Online BSA Certificate in International Boarding

8 December 2021 – 17 March 2022 (9.30am – 3.30pm)

Audience:  This three day online course is aimed at any member of staff in school or college that wish to improve their academic and pastoral support for international boarders.

Key Elements of the new Certificate Course Programme:

• The strategic nature and importance of the international boarding market
• Why international students seek a British education
• Cultural identity, cultural values, and cultural difference
• Induction, culture shock and integration
• Identifying and meeting the pastoral and academic needs of the international student

Format: This course will involve presentations, group discussions and case studies.  Each online study day will begin at 09.30am and will finish at 3.30pm.  You will be supported by course tutors.  The course assignment is designed to help you focus on one aspect related to international boarders with a view to improving that provision/support.

Study Days for this Course:

• December 8th, 2021
• January 26th, 2022
• March 17th, 2022

Course Outcomes: Successful students will have gained knowledge and skills to allow them to add value to the way in which their school or college support their international boarding community.

What is the BSA Certificate in International Boarding?

This certified course is designed specifically for staff working with international students, and will provide an opportunity for these staff to develop their knowledge and skills in relation to supporting this critical, and increasing, sector of the boarding school market.

Who is the course aimed at?

This course can be undertaken by both graduate teaching and non-graduate house staff, including matrons, assistant house staff and house-parents; indeed any member of school staff with responsibility for the care and wellbeing of international boarding students.

What does this course cover?

The course will be delivered over three Study Days and will broadly cover the following areas:

• The strategic nature and importance of the international boarding market
• Why international students seek a British education
• Cultural identity, cultural values, and cultural difference
• Induction, culture shock and integration
• Identifying and meeting the pastoral and academic needs of the international student
• Sharing of best practice

How will this course help me to develop personally and professionally?

In successfully completing the course you will:

● be able to evaluate and have a clear appreciation of the personal and professional needs and skills involved in your boarding role;

● develop greater knowledge and understanding of the issues covered in the syllabus;

● develop, through support and guidance, the range of personal strategies you may use to resolve relevant welfare concerns for your international students;

● develop your ability to reflect critically on your work and evaluate the need for change or action;

● develop your study and planning skills and your ability to analyse reading and reference material;

● be able to communicate and defend your views and opinions orally and in writing;

How is it arranged?

This course consists of three Study Days and a linked research project. The two intensive study days involve a mixture of short lectures, presentations and discussions led by students, together with group problem solving exercises and case studies. Group discussion is a particularly important aspect of this course, enabling you to look at the theory in the light of your own practical experience. You will be encouraged to contribute ideas, opinions and questions, take responsibility for your own learning and, by sharing, to contribute to the learning of the group as a whole.

Between sessions you will be expected to do some reading, thinking and discussing with colleagues in your school and with your mentor. Before each study day, you will be expected to spend some time on the preparatory tasks in the course booklet and using the course sessions reflect on your own boarding school situation. The follow up tasks will help you to focus on practical ways of applying ideas and theories in the boarding setting.

You will also be required to keep a professional file during the course containing brief notes, ideas, action points, and activities and issues to take back to the work place. The course booklet will give you a number of relevant tasks to think about, providing opportunities to record your thoughts. This file is itself not directly assessed but will provide essential material to draw upon when you write up your chosen assessment topic.

The Course Assignment is a written project of ~2500 words on a topic directly related to the pastoral care/management of international students. The topic will benefit both the student and their school in developing their understanding of best practice in relation to supporting international students. Guidance on selecting a suitable topic, and on how to write up and submit the assignment will be provided in the course booklet and by the tutors on the course.

Sessions will include:

The Pastoral Care & Boarding Wellbeing of International Students

Developing strategies and practice

Integration and the whole school approach

NOTE: Students will need attend all study days and successfully complete the assignment in order to gain the course certificate.

What support will I receive during the course?

You will receive support throughout the course from the BSA, the course tutor and from your school mentor.

Course tutors

Your BSA course tutor will be a senior member of staff with considerable experience in boarding education. He or she will:

● provide personal and professional help and encouragement;

● work with you in discussion groups and tutorial sessions during the course;

● liaise with your school mentor;

● review and provide feedback on your proposed assessment task;

● advise and support you with your assignment and review progress regularly;

● mark your assignment.

School Mentors

All participants on the course should have the support of a mentor, appointed and approved by the Head. An effective partnership between you and your mentor will have significant benefits in terms of challenge and stimulation for you both and also offers an opportunity for fresh insight into boarding issues for the school.

The role is best undertaken by a colleague who really knows and understands your work and has an experienced overview of boarding. Your mentor should support you professionally while you undertake the course, encouraging you in the process of reflection and helping you to develop your professional competence.

Key tasks for mentors are:

● allowing time for regular discussion and ensuring regular formal meetings;

● helping you to identify relevant skills and appropriate coursework tasks for your professional and personal development;

● helping you to set realistic targets for progress and to meet them;

● reviewing progress with you and providing constructive feedback;

● challenging and supporting you in reflecting on and evaluating your work.

How is the course assessed?

You will produce a reflective essay or report of approx. 2500 words, drawing on material from the professional log you have kept throughout the course. You will use a case study approach to analyse and comment on your day to day work as well as reflecting and evaluating your practice and your learning.

How long will I have to complete the task?

The deadline for the submission of coursework to your course tutor and will be the August 2022

How much does this cost?

The costs of enrolling on this new certificated course will be £600 for members and £700 for non-members. Schools will be invoiced when you enrol on the course.