Boarders Activities a Hit

There are almost 180 pupils who full, weekly or flexi-board at Shiplake College. Together they make up a busy and vibrant community, who are proud to call Shiplake 'home'. In addition to prep sessions every weekday evening there is an excellent and varied programme of events, trips and activities, run by Boarding Activities Coordinator, Mrs Sally Bayley.

Mrs Bayley, says “Boarding Activities runs formally on Tuesdays, Thursdays and at the weekends. It is crucial for boarders to have a good balance of organised activities and treats, along with free time where they are in control. Year 9s must attend all activities in the first term. This helps them to get to know the other pupils from other houses and bond more easily with the seniors. They quickly settle in and start developing their support network of friendships. There is always a choice of at least two activities and often includes some treats like hot chocolate, pizza and ice cream. My highlights this year have been the cheese tasting, sushi making and illusionist! But I also thoroughly enjoyed watching the pupils climb our tall trees and create chaos in the bubble footballs. The full boarders have had a bumper year with trips to the Panto, ice skating, paintballing, trampoling, go-karting, bowling, cinema, aqua-park and many restaurants! We can't wait for next term’s events!”

Our recent ISI inspection also stated that “Boarders say that boarding encourages them to get on well, support and tolerate each other. Their activities help bring pupils together and create connections, resulting in strong friendships and mutual support.”

As the end of the academic year approached the boarders were asked for their feedback on the year’s programme, including giving their top three favourite weekday activities and their top three favourite weekend activities. The ‘escape and evade’ manhunt-style game was the most popular weekday activity, with bubble football, the inflatables night and use of the outdoor pool in the summer close behind. Cheese tasting, sushi making, pizza, hot chocolate and ice cream nights were always enjoyed as well. Full boarders named Thorpe Park and the all-you-can-eat buffet trip to Cosmo Restaurant as their favourite weekend activities, with crazy golf, paintballing, gokarting, the cinema, shopping and escape rooms also popular.

Additional comments included:

• “Highly enjoyable, a range of activities and always a great way to de-stress.”
• “Always interesting and well-organised"
• “It is a great way to spend our weekend and have fun"
• “Great and fun experiences with other people that will stay with me.”
• “The borders activities are good. Thank you for organising them.”
• “I think that boarding activities have a variety of fun stuff and are run fantastically.”
• “Fun, exciting and inclusive; allowing you to have a break from doing work once or twice a week.”

Flickr album: Boarding Activities 2021-2022 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin