Performance
It is important to evaluate whether the school will offer classes that your child would be interested in.
Thus, you must ask whether the school challenges and extends your child’s capabilities. This might include looking into the presence of streamed courses, how assessment will be conducted and how grades are determined.
On the other hand, focusing on boarding school, see if the school has the right balance between extracurricular activity and academics. Similarly, check if the child gets assistance from the tutor when they struggle with their work.
5. Facility And Services
Boarding schools will often be your child’s second home. It is vital to consider the quality of your child’s services and facilities.
Consider these lists of questions:
Is the boarding school safe and secure?
Is the facility well-managed and clean?
Will the child have access to medical assistance if needed?
When and how often will students be able to call home?
Will your child have access to medical help?
How will your child wash and clean their uniforms?
Is the food offered nutritious?
Will dietary requirements be met?
Is the boarding school secure?
Will your child be comfortable?
Will your child have access to technology and the internet?
Thus, here are some additional facilities that will be of incredible value to your child’s well-being and development:
A playroom and games room.
A swimming pool.
A music rooms.
A gym and fitness center.
Sports grounds, such as tennis and basketball courts, are also available.
6. Discipline And Pastoral Care
Boarding schools serve as the child’s home away from home and are therefore responsible for the child’s overall well-being.
Therefore, ensure discipline, focus, and research on whether the school enforces a structured workday. Similarly, the school should also emphasize extracurricular activity.
Apart from this, the dormitory staff will be responsible for taking care of your child’s everyday needs, such as dietary requirements and physical and mental health.
Hence, comparing different school approaches towards pastoral care can assist in finding a school that best suits your child.
7. Extracurricular Offerings
It is vital to understand the resources that each boarding school offers. The school should provide a qualified coach for students who play competitive sports to help them develop that skill.
Remember, there is no such thing as the best boarding school. You are responsible for searching for a school that best fits your child’s needs.
List Of Best Boarding Schools In Australia
Boarding schools comprise all girls, all boys and co-education options. Thus, considering an individual’s needs and understanding what suits them should be carefully reflected upon.
Therefore, independent schools are the largest providers of boarding schools in Australia, with different capital cities like Wesley College in Melbourne, the regional center comprised of NEGS in Armidale and Anglican Church Grammar School in East Brisbane.
However, apart from the schools mentioned above, here is a list of some eminent boarding schools you can consider.
Ascham School, Sydney.
Barker College, Hornsby.
Canberra Girls Grammar School, Anglican.
Caulfield Grammar School, Anglican.
Carmel Adventist College, Western Australia.
Walford Anglican School, WA.
Newington College, Melbourne.
Summing Up
While researching different boarding schools, you must consider the reviews.
Moreover, consider if the school is suitable for your child based on their interest and age. It will help in their overall development.
Therefore, make the right choice when choosing the best boarding school. This is because it forms the foundation on which the child’s entire academic life and career depend so that your child has a successful career option.
Consider the above-mentioned tips and select the best boarding school for your child.