BOARDING
BOARDERS
FROM ABROAD
RESPOND TO
QUESTIONNAIRE
Boarders from abroad were asked to
respond to a number of questions about
life at school to explore the cultural and
lifestyle differences which exist. Their
feelings make interesting reading.
Culturally, only 20% of current
boarders from abroad felt that there
were significant cultural differences
between their home countries and
Pocklington and found settling in
relatively quick and straightforward.
This was helped by the pastoral system
here where 100% of those interviewed
felt that their teachers understood their
worries and were supportive, many of
these strongly agreeing.
On the other hand, 80% found
learning subjects in English much more
difficult than in their own language, a
situation which improves with age and
experience. When this was transferred
to exam situations there was a fairly
even split between those who found
little pressure and those who found a
significant amount.
BOARDERS’ CHRISTMAS
DINNER - BOARDING AT
ITS BEST!
On the final Monday of term the entire Pocklington School
boarding community gathered together in festive mood to
celebrate the end of a busy term.
Festivities began with a lovely carol service in the School
Chapel led by former Chaplain, Jim Roberts, followed by a
fantastic Christmas dinner produced by Andrew D’Arcy and
his wonderful team of catering staff.
30
THE POCKLINGTONIAN
An important question was asked about
the type of food here. Was it better or
worse than the sort of food to which
they were accustomed? The answers
did not reflect the quality, just the sense
of familiarity, and here over 65% felt
that for them the food was satisfactory
to good.
Perhaps most importantly, almost
everyone said they were happy with
boarding life, which they found
enjoyable, supportive and friendly. A
tribute to Pocklington School and the
boarding community.
Nick Wang
Following the dinner and eagerly anticipated boarders’ awards
presentations, Louise Lamb, teacher of English and former
Resident House Tutor of Faircote House, gave a warm and
humorous speech both about her own days as a boarder in
Scotland and her time in Faircote House.
After events in the Dining Hall, the party moved across to
the Music School for the traditional disco. Afonso, a senior
boarder, ably put together all the music requests from the four
Houses to ensure the dance floor remained busy. The seniors
get a run for their money every year from the junior boarders
from Dolman and Orchard who fill the dance floor with great
enthusiasm!