As the new house parent at Newcombe House, I have the unique privilege of witnessing first-hand how curiosity can transform the lives of our students. Transitioning into a boarding school environment is a significant step for any teenager (and for a Teacher too!), filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Yet, it is through embracing curiosity that our students not only adapt to their new surroundings but also ignite a passion for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.
At its core, curiosity is the desire to learn and understand more about the world around us. In the context of education, it serves as the driving force that propels students to delve deeper into subjects, ask probing questions, and seek out new experiences. But even on a personal level, it drives us to ask what can I do? Who can I become in life? Our Meeting for Worship quote this week focused on Martin Luthur King Jr’s idea of the importance of taking the first step even when we can’t see the whole ‘stairway.’ We all know about King Jr’s courage and ultimate sacrifice in stepping further towards civil rights for black Americans, but what of our own stairways?
My first step towards my new stairway was toying with the idea of moving into boarding. While many of my peers were looking to downsize their jobs and kick back now that their children were fledging, I decided I needed a new adventure and a new challenge.
And so, this autumn, along with 50 Year 7 students and 20 new boarders, my family and I started our own journey into unknown territories. I have had adventures in the past – such as living in the foothills of the Karakorum mountains and travelling to other far-flung places – but, in many ways, moving to Newcombe took more courage. Along with my husband, dog and two cats, I had to uproot myself from the comfort of my family home and embrace a bubbly new life.
I had always wondered what living in a boarding house and looking after other people’s children would be like. My childhood experience of boarding at school was incredibly rich and rewarding, so I felt hopeful. And with my own children leaving the nest, I had the time and the space for a new adventure. That is not to say it hasn’t been a daunting prospect: every part of family life has been multiplied by 26, from lost hockey socks to science homework tasks. As the students would say, “It’s A LOT!.”
However, I hope that the Newcombe girls feel as I do that we are embarking on the adventure together. I am having some of my curiosity sated by getting to know the new cohort of both Year 7 and my Newcombe girls: learning about new cultures and traditions and guiding them through the idiosyncrasies of Sidcot life.
Starting at a new school can be difficult for students of any age. They are entering an environment filled with unfamiliar faces, new routines (my Spanish girls are very surprised that we eat supper at 5.30!), and academic challenges that may differ greatly from their previous experiences. But, I have observed that those who approach this transition with an open and curious mind tend to adapt more swiftly and find joy in the process of settling in.
We are so lucky that our diverse student body offers such a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Students who are curious about their peers’ backgrounds often engage in more meaningful conversations, forging deeper friendships that cross cultural boundaries. This not only eases the feelings of homesickness or isolation but also broadens their understanding of the world, fostering empathy and global awareness. As an adult, it makes me want to travel and see their routines and their ‘normal’, and I can only imagine that as young people, it must pique their curiosity about the wonder and enormity of the world.
Learn more about why curiosity matters to us at Sidcot, here.