Figure 1.--These boys are trying their hand at games in their form room. In addition to a range of games, their tuck boxes were also located there. You can see one at the lower right. These were individual games. There was also a variety of multiple purpose games.

The changing character of the prep schools has meant that boarding has become a more humane experience for the children than was formerly the case. Some children do not like boarding, especially the younger children. In many cases it is necessary because of of a range of family situations. Boarding is a major adjustment for the children, especially the younger children. Most schools are very atuned to this and have ways of easing the adjustment. It should not be thought that the modern boarding experience is an unhappy experience. In fact most of the boaders at these schools like their schools and are happy at them. It is probably fair to say that most younger children would not choose to board. Most children, however, adjust very quickly. And some day children choose to boad. Again the reasons vary. Some find the daily comute a waist of time, leavig little time to do anything at home besides going to bed. Others have most of their friends at school and feel they are missing out on many activities by going home every afternoon. They find they are waisting a lot of time coming to and from scchool every day.

Boarders

There are three boarding Houses situated within a few minutes walk of the main school buildings. Each house is in the care of a married Housemaster assisted by a resident House Tutor and is run on family lines with the Housemaster's wife very much concerned with the day-to-day welfare of the boys and the domestic arrangements. There is a complete age range of boys between 8-18 years ols in each House. The younger boys sleep in dormitories adjacent to the Housemaster's accomodations. Some Sixth Formers have study bedrooms: all are encouraged to give help and guidance to the younger boys. We find that these arrangements provide continuity and a stable framework within which a boy can develop a sence of security.

Bedford Modern School Prospectus

Boarding

Although Birchfield is primarily a day school, it provides accomodation for twenty-five boarders. Parents are encouraged to arrange for their sons to become boarders for their last one or two years, since experience of boarding in familiar surriundings is found to be a great help for most boys when they go on to Public SDchool. While in certain circumstances boys may board for a longer period, anything less than one year is normally not practicanle. An Exeat is usually arranged every third Sunday during term, and boarders spend nights at home during the half-term holidays and after the Fathers' Annual Cricket Match. Boarders lead a full life and are encouraged to use their spare time profitably. The resident staff are always ready to help boys with their work, hobbies and interests, especiaslly at week-ends.

Birchfield School Prospectus

Dormitories

The boys sleep in dormitories according to their age, each room being in the charge of two senior boys. One room is set aside for girls.

Beachborough Prospectus

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