Following the British boarding system, Malvern College Chengdu has created a boarding system with British heritage and localised characteristics. Children in primary and secondary schools will be randomly assigned to different Houses when they enter the school. Although the students come from different grades or different classes, each House is the home of each child in the school.
In boarding life, “House Night” is the most anticipated activity every week. Children will be able to participate in sports competitions, academic study, instrument practice, cooking food and even KTV, which greatly enriches the children boarding life. Since September this academic year, our school’s “House Night” has been gradually upgraded!
There have had a predominantly food themed approach from each house this term. Students have developed their cooking skills with a range of local and international foods being prepared across the school. These skills were put on display at our ‘Ghostober’ event when each house designed a unique experience for their students to dress-up and celebrate with each other. We were joined by the primary school for an activity-packed evening to remember.
‘Social Night’ is aimed at bringing everyone together and showcasing the unique, sometimes hidden, skills within each group of students. KTV facilities have been a favourite with every house and many students have overcome their fears and shown great courage in performing for their audience. Movie nights, music corner and indoor table sports have also been popular pastimes during social activities. This time is also used to plan ‘House Assemblies’ with some fantastic cinematography, acting and presentation skills bringing these assemblies to life like never before.
‘Physical Night’ is designed with the benefits of physical activity for every student in mind. The stresses of school life can’t always be removed but physical activity, in an inclusive environment, is therapeutic for many. Students are encouraged to walk, run, and play in groups or independently and the investments in staff and new outdoor equipment have allowed us to offer our widest range of sports so far. The boys’ houses have always enjoyed a healthy and competitive football and basketball tournament and girls’ houses have been enjoying badminton, volleyball and running during these nights.
‘Academic Night’ is focused on building knowledge outside the classroom and developing independence in students. Some students choose to complete homework, others to prepare for competitions and some choose to develop their vocabulary with silent reading of English language books in the library. Mentoring is a popular activity during these nights with many senior students offering support in Mathematics and English language to their peers. The primary boarding students have enjoyed ‘Storytime’ and educational programmes during the academic night.
Finally, we have chosen the ‘House Prefects’ for primary and secondary boarding last term. These students have been chosen for displaying Malvern Qualities and for being exemplary in their approach to boarding life. The students have extra roles within the house and follow the guidance of the ‘House Captain’. These students will be instrumental in shaping the culture of their own boarding house and in helping each House fulfil their ambitions for the year ahead.
Thank you to all students and parents for supporting the changes to boarding this term and we look forward to showcasing the progress of each student in the many future activities.
