Surrey Homes | SH97 | February 2023 | Education Supplement inside

Sutton Valence School
istockphoto.com/ Pattadis Walarput
At Sutton Valence School, we place
a high value on the importance
of developing students’ and
boarders’ social skills. We believe that
these skills are essential for success in
life and are integral to our approach
to education. Our boarding system
has been designed to foster a balance
between achieving academic potential,
great learning outside the classrooms and
developing social skills. (Boarders also
benefit from superb living facilities – we
were national finalists in the Boarding
Schools Association awards last year
following significant refurbishment and
investment in boarding areas.)
“Once a month, we have
a cultural food celebration
theme at dinner, which
helps to broaden students’
understanding of different
cultures and cuisines.”
One of the ways we encourage bonding
is by having all boarding students share
breakfast and dinner together each
day. This not only provides a sense of
community, but also allows students
to practise social skills. Additionally,
once a month, we have a cultural food
celebration theme at dinner, which helps
to broaden students’ understanding of
different cultures and cuisines.
After dinner, students have designated
prep time in which they complete
homework and consolidate their learning.
This allows them to focus on their studies
while also having time to socialise with
their peers afterwards. Many students
choose to do this by participating in
supervised sporting activities in the sports
hall or other social gatherings of a creative
nature.
At weekends, our boarding team
arranges trips for our students. These
range from outings to local bowling
alleys and cinemas, to adventures further
afield such as theme parks and theatre
visits. These trips provide opportunities
for students to bond with their peers
and experience new things together. A
number of boarders also volunteer at local
charities and in the community in their
spare time.
From film nights to charity work, we hear how Sutton
Valence School help their students develop social skills
“All boarding students share
breakfast and dinner together
each day. This not only
provides a sense of community,
but also allows students to
practise social skills.”
We are particularly proud of our
boarding student leaders, who take
an active role in organising studentled
activities such as house singing
competitions, film nights and quizzes.
These activities provide a platform for
students to showcase their talents and
develop leadership skills. In the Houses,
students have great relaxation and
cooking facilities that they share with
each other.
At Sutton Valence School, we believe
that developing social skills is an essential
part of a well-rounded education. Our
boarding system is designed to foster a
balance of academic achievement and
socialisation, with a range of activities and
opportunities for students to socialise,
bond and develop their social skills. Find
out more at svs.org.uk.
25 priceless-magazines.com