BOARDERS

Despite months of uncertainty, the start of the 2020/21 Academic Year began with a bang for our boarders.

With school and boarding inductions done and first days completed, September was a month for beach trips, socials and learning the ropes of the new school year.

We welcomed several new faces and welcomed back some old ones, too, all of them showing incredible adaptability as they settled into the new Covid-safe practices the School had implemented. There was an instant, cosmopolitan feel to the houses with boarders from France, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Thailand, the USA, Hong Kong, China, and the UK. Within a matter of weeks, the boarders settled into their routines. The Boarding Tutors were astonished at how well pupils got on, and the strong sense of camaraderie quickly formed in the houses. By October, the boarders were busy throwing themselves into all things academic and extra-curricular, with hobbies and interests flourishing and field trips undertaken. Having spent most weekends off-site, the boarders formed cookery bubbles and made the most of Truro School Cookery with the year’s first ‘ CookSat’ experience. Despite some stormy weather, the boys enjoyed the Cornish surf and Sam, Henry and Cam H, were appointed junior boarding prefects while the girls got out for some kayaking on Stithians Lake. The first half of term was not without its hiccups, and there were periods of (seemingly endless) isolation for the boarders to endure due to Covid. Once again, the staff were bowled over by the adaptability and strength of character that the boarders showed. They embraced remote learning from their bedrooms. And while there were the occasional wobbles, staff and pupils pulled through, helping and supporting each other and remaining as upbeat as possible. Thankfully, the new lockdown in November didn’t alter the day to day lives of the boarders too significantly. They were able to attend lessons and after-school activities. The SBASC staff worked hard to allow the boarders evening and weekend access to the sports facilities.

There were some restrictions regarding mixing and leaving the site, but the boarders showed great maturity and understanding of their social responsibility to minimise the risk of transmission. There was a renewed focus in all houses on health and well-being during house meetings. The boarders were encouraged to talk about their experiences and challenges with each other and our staff community.

Christmas planning started earlier in 2020, with decorations going up and plans made for the Boarder’s Christmas meal and the party. The end to Lockdown 2.0 was met with joy, and we brought the Christmas socials forward to allow all boarders (some of whom needed to fly home earlier) to attend. There was much laughter and a LOT of wrapping paper.

The new year brought Lockdown 3.0; the School was ready for the remote learning, which continued until March. The junior and senior boarding houses were amalgamated, with all girls living in Malvern to create a more unified feeling. The restrictions meant that off-site activities were limited, so the boarders busied themselves with sports, stargazing, puzzles, games, movies and cooking. The Cornish weather was pretty miserable, and there were some low moments. Still, the boarders made the most of their virtual learning and opportunities to relax and connect during their downtime. The second half of the Spring term offered light at the end of the tunnel, with the government announcement that schools would return from the 8th of March. The boarders were genuinely amazing; their resilience and adaptability were inspiring, as was the positivity and camaraderie they showed to each other and staff, parents and those who could not return to School due to travel restrictions.

It was particularly thrilling to see Stephanie and Jack complete their A-Levels at Kellet School in Hong Kong. The Summer Term heralded the opening of shops, the re-uniting of friends and a return to our favourite haunts and activities, BBQs, surfing and

fishing at the beach, mixing at local restaurants, letting loose at our local theme park, Flambards, surfing and enjoying the inflatable water park at Retallack. With lost lockdown time to make up for and the Cornish sun shining, at last, it was a jam-packed whirlwind of Rainbow Runs, go-karting, paddleboarding, trips and of course, hard work and revision for their studies.

There were mixed feelings as the end of the year arrived at last; relief to have made it through such unprecedented times, joy at the connections we were able to form and foster and sadness as we said goodbye to each other. Of course, some boarders were off to pastures new, and we wished them the best of luck in the next chapters of their lives. We reflected on the quote from Malcolm X, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” We do not doubt that the strength and resilience all of our boarders have shown us this year will stand them in good stead for bright, shining futures. What an inspiring group of young people they are.