Staff and students from Harrow International School reflect on their experience at a British boarding school in Hong Kong – from the initial transition away from home to the fun and rewarding times!
Ms Charlotte Townsend
House Mistress (Prep Girls’ Boarding House)
What are the main challenges for students starting boarding school in Hong Kong?
The main one is homesickness. Often, it doesn’t appear until the third or fourth week of a new school year – the first few weeks at Harrow International School are so busy after the relaxing summer break, that pupils are well occupied and distracted by new classes, friends and activities.
As the dust settles, some pupils start to miss home, something that manifests itself in different ways, such as becoming tearful around phone home time, or struggling to sleep.
First, it’s always important to help them identify how they are feeling, and reassure them that it’s normal. We encourage them to speak to peers, especially the older pupils who might still feel the pangs of homesickness at times but have built coping strategies to handle them. We can even call upon our team of Wellbeing Ambassadors – Year 11 to 13 students trained in supporting younger pupils with their worries.
We then decide what actions we might take to support the boarder, making sure this conversation is led by the pupil. They might want a chat with me or an Assistant House Mistress before bed, for example, or a night light so they can read if they wake in the night. We always reassure them that they can wake us if needed in the night, too. And, of course, we keep parents in the loop – they’re integral in continuing the conversation at home and offering suggestions to support us.
With careful monitoring and support like this, our boarders build the resilience they need to focus on the positives of the boarding week and enjoy what it offers. We always remind them that they’ll be home in no time, too, a great advantage of weekly boarding!
How do you create a home away from home for the students?
All our Houses strive for a welcoming and warm environment, and each has its own distinct identity – here in Parks, we aim for a vibrant common space with pupils’ art on display, nods to our namesake, Rosa Parks, with a bus seat and door, and comfy quiet spaces, such as our mini House library. We also have a massage chair, a games console, table football, films and more. These help us create a sense of family and community – it’s always a joy to see girls of different year groups mixing to play Uno with a teacher, or relaxing before prep (homework) time in front of the TV, in the same way they might do at home. We also encourage our boarders to make their rooms as homely as they can, and love talking to them about their family photos, their latest book or new jazzy pyjamas!
I’m very lucky to work with a fantastic team of Prep House Masters and Mistresses and boarding tutors. We all work together to make sure the whole Prep School feels like a community, and not just the Houses within it.
Mr William Bussey
Assistant House Master (Senior Boys’ boarding House) 2023/24; House Master (Prep Boys’ Boarding House) 2024/25
What are you looking forward to as the new Prep Boys’ House Master?
As a House Master, I’ll have the chance to innovate the House I’m going into. Whether that be organising events, improving routines or introducing new initiatives, my creativity can positively impact the boys’ experience in the House, and seeing them enjoying themselves and being successful brings me a lot of joy.
Having said that, I’m most looking forward to being able to guide and mentor the boys during their time in the Prep School, playing a crucial role in shaping their experiences and helping them grow academically, socially and emotionally.
I also have the exciting opportunity to get to know each boy more individually, and by understanding their unique personalities, interests and challenges, I can provide the personalised support they need. Whether it’s through casual conversations, formal meetings, or shared activities, these connections will enrich not only their life, but also my own.
What is something parents are often concerned about but don’t need to be?
Academic success and “downtime” are two things I feel parents need not worry about. In the boarding house at Harrow we tailor pupils’ learning in the evening to maximise each individual’s successes. We blend the correct amount of free time for pupils to unwind and reset each day with a personalised academic enrichment timetable. This ensures pupils’ wellbeing and educational success are both cared for.
How do you support the new students transitioning to Harrow International School?
As a House Master, I offer emotional support by being approachable and empathetic. Whether it’s homesickness or academic stress, my main objective is to first listen to all problems, no matter the perceived size of them, and then provide guidance. We also encourage students to build friendships with their peers, many of whom are also going through similar feelings and experiences at the same time. Friendships help ease the transition, and to bolster these connections we organise icebreaker activities, group outings and House events.
I like to think of the transition as a journey, one in which I’m available to help and guide through every step of the way.
Hugo
Year 13 Boarder, Sun House
What do you enjoy most about being at this British boarding school in Hong Kong?
I really enjoy being surrounded by my closest friends and having constant support networks throughout the week. I never get bored in House and always have someone to spend time with – whether it’s a student or teacher. I also think that when I first started boarding, I became much closer with my family as the time that we shared with each other was reduced and thus more valuable.
Being a boarder also gives me greater flexibility, allowing me to participate in lots of activities during CCA time that I otherwise would be unable to attend due to the long commute home.
What are your favourite activities and things to do in the evenings?
I’ve recently been going to the gym and then playing card games with my housemates. Previously, I’ve enjoyed doing jazz improv in the common room with my friends, although I’m not very skilled. I also look forward to Wednesday pizza night where the entire House is in the common room chatting, eating and having a good time.
Chloe
Year 8 Boarder, Fry House
What do you like about boarding at Harrow International School?
It’s definitely the best choice I’ve made in the past few years. I’ve made most of my lifelong friendships as a boarder. My favourite parts would undoubtedly be the evenings where we don’t have prep, so we can immerse ourselves in activities the boarding tutor prepares for us. These range from Just Dance, to building a house for woodlice, to bingo night!
What activities do you get up to during the week and in the evenings?
After school, we attend our CCAs. I’m currently involved in ATA tennis and the school production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Being someone who really loves drama, there are many options to choose from. And there certainly would be something in store for you, too!
Harrow International School is at 38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
+852 2824 9099 | harrowschool.hk
This article about a British boarding school in Hong Kong first appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
