Students’ Perspectives on the Return to School

The first week back at school has gone by with astounding energy in the corridors, classrooms and the 140-acre campus. Underneath all the masks there have been great smiles on students’ and teachers’ faces, and great conversations have been held during classes and breaktimes. We met up with some Grade 9 students, who are new to the IGCSE, and some who are new to TISB and first-time boarders. We also contacted the Prefect Heads of the Senior Boys Boarding House, and the Girls Boarding House to find out about their experiences and what they recommend to the newcomers. 

It’s a really good experience. We have to be independent and do our own work – it’s very nice! – Vidhath Grade 9, new student and boarder 

On Monday this week, 13 September, Grades 9, 11 and 12 started coming back to school in turns. Having two days back in school this week, all the Grade 9 students that we had the opportunity to meet were bustling with energy and excitement. “It’s fun because you can meet a lot of your friends and the teachers, and it is easier to learn offline than online”, says Leisha, who is new to TISB and who is happy with how the school has helped her to navigate her way around physical school and campus. Ishan agrees and appreciates the type of students at TISB. “This is my first year, so it’s quite exciting meeting so many new people at TISB”, he says with excitement about the community feel on campus.  

Vivaan, who used to be a day student, has now become a boarder. Since grade 9 is the first year of the IGCSE, it is a momentous change and boarding, in many ways, makes it positive. “There’s more time so that you can put in more effort, and there is a really large variety of sports that you can play”, says Vivaan. Aditi, who is also new to TISB, agrees: "It feels so good to have a change from home, and actually coming to school and boarding is so exciting for me. It’s been grate so far!” Reianna is pleased with how the transfer and her experience has been so far: “I haven’t felt homesick at all, and they have been very supportive and nice to me.” Ishan agrees and says: “I am also a first-time boarder, so it is a lot of responsibility, but a lot more opportunity to have fun, and at the same time get your work done.” 

Part of the preparations for newcomers, especially in the Boarding Houses, have been the Heads of the Boys and Girls Boarding House (BIH and GIH), Aahil and Manya from Grade 12. Both have spent several years as boarding students at TISB and are well versed in the routines and procedures of boarding. They both see their time left as Grade 12 students as a valuable time to make the best for the future. “Being the Head of Boarding has its own joys, and we have the chance to give back a little of what TISB has given to us”, says Manya. 

Being back on campus and seeing familiar faces has been a wonderful experience for the two Prefects. "We have always called boarding "home" because of how encouraging and helpful this family is”, says Aahil, who is sure that the new additions of students to the boarding life on campus will be happy. “With our extremely caring House Parents and supportive peers, we are sure we are all settled in just fine!” 

The Heads of the Boarding Houses acknowledge that it may be a bit of a new and challenging experience for newcomers, but Manya and Aahil are happy to guide them through the journey. "Most of us have been here for a very long time and we can all say that it is much easier to deal with things if you talk to others”, says Manya. Aahil agrees: “It doesn’t matter if it is your friends, seniors, or teachers, we are all here to help.” They also give a few notes for boarders to keep in mind: 

• Be respectful and polite to teachers and seniors, and they will reciprocate.
• Follow the rules and you will have no problems in boarding.
• Participate in as many activities as possible because that is one of the most fun experiences of boarding.