Le Roy is a beneficial start to the boarding process. It builds up our confidence and understanding of the boarding community and life at St Swithun’s. The Dorms are all connected so you can get closer to the people around you.
The activities are varied with different experiences and the teachers in Le Roy have made it in easy to settle in. My favourite activities have been the school inflatables in the swimming pool.
During the year, I’ve found that Le Roy developed my confidence and responsibility and encouraged me to try new experiences.
My favourite new experience this year has been when we went mushrooming in the New Forest during a weekend activity: I’d never experienced this before.
Le Roy celebrates the diversity and individuality of the pupil and sets you up for the next senior house. It is a wonderful place that helps pupils build their confidence and independence and helps them flourish for the rest of their boarding journey.
St Swithun’s is fun.
When I came to the school I immediately loved the warm and inviting atmosphere St Swithun’s provided me with. Everyone was so enthusiastic and cheerful that any worries faded away and I felt comfortable to just enjoy myself.
This induction day revealed to me that I was going to have a pleasurable time, and I have had that positive experience for the last three years. I am very grateful for the tolerant, sympathetic teachers and the lively and passionate boarding staff inventing ways for all of us to spend time together so we can feel the wonders of togetherness here.
What I love most about boarding is being able to hang out with my friends all the time. We especially love playing foosball together. I love that the boarding staff take time and effort into doing activities that we all love. Some activities we love are baking, playing tennis, playing hide & seek in the dark, arts and crafts and playing games together.
Weekends are the most lively and entertaining part of the week. Having sleepovers, watching our favourite films, visiting historical sites and doing extreme sports are only a few of the wide range of opportunities we have in boarding. My favourite weekend activity is cycling in the New Forest; it is extremely popular among everyone in boarding. Normally on Saturday, we watch a movie together in our houses whilst enjoying a snack! I love this time we spend together in houses because it’s a time to chill and relax after a busy week.
Boarding St Swithun’s has been thrilling and fun and anyone who does boarding would be welcome with the friendly environment I experienced in L4.
The sense of community within house is incredible, and boarding has allowed me to expand and strengthen my friendships. With constant access to facilities such as the tennis courts and gym, I can exercise flexibly and play sport with friends round the clock.
Another great aspect of boarding is the convenience of being able to go into the city centre of Winchester, either with a 10-minute walk or 5-minute bus journey, giving us the opportunity to enjoy some freedom.
Deciding to become a boarder at St Swithun's has been one of the best decisions I have made.
What I love most about boarding is being with people my own age and having other seniors in the boarding house to look up to, especially since I am in a very spirited, community-oriented house that places a lot of importance on bonding with other year groups.
We have impromptu talks in the kitchen that are meaningful and often filled with laughter. Put it this way: I could ask for help from someone right now and I could guarantee you that they could help me with whatever it is that I have trouble with.
I feel safe and protected, but I also have my own freedom because the Heads of House and the Housemistresses trust us to do the right thing when we have responsibilities, which is definitely an added bonus!
I hope other new girls can settle into boarding as easily as I did. Although they may be far from their family, the family in boarding cares a lot in making sure you’re supported.
