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Boardington Bear Adventures: Chocolate Cakes, Caring Causes and Conversations
Hello everyone,
It’s me, Boardington Bear, back again with another weekly update from our very busy boarding house. It has been a week full of baking, big conversations, thoughtful fundraising and quite a lot of rain. My fur has been permanently fluffy from the damp, but my spirits have stayed high.The week began on a delicious note as we celebrated Chocolate Cake Day, which of course meant there was plenty of baking going on. The boarding house was filled with the rich smell of chocolate, mixing bowls appeared everywhere and I took my role as chief taste tester very seriously. Watching cakes rise in the oven is one of my favourite activities and I am pleased to report that there were many successful bakes and very happy boarders.
We also hosted Year 10 Parents Evening this week. The students spoke confidently about their learning and progress and I sat nearby feeling very proud of them all. It was lovely to see the positive conversations and the growing maturity of our Year 10s.
This week we were delighted to welcome another new student to the boarding house. I made sure to be on duty for welcoming smiles, friendly waves and a reassuring bear presence. Settling in can feel a little daunting, but it has been wonderful to see new friendships forming already.
Our Boarders Council meeting also took place, giving students the chance to share their views on food and life in the boarding house. There were thoughtful suggestions, honest feedback and some very sensible ideas. I listened carefully, nodding along like a very serious committee member. A bear believes strongly in listening to everyone’s voice.
We also celebrated International Lego Day, which brought creativity, concentration and some impressive builds. I inspected the Lego creations closely and resisted the urge to sit on any stray bricks. That takes great self control.
One of the most impressive moments of the week came from our Year 9 students, who took part in a sponsored silence to raise money for WWF. They showed incredible commitment, self control and determination. The house felt very quiet, but very powerful, and I was extremely proud of them all for supporting such an important cause.
All of this took place during a very rainy week, with umbrellas appearing everywhere and puddles forming faster than I could avoid them. Still, the rain did not dampen our enthusiasm and the boarding house remained warm, busy and full of life.
A week of cake, conversations, creativity and compassion. This bear is already looking forward to what comes next.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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My Time as Deputy Head Girl (Boarding)
My year as Deputy Head Girl (Boarding) has been a really positive and memorable experience for me. It is a role that helped me grow in confidence and taught me a lot about leadership, responsibility, and supporting others.
One of the parts I enjoyed the most was being involved in boarding life throughout the year and helping to support the boarding community. Boarding is always changing, and I enjoyed being someone students could turn to if they needed help, advice, or reassurance. I found it rewarding to help students feel comfortable and supported in the boarding environment.
Being part of the Boarding Council was also an important part of my role. It allowed me to listen to students’ ideas and concerns and share them with staff. I liked working together to help improve boarding life and make sure students felt heard.
I also had the opportunity to give speeches throughout the year. At first this felt challenging, but it helped me become more confident speaking in front of others. Through these speeches, I was able to reflect on shared experiences and represent the boarding community.
Throughout the year, I tried to help wherever I could, whether that was supporting events, checking in on younger students, or being approachable and supportive. This role showed me how important kindness, communication, and teamwork are.
Overall, being Deputy Head Girl (Boarding) has been a great experience that I am very grateful for. It has helped me develop skills I will take with me into the future, and it is something I will always be proud of.
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Boardington Bear Adventures: Ropes, Rambles and a Returned Bear
Hello everyone
It’s me, Boardington Bear, back with a weekend tale that involves trees, teamwork and a very unexpected solo adventure.
This weekend we headed off on an exciting trip to Thetford Forest to take on Go Ape, and oh my paws, what a place it was. Tall trees, wobbling bridges and ziplines stretching through the forest canopy made it feel like a proper adventure playground. I joined in with the climbing, cheering everyone on and bravely tackling a few obstacles myself. I gave it my best bear effort, but after a while my paws decided it was time for a gentler activity.
So I joined the Head of Boarding and her dogs for a peaceful walk through the woods. The forest was calm and beautiful, with crunchy leaves underfoot and birds singing above us. I trotted along happily, enjoying the fresh air and feeling very outdoorsy indeed.
Somewhere about halfway around the walk, however, something unexpected happened. In all the excitement of woodland exploring, I was accidentally left behind. One moment I was enjoying the scenery and the next I realised I was on my own. I stayed very calm, of course. A sensible bear always waits.
Luckily, a very kind stranger spotted me and made sure I was safe. They carried me all the way to the car park and thoughtfully placed me on the school minibus, where I sat patiently waiting. When everyone returned from their adventures, there I was, sitting proudly on a seat as if nothing unusual had happened at all.
After such an exhausting day, once we were finally all together again, I curled up for a well-deserved nap with the dogs on the journey home. The gentle hum of the minibus, the warmth of friendly paws beside me and a day full of fresh air made it impossible to keep my eyes open. It was the perfect ending to a very big adventure.
It was a weekend full of laughter, fresh air, brave climbing and a little bit of bear mischief. I may have gone on my own mini adventure, but all was well in the end, and I was very pleased to be reunited with my boarding family.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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The Top 10 Best Things About Boarding
By Year 9 Boarder
Boarding isn’t just a place where you sleep during term time. It becomes your second home. It’s where you build friendships, learn independence, and make memories you’ll genuinely never forget. Here are the Top 10 best things about boarding (in our opinion!).
1. Sharing a room with the best roommate
Having a roommate means you’re never alone. Whether you’re chatting before bed, laughing over silly things, or supporting each other after a long day, roommates often become like sisters. It’s one of the fastest ways to make strong friendships.
2. Baking and cooking in the kitchen
One of the best parts of boarding is getting to cook and bake together. From cookies and cupcakes to noodles and snacks from home, the kitchen is always full of good smells, great conversations, and lots of laughter (and sometimes a little mess!).
3. Learning practical and necessary life skills
Boarding teaches you real life skills that you’ll need forever, like staying organised, managing your time, doing laundry, keeping your space tidy, and learning independence. These are skills that help you feel confident now and later in life too.
4. Going to the gym and doing exercise
It’s much easier to stay active in boarding because there are so many opportunities for exercise. Going to the gym, joining sports sessions, or working out with friends can be really fun. It’s also great for physical and mental health.
5. A wide variety of activities on weekends
Weekends in boarding are never boring. There are always activities to choose from, including trips out, crafts, games, baking, sports, movie nights, and more. There’s something for everyone, and it helps us relax and enjoy our free time.
6. Playing piano and singing with friends
Music is a huge part of boarding life. Whether someone is playing piano, singing in the common room, or practising for performances, music brings everyone together. It’s one of the best ways to unwind and share talent.
7. Staff members caring about students’ daily life
Boarding staff don’t just supervise. They genuinely care. They check in on how you’re feeling, help you when you’re stressed, support you when you miss home, and celebrate your good days too. It feels reassuring knowing there are adults around who really want the best for you.
8. Celebrating birthdays for boarders
Birthdays are always special in boarding. Even if you’re far from home, boarding makes sure you still feel celebrated, with cake, a present, singing, and lots of birthday wishes. It’s one of the nicest parts of being in the boarding community.
9. Recognising everyone’s achievements
Boarding is a place where success is noticed and celebrated, whether it’s academic progress, kindness, effort, leadership, or improvement. It’s a great feeling when people recognise what you’ve done and encourage you to keep going.
10. Fun competitions to help students stay active
Boarding competitions make everyday life more exciting, such as corridor challenges, team games, step competitions, tidy room awards, and more. They’re fun, bring everyone together, and keep us motivated in a positive way.
Final Thoughts
Boarding is full of moments that become memories, from late night chats to weekend adventures, from cooking together to celebrating achievements. Boarding doesn’t just give you a place to stay. It gives you a community.
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Boardington Bear Adventures: Baking, Blow dries and Best Behaviour
Hello everyone,
It’s me, Boardington Bear, back again with another cosy weekly update from our busy boarding house. This week has been full of new beginnings, delicious baking, a little bit of pampering and lots of positive boarding energy, and of course I was right in the middle of it all.
The biggest news of all is that we welcomed a brand new Year 7 boarder into our boarding family. She has moved from being a day student to becoming a full boarder, which is a very big and brave change. I made it my personal mission to help her feel at home. I stayed close by during her first days, showed her the best spots in the house and even demonstrated how to do a proper boarding house wave. I also sat proudly on her bed for a moment to test the comfort level. Very important bear business.
This week in baking club we made rocky road, and I did not simply watch, oh no. I supervised the mixing carefully and made sure the chocolate was stirred with full dedication. When it came to adding the biscuit pieces, I was extremely helpful. I also inspected the finished tray very closely to make sure it was safe and ready to eat. It passed my bear test beautifully.
We also enjoyed a fabulous pampering session, where the girls had their hair blow-dried and styled. The boarding house was suddenly full of shiny hair, big smiles and the sound of hairdryers whirring away like little winter winds. I sat in the centre of it all, feeling like a true salon assistant. One student even placed me on the table so I could watch properly. I think I may have become the official pampering mascot.
Another highlight was our English conversation group, and this one had a brilliant Countdown style theme. I joined in as an honorary team member, listening carefully and trying to look very thoughtful whenever a tricky word appeared. I even offered some inspiration by sitting next to the letters like a fluffy dictionary. There was lots of laughter and some very impressive vocabulary from the students. I was extremely proud.
This week also brought the exciting introduction of the new Corridor Reward Programme, and I took it very seriously. I made sure to keep my bed perfectly made and my room tidy at all times. I gave my pillow a proper fluff every morning and kept my room looking neat and organised. I even did a little tidy patrol now and then, peeking into rooms as if I were a corridor inspector. A bear must lead by example, and I wanted our corridor to earn every point possible.
With a new boarder settling in, rocky road enjoyed, pampering complete, conversation flowing and corridor rewards to aim for, it has been a brilliant week in boarding. I cannot wait to see what next week brings.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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I Was Nervous to Start Boarding… Here’s What Helped
Written by a Year 7 Student
When my parents first told me I was going to start boarding, I actually felt really happy at first… because they said that if I boarded, I would finally be allowed to have a phone!
But after that first moment of excitement, something suddenly hit me.
If I’m boarding, that means my mum and dad are going back to China.
And then I started to feel really nervous.
I kept thinking about everything that could go wrong.
What if I can’t make any friends?
What if I’m not used to boarding life?
And the biggest thing of all… what if I miss my parents too much?The next day, I told my best friend in my class how I was feeling. She listened to me and then said something I’ll never forget:
“Don’t worry. I’ll always be your best friend and I’ll be with you.”
That made me feel so much better, like I wasn’t doing it alone.
When I first started boarding, I brought loads of things with me (probably too much!). I wanted to make sure I had everything I might need, because I didn’t know what boarding would be like.
And now, I’m halfway through my first week of boarding, and I’ve already realised something really important:
Boarding isn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
It’s actually really fun. Everyone has been so kind to me, and I’ve already made friends. It feels more like a community than I expected, and there’s always someone around, whether it’s to talk, laugh, or just spend time with.
If you’re feeling nervous about starting boarding, I completely understand; I was too.
But now I can honestly say I’m glad I gave it a chance. -
Boardington Bear Adventures: Snowflakes, Studies and Settling Back
Hello Everyone,
It’s me, Boardington Bear, padding back in to say Happy New Year and bring on 2026. A brand new year, a fresh term and plenty more adventures ahead. The boarding house has slowly woken up again after the Christmas break and it has been lovely to see it come back to life.
The week began quietly with INSET day on Monday, while teachers and staff prepared for the term ahead. In the boarding house, the boarding staff were just as busy, getting everything ready for the return of our boarders. The Christmas tree was carefully taken down, decorations packed away and fairy lights gently untangled. It always feels a little strange saying goodbye to the festive sparkle, but it also makes space for new beginnings. I supervised closely, of course, to make sure no tinsel was left behind.
Before long, it was time to welcome the boarders back. Suitcases rolled in, familiar voices filled the corridors and the boarding house felt warm and lively once again. There were plenty of smiles, stories from the holidays and happy reunions. I stood proudly at the door, doing my best welcoming pose and making sure everyone felt at home.
For our Year 11 students, the return to school meant something very important. They began their GCSE mock exams this week. The atmosphere was calm and focused, with revision notes spread out, quiet determination in the air and lots of encouragement from staff. The boarding staff also ran revision sessions, offering extra support in the evenings, helping with questions, organising quiet study spaces and making sure everyone felt confident and prepared. I hovered nearby, offering moral support and the occasional encouraging nod.
As if to gently welcome us back, a little snow fell during the week. I couldn’t resist, so I went outside to look at the snow resting on the ground. I had great fun with my friends, enjoying the crisp air and the wintry scene, before sensibly returning to the boarding house to warm up again. A perfect balance, if you ask me.
Now, as routines settle back into place and everyone gets back into the swing of school life, the boarding house feels just right again. A new year, a new term and many more memories waiting to be made.
Here’s to 2026 and all the adventures ahead.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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What It’s Like to Be a Short-Term Boarder
Written by our Short-Stay Students (September–December, Winter Term)
Spending just one term in boarding might sound short, but for us it became a time full of new experiences, friendships, and memories that will last far beyond the winter term. Here are our reflections, written by students from different year groups, sharing what made our time in boarding so special.
Year 8 Short-Stay Student – My Five Highlights
- One of the things I enjoyed most was being able to try lots of different sports. Playing games like netball and hockey helped me discover activities I might not have tried otherwise, and it was fun learning something new.
- I really enjoyed the boarding trips during the term. Going ice skating, visiting places like Chinatown, and attending football matches made weekends exciting and gave us memories outside school.
- Making new friends in boarding was a big highlight. Living together helped us form strong friendships quite quickly, and it made boarding feel like home.
- I liked the school environment and how everyone works together. The relationships between teachers and students felt positive and respectful, which made lessons and boarding life enjoyable.
- I also enjoyed the times when we went into town together, as it was a nice way to spend time with friends and explore new places.
Year 10 Short-Stay Student – My Five Highlights
- School friendships and the integration between day students and boarders worked really well and helped everyone feel included.
- I really enjoyed the boarding parties and trips to sports clubs, especially hockey and netball.
- The house competitions were great fun and made boarding feel like a real team.
- I liked working with the younger students and sharing breakfast together – there was always lots of variety, which made mornings enjoyable.
- I really enjoyed the food and nutrition activities, including the national chef competition, and I also really liked the teachers.
Year 11 Short-Stay Student – My Five Highlights
- The friends I made and the good moments we shared – these friendships meant everything to my boarding experience.
- The amazing food we had throughout the term.
- Learning new skills, such as netball, and gaining confidence by trying new things.
- The incredible trips we went on every weekend, which gave us something to look forward to and created great memories.
- The boarding activities like cooking, dancing, playing games, and also improving my English through everyday life in boarding.
Year 11 Short-Stay Student – Overall Reflections
My stay in boarding has been an incredible experience with so many positive moments. I loved meeting new people who are now very important to me, and boarding would have been completely different without the friends I made.
I really enjoyed the trips every weekend and the way weekends are organised – there is always something to do, which makes boarding life fun and busy in a good way. I also liked being woken up with music, as it is a really nice way to start the day.
Even though my stay was short, the memories, friendships, and confidence I have gained will stay with me for a long time.
Even though we were only in boarding for one term, the winter months helped us grow in confidence, independence, and friendships. Being short-term boarders showed us that you don’t need a long time to feel part of a community – sometimes, a few months is all it takes to make memories that last a lifetime.
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Boardington Bear Adventures: Festive Hunts, Midnight Alarms and a Christmas Feast
Hello everyone,
It’s me, Boardington Bear, padding in with another cheerful update as December begins and the boarding house fills with sparkle and excitement. What a week it has been. My paws have hardly rested.
To start the month in true festive fashion, we launched the Boardington Bear Festive Bear Hunt. Each morning I sneak off to hide in a different location somewhere around the school, waiting for students to find me and report my whereabouts to the Boarding House. So far I have hidden in the library, quietly nestled between the books. I have lounged in the sixth form centre pretending to study very seriously. I have relaxed in the dining room where I kept a close eye on the desserts. And I have stationed myself proudly by the science corridor, keeping watch over the beakers and test tubes. Watching students search high and low has been enormously entertaining and I feel like a very mischievous seasonal mascot indeed.
In the spirit of excitement, we also experienced our overnight fire alarm practice. The alarm rang out in the middle of the night, echoing through the boarding house and sending everyone into swift action. Pajamas, slippers, blankets, yawns and determined quick walking filled the corridors as we gathered safely outside. I stayed calm of course. A brave bear must set a good example. Once everyone was accounted for and wide awake, there were a few sleepy giggles before we all returned inside to warm up. It may have been chilly, but it certainly reminded us how well our students respond when needed.
This week we also celebrated St Nicholas Day. Our junior boarders placed their shoes out the night before and woke up in the morning to find that St Nicholas had left them a little treat. The excited whispers and happy smiles at breakfast made the whole boarding house feel wonderfully festive. It was a magical moment to see their joy and curiosity, and I must admit, I checked my own paws just in case St Nicholas had left something for a bear too.
Our Year 11 students also had their important parents meeting this week. There was a steady stream of conversations about progress, goals and exciting plans for the future. I listened from my cosy spot, nodding thoughtfully like a very scholarly bear. The Year 11s handled the day with maturity and pride. They are growing up beautifully.
We finished the week in the most delicious way imaginable with our Boarders Christmas Dinner. Oh my fur, what a feast it was. We all sat together family style, long tables filled with chatter, laughter and the soft rustling of Christmas cracker hats. The room glowed with fairy lights and festive warmth. Our brilliant catering staff truly outdid themselves. They prepared the most spectacular turkey dinner, complete with golden roast potatoes, fluffy stuffing, rich gravy, vegetables cooked to perfection and all the trimmings a Christmas bear could dream of. The smell alone was enough to make my paws wiggle with joy. It felt like sharing Christmas around one big family table, and no bear could ask for more.
It has been a week full of festive fun, midnight excitement, important moments and a wonderful feast shared together. December has begun in the most magical way and this bear could not be happier.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
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Boardington Bear Adventures: Wembley Roars and Winter Lights
Hello everyone,
It’s me again, Boardington Bear, back to share a weekend so wonderful that my paws are still tingling with excitement. We have had adventures, bright lights, football cheers and a very special festive moment that made this bear’s heart glow like Christmas itself.
Our first grand outing took us all the way to Wembley Stadium to watch the Ladies England versus China football match. On our journey we stopped at King’s Cross Station to admire the extraordinary Harry Potter themed Christmas tree. This year it was designed around Honeydukes, the famous sweet shop from the wizarding world. It was deliciously colourful, covered in chocolate frogs, sherbet lemons, sugar quills and the prettiest peppermint swirls a bear has ever seen. I was tempted to nibble a decoration but behaved myself brilliantly.
Then it was time for football. Wembley was massive, towering above us like a giant silver bowl. Once inside the atmosphere was electric. The crowds were loud and joyful, voices rolled like thunder around the stadium and flags waved in every colour. The match itself was incredible. England played beautifully and the score ended at eight zero. Some of our students hoped China would score at least once, but even without it the excitement was huge. The journey home was very busy, but the joy of the day followed us all the way back. A truly memorable experience.
The very next evening brought even more magic as we visited Wimpole Hall to see the Christmas light trail. The grounds were filled with glowing colours and sparkling wonder. Halfway around the trail, to my absolute delight, I met Santa himself. I shook his hand, told him about my adventures and he assured me that I have been a very good bear this year. I was so happy I nearly bounced out of my paws.
Lights continued to shine all around us. There was a shimmering light tunnel that seemed to stretch into forever, and a breathtaking projection show that danced across the front of Wimpole Hall in time with the music. Everywhere I looked there were glowing sculptures and twinkling installations as bright as shooting stars. I was very glad I wore my hat because even a festive bear must keep his ears warm on a magical winter night.
Two adventures in two evenings, football roaring through Wembley and Christmas magic glowing across Wimpole. A weekend to remember, full of excitement, wonder and joy.
Until the next adventure,
Paws on the ground, news all around
About the Blog
Welcome to the Boarding House Blog, your inside guide to life in our vibrant boarding community. Join us as we share stories, adventures, and the everyday magic that makes boarding life so special.
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