Boarding
Boarding
The boarding provision at RAAS defines the nature of the school and makes an exceptional contribution to the overall pastoral care and personal development of all our students. We exist to give our children a distinctly different start in life, preparing them for the world with hope, optimism, compassion and empathy. Boarding Houses support the overall values of the school, of ambition, courage, integrity and respect.
What is Full Boarding?
As the name suggests, Full Boarding students reside at the school on a full-time basis during term time. However, there is ample flexibility to facilitate regular family visits.
Boarders have the option to return home on Saturdays after enrichment activities and come back on Sunday evening before 8pm registration, or on Monday morning before the start of the academic day. For boarders in the Sixth Form, they may return home Friday evening.
Approximately half of our students choose to go home at weekends, while the remaining half stay onsite, often engaging in organised weekend trips or participating in activities. This ensures that our boarding houses are never empty, and weekends are an enjoyable time for students to recharge and relax with friends.
During half terms and school holidays, Full Boarders return home. Some overseas boarders may choose to spend this time with extended family, family friends or guardians.
The Boarding Ethos
Our boarding ethos is one which supports the holistic achievement and welfare of the individual within the close-knit community of each boarding house and the wider boarding community.
For boarders at RAAS we aim to:
- empower them to show AMBITION for their own lives: Using all of the resources available on site whether this is academic, co-curricular or personal development.
- cultivate an attitude of RESPECT for all. RESPECT for themselves, for all members of our community and for the environment in which they live.
- encourage them to become aspirational in all aspects of their education; show perseverance and resilience in the challenges that they will face, and to show grit and determination to succeed.
- engender honesty & COURAGE. Allow students to try new experiences, learn about different cultures and embrace the wider school.
- boarders should face each day with INTEGRITY, purpose and a healthy & positive respect.
- provide opportunities to contribute to our community. To be proud Gattonians and feel & experience the value and worth of being part of an inclusive, diverse, positive and tolerant community.
Benefits of Boarding
Research indicates that boarding can play a major role in providing rich experiences to develop soft skills which are necessary for well rounded adults to live fulfilling and enriching lives. Boarding also has more immediate and tangible effects. Below are some of the benefits children can gain from a boarding education.
Where do our Boarders come from?
Our Full Boarders come from all over the world. Indeed, nearly 30 different countries are represented in our School. This gives our school community rich and vibrant diversity that is embraced and celebrated.
