Georgie: Why I love boarding in The Junior!
Life as a boarder is an exciting experience. Although I have only been here for a year, I have enjoyed every minute of it. There are so many opportunities on offer.
The boarding house is located on the first and second floors of the main school and has an atmosphere of one large family. The dormitories are bright and colourful and they are soon decorated with posters, duvet covers, cuddly toys and many more personal belongings.
Our house parents, the Waltons, are like second parents and there is never a dull moment with Mr Walton!
When we are at school at the weekends we have many activities planned for us. These include cooking, mountain biking, cinema trips, swimming and many more fun activities. For lunch we have a delicious Sunday roast, or when the weather is nice, a BBQ. We also go on a whole boarding house outing once a term.
By Georgie, year 8 boarder
Harriet: Why I think boarding is great
“Well what can I say about life as a boarder? As a boarder you get so many opportunities, there are trips, activities on the weekend and all sorts!
One of the good things about being a boarder is that we have the chance to do all the after school activities. As a boarder, instead of our parents being busy on the days we want to go to things, our parents are the teachers who actually take the activities!
For me, all the teachers are our substitute parents, they are always there for me if I need a helping hand with prep or anything else.Another good point about being a boarder is that the prep is structured and we do not get distracted. When you are at home there are so many things that would distract you like the computer, the television etc but the boarders have set prep times and no distractions. It helps us pass our exams and hand in our prep on time! Also with the teachers always being about, they all have a variety of skills. If ever we need help on a particular subject there is always a teacher to help us. For me, being a boarder is great!”
By Harriet, Junior School Boarder
Will: Boarding is great!
“At first boarding never applied to me and I’m sure it probably doesn’t to the person reading this either. However, boarding has to be one of the most spectacular things that has ever happened to me.
I don’t think anyone who hasn’t been a boarder realises how much fun and excitement there is to be had, especially messing around with all your friends day and night. Boarding gives you so many opportunities – you can do fun things after school and still manage to do all your prep after school as you live with teachers and there is always someone there to help you.
At the weekend you can use all the boarding facilities such as the squash courts, rugby pitch, astro turf and many more. CDT is always open with Mr Baker and you can basically make anything you can think of, including your own iPod speakers!
Boarding life is great and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it.”
By Will, boarder
Caitlin: My life in the Boarding House from Year 4-8
I joined in Year 4 and have been boarding ever since. This is my fifth and final year here and I am now the longest boarder!
I love The Junior and having Mr and Mrs Walton as my boarding parents makes all the difference. Mrs Walton is like my Mum to me and Mr Walton has the humour needed when I’m homesick or when I am in a bad mood. They’re both great fun and plan all sorts of activities for us every weekend.
I have friends no one can replace in the boarding house and at day school. I love having company like Ramy and Egor - they make me laugh outside, inside, where and when or at whatever time. Their accents especially make me giggle and their excuses for forgetting things can be strangely amusing but I know I really shouldn’t laugh at them!
I look forward to my last year at The Junior and to meetings lots of new people and guiding them in a similar path to mine.
By Caitlin, year 8 boarder
Ella: A great experience so far!
I’ve been here since Year 4 and it has been a great experience so far!
In the Winter we have an amazing time in the snow, going down Cleeve Hill on wooden trays or a competition who can make the biggest snowman. During the Spring term Charlotte and I get to go for a walk to the corner shop down Bath road to buy goodies for our movie nights!
In the Summer we are always outside playing with the watermat. Having fun with Lulu squirting fairy liquid on to us to make us slip and slide.
By Ella, year 6 boarder
Charlotte: Why I love boarding
I’ve been boarding since Year 3. When I first came it was difficult to pass the day without missing my parents, but having my good friend Ella always beside me helped me get through and enjoy my first term boarding.
I have lots of fun in the boarding house with Mr and Mrs Walton they never leave you out of anything and make you feel part of a family. It is like having lots of big sisters and brothers and although its great go home, I do miss everyone in the boarding house. There are always things to doon hot and cold days, from rowing the boats to playing a board game inside.
NowI’m in Year 5 I love boarding and am so glad my parents encouraged me to board.
By Charlotte, year 5 boarder