Boarding schools have changed with time. The schools that
were lead by straight-laced matrons and strict principals that only followed a
fixed regime of school work and homework and chores have made way for vibrant
learning houses that, along with studies, cover extra- and co-curricular
activities such as sport, theatre, music, art and much more. The scope for
learning is so wide that parents are now willing to overcome their separation
anxieties and let their children travel across the country for a fulfilling
learning experience and all-round development.
Paul and Manisha Chadda have enrolled their daughter
Ishanika at the Kodaikanal International School (KIS) in Tamil Nadu. Currently
studying in Class VI, Ishanika was admitted to the boarding in Class V.
“Ishanika has blossomed in so many ways and has become more confident with her
education through an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB). The
boarding experience makes you think outside the box and she takes great pride
in excelling. She has developed a determination to achieve good grades; even
one less mark gets her disappointed,” says Manisha, a Clinical Hypnotherapist.
An alma mater of KIS and Woodstock School, Mussoorie,
Uttarakhand, Manisha can relate to her daughter’s experience. “It was very
difficult initially when Ishanika left to join the school so we kept ourselves
busy. We visit her as often as possible. For parents, their child is the most
important person in their life. We are the ones who have to decide whether to
be selfish and keep her with us or allow her to go out and have the very best.”
Marius Monteiro, owner of Cavala in Baga, had not been to a
boarding school as a student, so, before getting his children, son Lino and
daughter Rebecca, admitted to Lawrence School in Lovedale Ooty, he and his
wife, Medha spoke to a lot of parents and children. “The initial question both
my children asked was why they have to go to boarding school. It depends on how
you put it across to them. It was a different experience as we spoke to a lot
of couples and visited different schools. Finally, Lino himself decided which
school he liked,” says Marius.
Lino has completed his Class XII while Rebecca is studying
in Class XI. They both joined the boarding school when they were in Class VI.
They get to make one phone call per week and are encouraged to write letters
back home. “They get a two and half month holiday twice a year and for shorter
breaks, we visit them. They miss home but our letters usually revolve around
what is happening in their school and what we are doing at home. After all, we
want them to be good citizens,” adds Marius.
John Pollard, who founded Southern River Adventures in Goa,
liked the philosophy of education by philosophical speaker and writer J
Krishnamurti and admitted his daughter Sica to Sahyadri School in Pune. Sica is
currently studying in Class VI and loves the experience. “I liked the
philosophy of J Krishnamurti Foundation India (KFI) about free learning. In the
beginning, Sica missed home but now she has got used to her school and it’s we
who miss her more. Besides studies, she is also involved in athletics,
badminton and music and is a member of different school clubs,” says John.
No matter how far the children are studying, the
satisfaction one feels knowing that they are receiving the best of education
and personal development is more than enough for a parent. Being at boarding
school, a child gets educated, understands discipline, achieves independence
and is exposed to cultural diversity, all if this giving them a broader
perspective on life.
