Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Fall 2014 | Page 50

BACK TO SCHOOL KeepingYourOptionsOpen. . . T Explore the International Schools Fair here is no doubt that the image of boarding schools has changed immeasurably; the transforma- tion from the brutality and coldness of Dickens’ Dotheboys Hall to the spell- binding excitement of Hogwarts has been both evolutionary and revolution- ary. However, the changes in perception and the reality are not works of fiction; boarding schools in Britain and North America are flourishing and should be By BVS Education & Schools to Know a real consideration for families think- ing about the future schooling of their children. But what makes a boarding school education special? All these things are on the student’s doorstep; schools are extremely busy places where children are seldom bored or lonely and, rather charmingly, it is still seen to be cool to do something rather than nothing. As the young ac- tor, Henry Cavill, recalled, ‘At board- ing school there wasn’t much time for much of anything except education’ – education in the widest sense. 1 FIRST RATE EDUCATION The reputation of leading schools in the UK and USA is not just a label of prestige from the past; the academic, sporting and social success of these schools is in the present and the future. Academic excellence, their successes in international exams and their students winning places at Ivy League and Russell Group universities speak for them- selves. Teenagers are given the structured independence they need to thrive. 2 ALL-ROUND EDUCATION 3 SUPPORT Boarding schools are con- cerned with much more than academic prowess; pupils exceeding their potential in the classroom is paramount, of course, but the ability to be involved in whichever sporting, cre- ative or intellectual pursuit that stimulates a child, is of huge importance too. Success is achieved through sound teaching and individual care and atten- tion. Staff at boarding schools are with their students twenty-four hours a day and are there to ensure that every child is happy and performing well at all times, and can address problems swiftly. Boarding schools are well-equipped and qualified to support most learning re- quirements and a wide range of schools offer specialist Additional Support for learning and emotional needs. 4 FACILITIES 48 Boarding schools have some outstand- ing facilities and offer beautiful spaces in which youngsters can grow and develop. Academic and sporting facilities can be state of the art, and boarding houses are often not far shy of a