Read more details about Ridley College on their 2024-25 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
For me, it was a great experience as a result of a combination of good teachers,mentors and athletics. I graduated 50 years ago and return at least every five years for a class reunion. there remains a special bond with other students from my year.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I learned independence. I have mentioned some of my achievements but simply participating in both individual and team sports gave me the most joy.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would not have changed a thing. I loved the experience. One has to give it time as being away from home probably requires some adjustment for may kids. My advice.. get involved wherever you can.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
I can't pin in to one thing. I simply liked the entire experience. I will say that a private school is not for everyone but for me it was a wonderful fit.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Having graduated 50 years ago, I don't think my recommendations would help other than to say find out everything that is offered, find your passion and get involved. This school offers so much more than when i attended and I hope you get from my comments that it was a fabulous experience 50 years ago. One last thing I would say. It is not cheap and so you should appreciate the sacrifices parents make to give you the best life education.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Small classes, interested teachers who would spend time with you outside of class and good quality of teachers. 50 years later I remember all their names. The curriculum has I am sure changed since i went to school and I am aware this school now offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum, required by many of the leading universities.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
For me, it was the variety of athletics and the facilities. every student participated at whatever level they were at. If there were medical conditions precluding athletics they became managers, assistant managers or a host of other ways to be part of a team.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I did not participate in these programs as I was more involved in the academics and sports. I was part of the choir for several years and they had incredibly talented leaders. On the arts side, my involvement was limited to Art Director of the school magazine. Today they have an incredible program complete with marvelous facilities and instruction.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
When I attended, the extra curricular activities were things like drama, debating, school magazine, choir and so forth. Today there is so much more.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
In grade 9 we probably had about 20 students in a dorm and then it progressively got smaller until in grade 13, we had two to a room. Having a large number in the early years allowed you to meet a variety of students from all over the country and outside.Healthy competition developed between dorms. .Sharing living space with others developed character and created strong, often lifelong bonds. I am sure things are quite different today.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
While people always complain about food at schools, personally, for institutional food it was pretty good. Today the dining process has changed and I have had the opportunity to experience it on several occasions and can only say that the food is amazing.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
When I went there, the town was about 80,000. I did not spend a lot of time in the town as there was always so much to do at the school. If I had spare time, I would spend it tossing a football, playing squash or tennis, or practising gymnastics or cricket etc.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
When i went there it was an all boys school so social activities revolved mostly around sports. The school has been a co-ed school now for many years so I am sure the social scene has changed!
Read more details about Ridley College on their 2024-25 profile page.
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School is a special time and place for everyone. It is where we make our first friends and the best of memories. This post on school quotes for kids will help you motivate your little. . .
It had a great sense of community on my first day I felt right at home. Everyone was really welcoming the teachers set out to make sure that we were all well included. The dorms. . .
For me, it was a great experience as a result of a combination of good teachers,mentors and athletics. I graduated 50 years ago and return at least every five years for a class reunion. there. . .
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