Archive for January, 2012

The Benefits of a Military School

January 13th, 2012

It is easy to extol the virtues of a military school. This is because a military school has a raft of benefits which appeal greatly to the students and even more to their parents. Teens today face all sorts of potentially dangerous activities. Getting involved in drugs can be a deadly pastime. But students attending a military school find the temptation to indulge in a risky lifestyle is removed.

So what exactly are the benefits of a military school education?

Well we can discuss academic results, extra-curricula activities, leadership, community involvement, future study and careers – and that’s just for starters.

Military schools place a huge emphasis on academic excellence. Small class sizes, extra study periods, experienced and talented teachers and constant monitoring and reports to parents almost guarantee a splendid academic outcome. Those who are falling behind are spotted quickly and given whatever extra tuition is required.

Military schools offer first class facilities for such programs as sport, outdoor education and the performing arts. Students who have a passion in one or more of these areas have ample time and resources at their disposal.

If your teen has any ability in the leadership field, it will be brought to the fore during their time in a military school. This is what they do. The discipline routines and the drills are of great benefit to all students. The ranking of staff members and the requirements of simple daily living all build self-esteem within the students and gives everyone a chance to lead.

Military schools place a high emphasis on civic pride, national duty and community involvement. Students are encouraged to attend church and community groups during weekends. Students are encouraged to help others in the local community thus developing a spirit of friendship and charitable deeds. These attitudes help make each student a better person and will go with them throughout their adult years as well.

Once it was that most military school students went on to take a career in the military. This is no longer the case although many military school graduates do indeed make a career for themselves in the military. And the recruitment officers in the military still look favorably on any young person who has graduated from a military school.

Young people in their teens need guidance and encouragement. It is these very characteristics which are prominent in every military school. They do not exist to punish students but to inspire and guide them Students are taught to be independent, to learn how to make decisions and the right ones at that. Parents want their kids to be kept out of harm’s way, to develop as excellent students and as worthwhile citizens. Those qualities are the chief goal of every military school.

Tertiary study is a common goal of students and those from a military school have an excellent chance of being accepted by the college or university of their choice. The academic reputation of military schools is available for all to see. Their graduates are amongst the best in the country.

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Do I Send the Kids to Boarding School?

January 13th, 2012

As my eldest daughter completes her final year at boarding school and my younger children move into senior school, I thought it relevant to reflect on the experiences and benefits of my children and myself over the past five years. I live in a small rural town about two hours from the nearest city, Perth in WA. While there is a near by local high school the standard of education and lacking morals my husband and I did not feel as though this would be at all beneficial in providing our children with every possible opportunity for their futures.

Should I be sending my kids to boarding school? A question that will probably have crossed your mind once or twice if your living in a rural area with no close available secondary education centers. However if you are living in a rural area there are many pros and cons as to boarding school for your child/children.

My experiences personally during my time involved in my children’s schooling were always positive. I found the staff members in the boarding house to be kind and deeply committed to the girls, the teachers were dedicated and inspirational. The soul purpose of a private, boarding school is to educate and inspire, to push the students in their specialized areas, academics, community service, sporting, and arts. I witnessed my children strive and be supported when they fell. But this is only my opinion on the topic.

So how do you make the decision? Generally the pros are going to out way the cons in this sort of situation, but if you can’t quite get your head around the idea of moving your kids out of home at only twelve or thirteen and any other daunting cons, then let me show you how the pros do actually out weigh the cons.

The negatives.
- Your child may get homesick, and tell you they hate school, you, and generally everything.
- Your not going to know absolutely everything that goes on 24/7 as your children are living hours away.
- Generally the costs of boarding school are very high.

The positives.
- Your child learns independence and many life long skills.
- Your child will form friendships and relationships with peers and staff at a very close level.
- There are many opportunities and experiences that your child can be involved in, which are unimaginable at any other school
- You and your children will meet people from all over the state
- The education received at a private school is of an extremely high standard.
- Other areas of community service, the arts, and sports are supported.

The decision is entirely yours when it comes down to it, but if education, opportunities and ever lasting memories and important aspects of life that you want to give your child then the question “Should I be sending my kids to boarding school?” should be a big yes.

As the mother of three children in boarding school, I have never regretted the decision to send my kids to boarding school. They independence, fun, maturation and academic achievement they contain make the price of the education irrelevant.

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