MOOR PARK

Despite the cultural, religious or ideological differences which naturally come from their home and early life experience in their own countries, children from around the world speak a universal language. It is the language of learning, of joy in the everyday ordinary, of exploration, investigation and experience. It is a time in our lives when, no matter our heritage, circumstances or location on the globe, we are at our naturally most curious.

Good boarding schools understand this. Really good boarding schools seek to have this play out in their DNA. It is especially required of those of us to whom parents entrust their younger children.

Great boarding schools and their people know it is not only their role to teach children that one and one is two, or that Paris is the capital of France, or help them learn the nominative, vocative and accusative cases These are important, to be sure. The really great boarding schools know it is more important to give young children the skills to navigate life’s waters while protecting them from the storms, to give children freedom to grow their independence, and to expose children to acceptable risk that helps them become ready and capable - all of this while still being protected and nurtured.

There is a trend in modern boarding schools that every minute of a child’s life should be structured, when children need time and space. Great boarding schools understand that and allow children time for play outside of the formal learning programme, or organised activities. How do children learn if everything is managed for them? They have to find their own boundaries knowing they are safe and secure.

Here at Moor Park, we understand all this, and make our school all about children. After all, what we do is all about them.

Brendan Brady, Headmaster