PROSPECTUS
BOARDING
CONTENTS WELCOME FROM THE HEAD
4
INTRODUCTION TO BOARDING
6
BOARDING BASICS
8
BOARDING AT HARROW HONG KONG
10
BENEFITS OF BOARDING
12
THE HOUSE STRUCTURE
14
A BOARDER’S DAY
16
PREP AND STUDIES
17
BOARDING ACTIVITIES
18
ACCOMMODATION 20 PASTORAL CARE
22
SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
23
FOOD AND NUTRITION
26
BOARDING FACILITIES
28
3
WELCOME FROM THE HEAD Boarding is at the heart of what makes Harrow so special. Every pupil in the Upper School is assigned to one of our fourteen Houses, whether they are a day pupil or a boarder. The excellent relationships that our staff have with our pupils, and their consequent ability to deliver outstanding pastoral care, are founded on the time they devote to their pupils. All of the House Masters and House Mistresses, the Assistant House Masters and House Mistresses, Matrons and, in the case of the Prep School Houses, the Gap Tutors, live within the House and it is in this environment that a real sense of community is built and House spirit is developed. Most of all though, boarding at Harrow Hong Kong offers the best of both worlds. Pupils are supported in their learning and stimulated by the academic atmosphere provided both by their peers and their tutors. However, they are also encouraged to challenge themselves, try out new activities and venture outside of their comfort zones. The supportive House structure at Harrow Hong Kong enables children from across the ages and nationalities to mix together, and learn tolerance, understanding and an appreciation that we are all different, but that we are all members of the same Harrow family. These are essential life skills that hold them in good stead for the future and also aid considerably in their understanding of self. I do hope you have the chance to take a tour of one of our Boarding Houses and attend our Boarding Open Evenings. I am certain your child will relish the experience of boarding, develop lifelong friendships and enhance their academic and co-curricular potential.
Ms Ann Haydon Head 4
5
WELCOME TO BOARDING Boarding at Harrow Hong Kong is firmly based on the core principles of community living. We strive for an open, inclusive and purposeful atmosphere in which pupils are encouraged to fulfil their academic and personal potential; where individual needs are addressed and achievements within all areas of the School are celebrated. We have a broad mix of backgrounds among the boarding community; we pride ourselves on drawing on the best of this rich variety and creating an environment that values individuals but also offers an experience that is all the better for its sense of collaboration. The House’s primary function is to provide a secure, happy and nurturing environment, in which all pupils thrive. Ask any pupil, however, and they will tell you that the House fundamentally enriches their educational experience. Under the leadership of House Masters or House Mistresses and with the support of other pastoral specialists, the House underpins a pupil’s personal and academic development, so that they are prepared to enjoy life and contribute to their community. I and all the dedicated pastoral team here at Harrow Hong Kong extend a warm welcome to all boarders and their families. We look forward to meeting you in due course and welcoming you to the Harrow Hong Kong family.
Mr Ed Nightingale Deputy Head (Pupil Wellbeing)
6
7
BOARDING BASICS In today’s busy world many families find boarding a way of relieving pressure on family life by reducing time spent on endless commuting and ensuring that the time they spend together is quality time, with most of the School commitments having been met during the week. At Harrow Hong Kong boarding starts for pupils from Year 6 and is on a weekly basis, i.e. pupils arrive on Sunday evening and depart after classes on Friday afternoon. We have found that this suits Hong Kong’s busy lifestyle very well. Not only does it mean that travel time can be used far more productively, but it also allows the majority of the pupil’s work to be completed in a supervised and supportive way throughout the week - whilst many parents would be still at work. The weekends, however, can be given over to quality family time and are all the more special.
8
Sandy, Year 11 Sun “I am now in my sixth year of boarding. I started at the beginning of Year 6 as a Prep boarder and am still going strong! I decided to board as it always excited me and I wanted to try something new. I feel that boarding has so many advantages, such as becoming more independent and organised, but the best thing about boarding is being with your friends all the time! Boarding at Harrow Hong Kong has a good mix between work and fun. Being a boarder has meant that after School, I am able to do various activities using School facilities like the astro/gym/Sports Hall after prep every Tuesday and Thursday evening to be with my friends from other Houses. There are even activities you can do before the School day like join in the Friday morning football or go swimming. The House Masters are always there when you need advice or support, if you have any questions (whether it’s school related or not), if you have any problems or even if you just want to talk to someone. They allow you have freedom and give you space but are also strict when needed, which I believe is a great combination for a good House Master. My tutors have always supported me and have given me some great advice along the way. Finally, there’s the Matron who has also benefited me in becoming more organised and tidier! I would definitely recommend boarding to those who are thinking about it. It is such a great experience and will be something I will always remember.”
9
BOARDING AT HARROW HONG KONG 13+
10+ Help given by qualified staff to ensure sound academic progress
16+
Homework supervised with staff guidance through Key Stage 3 and GCSEs
Independent learning encouraged but with support through a-Levels
Healthy and varied meals Children nurtured by caring boarding staff in a family environment
Increasing independence with strong support from boarding staff
Personal choice and responsibility encouraged, with advice provided by boarding staff
Close communication between teaching staff, boarding staff and parents Comfortable bedrooms with separate newly-fitted shower rooms
High quality accommodation
Single bedrooms for Sixth Form
Strong mixed boarding community across age and nationalities, mixed with day pupils Range of sports and activities to suit all interests including special weekly activity
Range of Co-Curricular Activities available to develop lifelong enthusiasms
Involvement in a range of School activities, fostering leadership and responsibility
Based in the Gold Coast, the School is integrated into the local community A valued partnership with supportive parents allows family life to be enhanced
Positive relationships between boarders and their parents maintained during adolescent years
Mature relationships between boarders and their parents form the foundation for future years
Health Care Centre is open 24 hours a day Ample time and opportunities to build social skills and strong friendships
Social opportunities develop confidence, security, tolerance and respect for others
Social skills develop to allow selfmotivation, ability to organise own time and to make lifelong friendships
Access to School’s facilities including Music rooms, Library, ICT network and leisure/Sport facilities 10
Melody, Former Head of House (Keller, 2019 3) “I have been boarding at Harrow Hong Kong since it opened in 2012 when I was 12 years old, in Year 7. I thought it would be a great way to learn how to be independent and make new friends and Prep boarding seemed like an extended sleepover. Now as a Year 13 pupil and Head of House, it’s great to be able to mentor and guide younger pupils through the same experiences I’ve had. The best thing about boarding is that it has taught me how to be social and communicate with people. The sense of community is magnified far more as a boarder and there are certain aspects of the House which you simply cannot access as a day pupil. For example, I like to use the gym after a busy day at School. Boarding has definitely prepared me for university life and taught me time management skills and how to use my time wisely to balance prep and Co-Curricular Activities i.e. going for a swim. Pastoral support here is unparalleled to other schools, and this is emphasised in the boarding community. Teachers are always more than happy to help, especially with their subject matters. I would highly recommend boarding at Harrow Hong Kong. It is a great transition between the comforts of home and university life.”
11
BENEFITS OF BOARDING EXPERIENCE VARIED ACTIVITIES At Harrow Hong Kong, we have a responsibility to keep our boarders busy in their downtime. This means they have numerous opportunities to develop themselves and get involved in House productions, musicals and competitions. There is healthy rivalry and camaraderie among the Houses and pupils often mix with each other when they pick particular activities. IMMERSE INTO THE SCHOOL’S COMMUNITY One of the main reasons pupils choose Harrow Hong Kong, apart from the excellent education, is the rounded educational experience that they receive. Super-Curriculum Activities (SCAs) are integrated throughout the School day with Co-Curricular Activities interspersed outside of the timetable. Being part of a boarding House, learning a musical instrument, taking up a sport or even practising for their role in a Drama production are just some of the activities your child will be able to make the time for and participate in, alongside their studies. LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Our Houses are effectively family units with responsibilities falling to older pupils to care for and support younger pupils. Almost invariably, pupils rise to the occasion when given the opportunity to shoulder such responsibility and this significantly enhances their leadership qualities. SENSE OF INDEPENDENCE Being away from home for five nights of the week gives a child a real sense of independence. Boarding develops so many of the soft skills necessary to succeed in today’s workplace and provides as a precursor to a pupil’s university life.
12
LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS
VERTICAL HOUSE SYSTEM
This is the case whether a pupil is a day or boarding pupil. However, the development of great friends is often highlighted in a boarding environment. These are the friends they will live with, eat meals with and the ones who will share the joys and tribulations of everyday School life. We see these strong and deep friendships growing over the years. Not only do pupils keep in touch with one another, we are proud to say many keep in touch with the School, long after they have left.
The Harrow Hong Kong House system develops a child’s confidence because they have to interact with other people across a variety of year groups, some of whom they would never have had the opportunity to meet during the day. This along, with the supportive shepherd and mentor system, are key components of what makes the House at Harrow so successful.
13
THE HOUSE STRUCTURE The House system is integral to Harrow Hong Kong, is embedded in the footprint of all the Harrow Schools, and it is through which our values and ethos are instilled in each pupil. The House Masters and House Mistresses keep a watchful eye over the welfare, personal and academic development of every pupil in their care. For parents, their child’s House Master or House Mistress is their main point of contact, and a child’s development is very much a partnership between pupil, parent and School. We encourage regular communication via phone and email, and parents receive a weekly newsletter every Saturday with an update of the past week’s events and forthcoming dates. Boarding means that pupils can fully immerse themselves in the School day and not worry about finishing up and going home. They have time for extra subjects and create much more time for Sport, Music, Art, Drama and other activities. At Harrow Hong Kong, pupils in Years 6-8 are in a Prep School House. Alongside the House Master and House Mistress and their Assistant, we also have a resident Gap Tutor and a matron to help the pupils. The Prep Houses contain a mix of day pupils and boarders, and all Houses in the Upper School are single sex. In the Senior Houses, pupils can be part of a mixed boarding and day House or a day only House.
14
PREP HOUSES BOYS
GIRLS
DARWIN
PARKS
SHACKLETON
NIGHTINGALE
BANKS
FRY
SENIOR HOUSES BOYS
GIRLS
CHURCHILL
KELLER
PEEL
GELLHORN
SHAFTESBURY | SUN
DAY HOUSE
WU |
DAY HOUSE
ANDERSON |
DAY HOUSE 15
A BOARDER’S DAY A day in boarding is full of purpose, activity and a mixture of academic studies and Co-Curricular Activities. 6.45 AM Wake up
4.45 PM Co-Curricular Activities / Clinics / Lectures
7.15 AM
6.00 PM Supper for Prep Houses
Boarders to breakfast
8.00 AM Day pupils arrive and Call-over for the whole House
6.30 PM Supper for Senior Houses
8.15 AM
Period 1
7.00 PM Prep (Wednesdays are prep-free in the Prep School Houses)
9.15 AM
Period 2
8.45 PM - 10.30 PM
10.10 AM Break (snacks, which are brought to the House)
Staggered bedtimes in House
10.35 AM Period 3
Year 6:
8.45 PM
11.35 AM
Year 7:
9.00 PM
12.40 PM Period 5 (Lunch and Call-over)
Year 8:
9.15 PM
1.35 PM
Period 6
Year 9:
9.30 PM
2.35 PM
Period 7
Year 10:
9.45 PM
3.35 PM
Period 8
Year 11:
10.00 PM
Year 12 and 13:
10.30 PM
Period 4
4.30 PM Day pupils sign out to go home
16
6.50 PM Call-over in House for boarders
PREP AND STUDIES There is a real emphasis placed on prep for boarders at Harrow Hong Kong and every measure is taken to ensure they are challenged on a daily basis. With the support of the House Pastoral Team, the focus is on the quality of prep, ensuring that it is always productive time. With subject specialist teachers and peers on hand in the evenings, both of whom are willing to help, the opportunities for academic advancement are significant. The vertical House system allows a Year 9 pupil to ask for help from a Year 13 pupil and this promotes a nurturing community full of camaraderie and genuine respect.
17
BOARDING ACTIVITIES All boarders enjoy a fortnightly programme of post-prep activities. After prep time on Monday to Thursday evenings, boarders may choose from a range of sporting, academic, musical, creative and wellbeing activities, staffed by the boarding tutors and House Masters and House Mistresses. These sessions provide boarders with further opportunities to access the School’s facilities, develop new and existing skills, support their mental health, and interact with boarders from other Houses.
It is also a great opportunity to ask subject teachers more questions and get assistance with their revision. Pupils from Year 10 to Year 13 particularly benefit from these clinics during revision time for their public examinations.
18
An example of the activities for both Prep and Senior boarders are here. Example of Prep Boarders Evening Activity Schedule: These activities take place directly after prep, from 7.45pm to 8.15pm WEEK A Monday
Maths Clinic
Science Photography
Team Games
Mixed Sports
Motivation Monday
Cookies and craft
Tuesday
English Clinic
Science Clinic
Scatterball Rounders
Team Games
Pitch Perfect a capella
Supervision Walk
Indoor Hockey
Table Tennis
Supervision Walk
Wednesday Thursday
Activities led by specific Houses Spanish Clinic
Humanities Clinic
Capture the flag
WEEK B Monday
Kahoot/STEM
Motivation Monday
Running Club
Basketball
Rowing
Supervision Walk
Tuesday
Chinese Clinic
English Clinic
Team Games
Aerobics
Board Games
War Hammer
Yoga
Supervision Walk
Wednesday Thursday
Activities led by specific Houses Spanish Clinic
Chinese Clinic
Strickland Strategy
Various Games
Example of Senior Boarders Evening Activity Schedule: These activities will take place directly after prep, from 8.45pm to 9.15pm WEEK A Monday
PE Clinic
Physics Clinic
Meditation
HIIT session
Board Games
Tuesday
Chemistry Clinic
English Clinic
Football
Basketball
Badminton
Wednesday
Book Club
UCAS support
Various Games
Basketball
Strength / Fitness
Thursday
Maths Clinic
Chinese Clinic
Ball Games
Gym Session
Distance Running
WEEK B Monday
Physics Clinic
Art Clinic
Rounders
Badminton
CADCAM
Tuesday
Chemistry Clinic
Maths Clinic
Football
Badminton
Zumba
Wednesday
UCAS Support
PE Clinic
Touch Rugby
Fitness
Book Club
Thursday
Chinese Clinic
Maths Clinic
Distance Running
PRS Clinic
Board Games
19
ACCOMMODATION Our Boarding Houses are part of the main School building overlooking our School campus with views of the sea. Being in the main building provides a safe and secure environment whilst also giving easy access to facilities including the Dining Room, Library, Hawking Sixth Form Centre, the astroturf where the majority of outdoor sporting activities take place, and study areas. All doors to the boarding House are secured by electronic locks, restricting access only to residents and key staff. There are common rooms within each area of the boarding House and also shared kitchens so that pupils can relax together after School. The main aim of the Boarding House is to provide a ‘home from home’ environment where pupils can feel relaxed and comfortable. Each room has a comfortable bed, desk, chair, lamp, pinboard, wardrobe and drawers. Pupils are encouraged to personalise their room with posters, plants, rugs and soft furnishings. We often have pupils bringing their specialist musical instruments with them which they are able to keep in their room or in the main common rooms.
20
21
PASTORAL CARE Our pastoral care is one of the central pillars upon which we have built our values and ethos. We aim to ensure that our pastoral system delivers real care and that pupils know who they can turn to for any support or help that they need. We strongly believe that effective pastoral care underpins all aspects of School life, and it is vital that a pupil feels happy and comfortable in their environment in order to succeed. At Harrow Hong Kong, we think of pastoral care in two ways; •
The care we take of the overall aspect of your child, during their time with us. It is caring House Masters and House Mistresses; ensuring School work gets done to a high standard; health care provision; wholesome food; arranging exciting activities; encouraging participation in team sports and Co-Curricular activities.
•
The depth of care, often intangible and all the more pertinent in a boarding environment where a child is away from home. It is the creation of a loving community around them, to make them feel part of a family to which they can turn to, during the ups and downs of life. It is also teaching pupils, not only from books, but from real life. Equipping them to learn to face the world with confidence, self-esteem and an understanding of how to treat others with respect and kindness.
All of the key boarding staff live on site and in the same building as the boarders. They are there to provide 24 hour care and assistance, and also to ensure that the boarders enjoy a community life to the full, with the right balance of study, relaxation and challenge.
22
SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT A child’s physical and mental wellbeing is extremely important. We have a fully equipped Health Care Centre on site, which is staffed 24 hours a day during term time, and there is always a member of the boarding team on duty out of School hours, to respond to any health-related matters. Alongside the House Masters and House Mistresses, we also have a School Counsellor and Consultant School Psychologist, who can talk to pupils about issues they wish to raise privately, and a Matron.
Assistant House Master/ House Mistress
House Master/ House Mistress
Matron
Tutor
PUPIL
School Counsellor
School Psychologist
Heads of Department
Subject Teachers
23
Lara, Year 9 Keller “I have been boarding since I was in Year 6, and I am now in my fourth year of boarding at Harrow. I chose to board because I live an hour away from school, but also because my parents thought I would enjoy the boarding experience. For me, the best thing about boarding is getting to spend time with your friends, and also the sense of a family-like community within a boarding House. Being a boarder means that you get access to lots of facilities you wouldn’t get at home, and the availability to talk to your friends and teachers if having trouble with prep, which I know will be really useful especially as I enter my GCSE years. After School, I find the astro to be a really nice place to go to hang out and play with my friends, but also I sometimes go to the Music room with friends to play some songs in the practice rooms. I would recommend boarding because of the many advantages in the overall School life, the warm community there is in the boarding House and because of the time you spend with different people across the various year groups.”
24
“Boarding is really special at Harrow Hong Kong. I lived with my friends and got to know the teachers very well. The whole collegiate and family environment really helped me with my studies. It was the stepping stone between high school and University.� SAMANTHA (Gellhorn, 2019 3) Law (First Class) Durham University
25
FOOD AND NUTRITION Food is an important part of boarding school life. Active, growing children require plenty of nutritious food and regular meals. At Harrow Hong Kong, we use as much fresh food as possible and our menus are often created with seasonal and local produce. We are very conscious of additives, preservatives and excess salt and sugar in food that we serve, and the pupils and parents have a voice in their respective Food Committees. At Harrow Hong Kong we want our boarders to really enjoy their food. We recognise the importance of providing a quality menu with flexibility and choice which our pupils enjoy. A great deal of time is spent on menu planning and we are able to adapt to different menu styles and requests. There is a fresh supply of homemade biscuits, fresh fruit and drinks in all of the House kitchens, for when pupils wish to enjoy a snack during the day and in the evenings. The menu on the opposite page is an example of a typical week.
26
BREAKFAST Breakfast is a treat at Harrow Hong Kong. There is a selection of Chinese hot options, including steamed pork buns, Siu Mai, Har Gow, Nor Mai Gai and Gyoza. A full English breakfast is also served daily and includes baked beans, hash browns, sausages, croissants, scones, waffles and pancakes. There is always toast and a selection of jams, various fruit and plain flavoured yoghurts served alongside porridge every morning.
Lunch
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Hot Dish A
Tandoori Chicken
Hawaiian Pizza
Roasted Pork Roll
Hot Dish B
Singapore Fried Noodles
Beef Rogan Josh Curry
Vegetarian option
Loaded Potato Skins
Thursday Spaghetti Bolognese with Garlic Bread
Friday Fish and Chips
Baked Fish with Tomato
Pan Fried Pork Chop with
& Herb
Black Pepper Sauce
Roasted Tomato, Basil &
Mushroom & Spinach
Mixed Vegetables Burrito
Teriyaki Eggplant
Parmesan Quiche
Gratin
with Salsa
& Carrot
Potatoes, Steamed Rice
Chips, Steamed Rice
Broccoli
Sweetcorn
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Yeung Chow Fried Rice
Pork Dumpling Ramen
Beef Bourguignon
Chicken Schnitzel
Creamy Sweetcorn
Spinach Tomato &
Pasta Bake
Feta Quiche
Carbohydrate
Potatoes, Steamed Rice
Potatoes, Steamed Rice
Vegetables
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Rice Siu Tong Choy
Chinese BBQ Pork
Salad bar with twenty plus options
Dinner
Monday
Tuesday
Homemade Cheese
Pigs in Blanket with
Burger
Cranberry Sauce
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Breaded Fish Fillet
Vegetarian Paella
Pesto & Cheese Risotto
Carbohydrate
Potatoes, Steamed Rice
Potatoes, Steamed Rice
Potatoes, Steamed Rice
Potatoes, Steamed Rice
Dessert
Jelly
Cheesecake
Apple Crumble
Double Fudge Cake
Hot Dish A Hot Dish B Vegetarian option
Boarders go home after School
Salad bar with 20+ options
27
BOARDING FACILITIES One of the numerous advantages of boarding is the access to the facilities after school. Pupils are encouraged to go for a swim, workout in the gym, play a game of tennis, visit the library, use the Sixth Form Centre, practice their instrument in a music room, use the art room to finish their work or practice for a play in the Black Box theatre. There is so much around the School which is still open to boarders and they are encouraged to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Music
Astro Pitch
Art 28
Queen Elizabeth II Hall
Library
Dance Studio
Science
Swimming Pool
Girl’s Common Room
Girl’s Bedroom
Boy’s Common Room
Boy’s Bedroom
Kadoorie Dining Hall
Gym 29
“The learning environment at Harrow is brilliant. Being a boarder is very convenient and you can always ask a teacher for help, at any time. I have enjoyed every minute of being a boarder.� OLLIE (Sun, 2019 3) Economics, University of Pennsylvania
30
31
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG 38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2824 9099 Fax: (+852) 2824 9928
harrowschool.hk 32