Choosing a Boarding school that is as unique as your child
Sotiria Vlahodimou, Headteacher at Slindon College suggests boarding schools can benefit pupils of all abilities and backgrounds. Slindon College is a small, independent day and boarding school for boys aged 8 to 18 and offers a specialist learning and nurturing environment. Every child has unique strengths, needs and learning styles. The benefits of a holistic boarding school that removes barriers to learning can be fundamental for pupils’ development both academically and personally. Consider if your child needs a traditional or an alternative academic programme and structured extracurricular activities which will strengthen their growth pathway.
Consider the quality of the staff. Boarding Houseparent’s should be knowledgeable and create a homely and family orientated atmosphere. They should understand individual needs and promote self-exploration through exciting evening and weekend activities. Communication between academic and boarding staff should be effective so the child has a rounded experience both in and out of the classroom with parents kept well informed.
Parents should consider the school size and the pupil to staff ratios. Slindon College is a purposefully small school, with a boarding community of between 20 – 25 pupils and class sizes of maximum 10 pupils. This enables an effective and adaptable environment catering for different needs and strengths.
The school’s philosophy and values should align with those of the parents to ensure consistency for the child. At the heart of boarding at Slindon College is the strength of the pastoral care and personal development of its pupils. Our values: Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, Community and Self-worth provide pupils with an effective moral compass.
By taking the time to research and evaluate different options, informed decisions by parents can help provide children with strong foundations for academic but more importantly personal growth.
Slindon College, near Arundel, has achieved the School Mental Health Award, delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. Slindon College was awarded a Silver standard for its outstanding mental health and wellbeing provision.
Headteacher at Slindon College, Sotiria Vlahodimou said: “We are delighted to receive this award and the recognition that goes with it for our hardworking team who are so very skilled and experienced at looking after our pupils’ mental fitness. Each pupil at Slindon College is supported and nurtured to ensure their personal development and all round wellbeing.”
Slindon College provides a wide range of activities to boost the wellbeing of pupils and staff, including weekly woodland walks, time to talk sessions, termly wellbeing focussed staff meetings and a range of events that support the college community’s mental fitness including the Slindon Memory Tree which encouraged pupils to reflect and journal their feelings in a safe space.
www.slindoncollege.co.uk
