How do you provide as much ‘normality’ as possible to a school boarding community at a time that is far from normal? Sally Warren, Head of Boarding at Harrogate’s Ashville College explains how she and her colleagues are achieving this, whilst at the same time ensuring it remains a safe, secure and happy ‘home away from home’.
“I have always said that boarding is a passion of mine, and this could not be truer than at this particular moment. The College is where I live, this is my home, and I feel very proud to be able to get to know, support and interact with the pupils who board at Ashville.
It’s safe to say boarders have been through an extremely challenging time over the past 12 months. Each individual has their own unique circumstances, background, needs, and reasons for being a boarder. When boarders returned to Ashville after the Christmas break at the beginning of January, the last thing they were wanting or expecting was to be plunged into an immediate lockdown situation here in the UK. It was a potentially daunting prospect for everyone involved.
Boarders’ safety is paramount
Their safety continues to be our top priority throughout these COVID times, as it was before the pandemic began. Currently, each boarding house is treated as a bubble, with no mixing between the houses. There are designated bathrooms and social areas for pupils to encourage social distancing. Everyone gets out in the fresh air every day, to stay healthy and reduce the risk of COVID spread.
Boarding staff are tested twice a week; this includes all those who reside in boarding but also those who are involved in boarding, such as cleaners and maintenance staff. There is also a well-rehearsed system in place for pupils who need to quarantine on-site after returning to the UK, which has been carefully planned to keep boarders safe whilst also ensuring that they are well occupied and do not feel lonely.
A close boarding community
In terms of day-to-day boarding life, it is our responsibility as boarding staff to ensure that a lockdown existence doesn’t mean simply ‘existing’. Boarding is about more than just four walls and a roof, or the place where you sleep, and following COVID guidelines. As vital as those things are, what makes the difference between a good and bad boarding experience, particularly during times of uncertainty, is the care, respect and support you need to keep you whole, and the learning, friendships and experiences you need to keep you fulfilled. This is equally true of pre-COVID times. The practical ways in which we provide some of these aspects of boarding life may have changed, but they are still very much part of what we offer at Ashville, and why our boarders continue to create memories they will value for a lifetime.
Maintaining a healthy balance between learning and leisure time
When it comes to lessons, our boarders are fully supported with their remote learning and there are always boarding staff on duty to help with any questions they may have. My colleagues and I keep in regular contact with their teachers to ensure they are on track with their learning. Pupils also support each other, maintaining the strong Ashville family spirit. Pupils who share a room can participate in remote lessons together and many of our Sixth Form boarders have voluntarily offered in their free periods to help younger boarders with more challenging subjects.
Outside of lessons, our boarders have still been having lots of fun despite the usual events and trips being cancelled. We have organised a variety of activities to give important time away from screens and to maintain the ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ approach that is also so important for pupil wellbeing. So far this term, our boarders have enjoyed regular use of the on-site sports facilities and they have participated in basketball, football and other keep-fit activities including daily walks in the local Harrogate area. There is even an on-site bouncy castle!
Pupils and staff have enjoyed film nights together, Xbox competitions and various arts and crafts activities, such as painting, baking, tie dye and origami. There have been several birthday celebrations and theme nights at the weekend including a recent dinner where hoodies were swapped for formal attire. This was the boarders’ idea, an impromptu decision borne from the shared wish to create a sense of occasion, have some fun and boost self-esteem.
Where possible, the staff will continue to facilitate the boarders’ own suggestions for new activities and plans are now underway to hold more fortnightly theme nights in all the boarding houses.
A strong focus on wellbeing
As before the pandemic, the wellbeing of our boarders is paramount. Boarding staff are with the boarders every day to offer support and keep their doors open so boarders know they can approach them as and when they need to.
Boarders are encouraged to take regular breaks away from screens, go to the common areas at breaktimes and get lots of fresh air. One boarding tutor’s dog is also proving very popular with the children. We also ensure the boarders maintain regular contact with their parents, and staff continue to keep in touch with families throughout the week to provide updates and reassurance.
One boarder in Norfolk, which is Ashville’s senior girls’ boarding house for girls aged 13 to 18, and where I am also Housemistress, told me: “You are never alone and always have someone to talk to about issues that might come up during this period of time. It has been great to be able to spend time with others in the house and take part in activities together, which really help to give us a break from schoolwork.”
We understand that being away from home for any prolonged period of time, and not just during a worldwide pandemic, can be a daunting experience, that is why we pride ourselves in providing a caring, safe and stimulating environment, one that is a ‘home away from home’.”
For more information about Ashville College, please visit www.ashville.co.uk or call 01423 566358.