Boarding in Practice
Principles of Boarding at BIST:
- The concept of the whole development of each member of the boarding community is fundamental to the ethos of the School.
- All boarders should be able to develop and thrive morally, spiritually, culturally and socially.
- Every boarder should have the opportunity to develop his or her talents, whether academic, sporting or extra-curricular.
- All boarders have the right to be treated as an individual and to be respected by staff and pupils.
- All boarders should be given an awareness of their wider responsibilities to the boarding community.
- Every boarder has the right to work, play and relax free from abuse, discrimination, intimidation, harassment, teasing and bullying.
- The basis of boarding life should be co-operation; the qualities of kindness, tolerance, trust and unselfishness are fostered in pupils.
- Relations between boarders and their parents are extremely important. Boarders should have the opportunity to communicate with their parents at all reasonable times.
- All boarders should know who to turn to when in difficulty.
- The right to privacy is acknowledged as a fundamental human right.
- Concerns about health & safety (especially fire) are respected by all staff and boarders.
The School aims to provide a very enjoyable boarding experience through:
- Excellent pastoral care including the promotion of physical and mental health and emotional well- being.
- Excellent accommodation that is comfortable and suited to the needs of boarding, according to age and maturity, and which provides reasonable levels of privacy.
- Excellent study, leisure and recreational facilities.
- A safe and healthy environment, free from dangers and hazards.
In addition, we believe that boarding greatly enhances the overall development of each pupil. Therefore the School also aims:
- To create a family atmosphere across Tudor and Windsor House where pupils are encouraged and supported so that they may flourish academically, personally and socially.
- To develop the whole person and to prepare a pupil for his or her future life at university and beyond.
- To produce an open and trusting atmosphere in which each boarder feels able to approach a member of staff or another boarder confident that he or she will be treated and respected as an individual.
- To create a supportive atmosphere of cooperation, tolerance, kindness and trust in which teasing, harassment and bullying will not be tolerated.
- To create and provide well-structured and supervised study conditions after school so that a boarder may find it easy to work.
- To provide a range of extracurricular opportunities related to age and maturity that will assist in the cultural, social and personal development of each boarder.
- To provide a range of weekend activities that boarders enjoy.
- To develop a sense of responsibility in each boarder.
- To provide opportunities for leadership and teamwork.
- To create an atmosphere where boarders and staff can relax together and enjoy the benefits of community life.
- To introduce new boarders to the community with kindness and sensitivity and to offer every possible support and encouragement.