Easing into boarding: our transition programme

Easing into boarding: our transition programme

Boarding has been a cornerstone of Scotch College for well over a century, and the transition to boarding is only getting simpler as we significantly expand our Welcome to Scotch programme.

We have redeveloped our boarding transition programme using technology to overcome the historical challenges associated with boarding. Over the past decade, this programme has been proven to boost boys’ optimism and confidence while reducing homesickness.

Our improved programme will be rolled out in July, offering future students and families the opportunity to connect face-to-face through a dedicated orientation camp and online with peers and staff in the six months leading up to starting at Scotch.

Year 9 boarders Henry Dyke and John McGinniss in the kitchen; photograph: Susie Blatchford

Building genuine relationships with families before students arrive at boarding school is essential to ensure that their education and time away from home is a close partnership between their parents and the College.

We want boys to know that the boarding house and school will be a safe, inclusive place for them to grow and develop. Before they even arrive at school, our Welcome to Scotch programme helps boarders feel comfortable about joining Scotch, recognising the College as a place where they can reach their potential and make lifelong friendships.

In late 2021, we welcomed one of Western Australia’s leading professionals in online learning and online boarding transition programmes, Michael Valentine, to expand Welcome to Scotch.

Year 8s Brodie Stratford and Te Akauroa (Taka) Simon with Assistant Head of Residence – Middle School Mia Sullivan; photograph: Susie Blatchford

Michael developed Hale@Home, which intended to get future boarders accustomed to working on a personal computer identical to the one that awaited them at school the following year.

It quickly became apparent that these lively weekly connections fostered a high level of engagement with both boys and their families. The focus of the weekly sessions shifted to the boys, their families, where they lived and their local communities.

Michael understands that transitioning to boarding life has been part of many remote families’ lives for generations.

“The first months and years of boarding life have inspired timeless family anecdotes about the hardships and joy that can characterise such a momentous shift,” Michael said.

“Technology in our city schools allows us to connect students with their future housemates and college in a rich, memorable way before they leave home.”

Benjamin Simpson (Year 12), Edward Graham (Year 12), Nick Chadwich (Year 9) and John McGinniss (Year 9) outside the Senior Boarding House; photograph: Susie Blatchford

In education, technology moves rapidly, and students are required to use personal computers and cloud-based software daily in their education.

“I noticed this was a significant challenge for some country kids who didn’t have this level of exposure to the technology, so I developed an online programme to help solve the issue,” Michael said.

“After a decade of working on such programmes, I realised our medical staff hads tarted reporting a decline in homesickness among the boys involved with the programme.

“We soon recognised there were greater benefits in the programme than simply teaching the boys how to use tech. Welcome to Scotch will take this concept to the next level.”

The transition programme also offers opportunities for parents to connect. Jade Stoney’s son Sim Stoney (Year 7) joined boarding this year and she shared how confident and excited Sim felt after attending orientation.

“I still worry that he’s going to be away from home but parents who have already been through the boarding experience are always available to chat,” Jade said.

“We’ve had a lot of interaction with the College staff through the weekly catch-ups.

“Scotch has a really good group of people looking after boarding, so that’s made all the difference.”

Year 8s Tom Falconer-Radford and Oliver Gooding; photograph: Susie Blatchford

Michael said the online Welcome to Scotch programme was just the beginning of Scotch’s plans to provide great opportunities for rural students.

“Rural communities deserve better resources for education and technology, but passively waiting for governments to solve these issues isn’t the answer,” Michael said.

“We use conference technology to connect with some of the most remote communities in the world, and it’s like they are sitting right here in the classroom.

“This technology will transform rural education, and Scotch College will continue to expand its footprint to give country kids the opportunities they deserve.”

Mr Jordan Owenell

Head of Boarding