Last month, the full boarding program at Hiba Academy Nantong was officially launched. Unlike regular weekly boarding, pupils participating in the full boarding program will stay on campus for roughly three weekends a month. During the weekend, pupils participate in a variety of holistic educational courses and a variety of colorful study tours.
Let's hear from our full boarders themselves:
"Weekend boarding life is very fulfilling. I will participate in extracurricular courses on Saturdays, such as baking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, painting, and soccer." - G5 Victor
"Every Sunday, the teacher will take us on outings or participate in outdoor activities. We have been to places such as Wolf Mountain, Zilang Lake, and Nantong Intercontinental Green Expo Park." - G5 Danny
"When boarding on weekends, I feel that the teachers are more like friends or family. They will play board games, play football, and chat with us. In addition, we also have a lot of free time to do what we want to do." - G6 Cindy
The activities mentioned by the pupils are part of Wellington Academy Programme that started at Hiba Academy Nantong this academic year.
What is Wellington Academy Programme
The Wellington Academy Programme operates a wide variety of enrichment activities, including Sports, Performing Arts, Languages, and many more. The programme provides Wellington and Hiba pupils the opportunity to be taught by coaches and teachers with incredible experience and expertise. The main aim of the Wellington Academy is to offer outstanding, high-quality activities to enrich pupil’s learning opportunities. By engaging in the courses offered, our pupils are provided with opportunities to expand new horizons, discover their interests and pursue them with passion. Pupils can learn, develop and play in a way that promotes Wellington’s Identity and Values.
Wellington Academy Programme on Saturdays is not only open to boarding pupils, but also available for day pupils even non-local pupils. The diverse range of courses and high-quality teaching have received unanimous praise from parents. Mrs. Amy Long, the parent of Grade 1 pupil, shared with us her positive feedback:
My child participates in two courses on Saturdays: baking and football. In just one month, I have deeply felt my child's growth and changes, and it has also given me a deeper understanding of the courses.
When I saw my child enter the baking classroom, his curious and expectant expression made me feel relieved. In the course, my child learned the basic knowledge and skills of baking, gained his own labour achievements, and tasted the sweetness of success.
I feel extremely proud when I see my child sweating on the football field and working together with his teammates to win. He not only gains football skills, but also improves his communication skills and develops the spirit of teamwork.
These courses made me realize that there is a lot of potential waiting for us to explore outside the classroom for our children. I hope that there will be more similar activities in the future, allowing our children to develop comprehensively and grow up healthy in diverse courses.
In addition to the Wellington Academy Programme on Saturdays, Sunday's trips also provide full boarding pupils with more opportunities for exploration. These study tours cover various themes, from science and technology to art and culture, allowing pupils to expand their knowledge and skills outside the classroom. Last week, boarding pupils visited the botanical garden in Nantong to learn about plants and garden culture. They spent time in nature, saw various flowers and plants in the garden, and listened to professional explanations.
The implementation of the full boarding program is staffed by Hiba teachers, who provide comprehensive attention and assistance to pupils in various aspects such as collective integration, food, clothing, housing, transportation, academic performance, daily life care, and mental health support. In this big family, everyone can feel the care and warmth from each other. We hope to help pupils learn self-discipline and self-management through boarding life, cultivate the ability to gradually find their own pace, continue to face every challenge with a positive attitude, and grow up healthy in a broader future.
