BSA Certificate in Boarding Practice – Pastoral Care

The BSA’s Programme of Professional Development and Training is the most comprehensive CPD package offered to staff in boarding schools, and includes a series of professional practice Certificate courses specifically designed to meet the practical needs of boarding staff and provide an internationally recognised qualification in Boarding Education.

This is a two year modular course aimed specifically at staff working in and around boarding. Over the last 20 years  approx. 3000 House Tutors, Matrons, Support Staff, School Nurses, Assistants, House Parents and HsMs have completed this Award.

• Part 1: BSA Certificate in Boarding Practice – Pastoral Care

and one of these:

• Part 2: BSA Advanced Certificate in Boarding Practice – Boarding Management
• Part 2: BSA Advanced Certificate in Boarding Practice for School Nurses
• Part 2: BSA Certificate in Boarding Practice – Pupil Support and Welfare
• Part 2: BSA Advanced Certificate in Boarding Practice – International Students

What does this course cover?

This course is taken by both graduate teaching and non-graduate house staff, including matrons, assistant house staff and house parents, with responsibility for the care and welfare of boarding pupils. The course sessions will broadly cover the following areas:

• Organisation and communication in a boarding school; outcomes for boarders; adolescent development; eSafety issues and challenges
• Major legislation as it affects life in a boarding school; safeguarding issues; National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools; The Boarding Team; working with parents
• Legal awareness; leadership and management; pupil induction
• Conflict resolution; counselling skills; structures for managing crises and stress in boarding schools;
• Emotional and mental health issues; bereavement, loss and divorce
• Nursing Issues and physical matters; relationships;
• A consideration of some of the challenges that young people face as they develop.

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

● 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 use to resolve relevant welfare concerns for your pupils;

● 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;

In addition, at graduate level, successful completion of the course will enable you to:

● Develop a clear vision of the school’s management strategies for providing good pastoral care;

● Develop your study and time management skills and your ability to analyse reading and a wide range of reference sources;

How is the course organised?

The course is organised around a combination of intensive study days which contain a variety of teaching methods and opportunities to learn in different ways; 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 module, 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.

There are some 12 courses running at any one time; four of the Pastoral Care and four Boarding Management and two of BSA Advanced Certificate in Boarding Practice for School Nurses and BSA Certificate in Boarding Practice – School Support & Welfare, BSA Advanced Certificate in Boarding Practice – International Students.

Study day dates for the November Module are:

• Study Day 1,  November 28, 2024
• Study Day 2,  March 06, 2025
• Study Day 3,  May 01, 2025
• Study Day 4, June 16, 2025

All study days will be online via Zoom.

 BOARDING MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER MODULE: BSA CERTIFICATE IN BOARDING PRACTICE 

If you can’t make these dates, we will repeat this module in January 2025. Please see the below dates and booking link:

Study day dates for the January Module are:

• Study Day 1, January 31, 2025
• Study Day 2, March 04, 2025
• Study Day 3, April 29, 2025
• Study Day 4, June 12, 2025

All study days will be online via Zoom.

Pastoral Care, JANUARY Module : BSA Cert in Boarding Practice

Cancellations

If cancelling four weeks before Day 1 of the course, a refund will be given.  Cancellation after this period and before Day 1, a charge of £120 will need to be made.

NB: Please be aware that it is crucial to remain on your assigned course path and tutor group to gain the very best out of your training. Of course, we understand some things are unavoidable however we cannot guarantee alternative placement days, and this may incur an admin charge