The Benefits of Boarding

Tracey Martel explores how Appleby College’s Boarding Life programme plays an integral part in the school’s educational experience

This past September, Appleby once again welcomed 274 boarding students from over40 different countries and nationalities to its campus in Oakville, Ontario, joining the biggest multicultural family they have ever been a part of.

With a 30-second commute to classes, co-curriculars and hanging out with friends, living in boarding provides students with more time to focus on the things in life that matter most to them. An important component of the boarding experience, is the additional academic support and daily study schedule. Boarding students share that the experience helps them be better prepared for post-graduate study, while also developing self-discipline, maturity, independence and the ability to think critically.

Of course, boarding at Appleby doesn’t mean all work and no play. Having settled into their new house community (Appleby has four on campus and offers a gender inclusive boarding option) each boarder participates in their house’s unique community, culture and traditions. However, boarding entails more than just getting to know your own house members. All boarders are brought together through the annual House Cup competition, all-boarder outings, special cultural dinners and celebrations. Boarding Life Learning Communities focus on topics such as social emotional learning, health and wellness, inclusivity, character and values development. Designated community weekends also take place throughout the year, involving both boarding and day students and feature multiple sports and related arts, service and other boarding life activities.

On regular weekends, boarders are invited to participate in off-campus excursions, where they can socialise and increase intercultural awareness. Boarders are also invited to stay on campus and participate in the school’s Long Weekend Programme and enjoy a variety of engaging themed activities and excursions of their choosing.

For more information about Appleby’s Boarding Life programme, please contact Sophie Grossman, executive director, admissions at sgrossman@appleby.on.ca or visit www.appleby.on.ca