More Than Just a Saturday: The Art of the Weekends in Taylor House

For many, the word boarding conjures images of quiet study halls and empty corridors once the Friday bell rings. But at Taylor House, the weekend isn’t a pause button, it’s where the real magic happens. It’s a time when energy is high, curiosity is boundless, and the foundations of character are laid. Our weekend programme is designed to be the ultimate classroom without walls, blending adventure with the essential space needed for a young mind to flourish.

In Taylor, we believe that resilience is built through experience. Whether it’s navigating the high-speed slides at Desaru Waterpark or the immersive worlds of Universal Studios Singapore, our boys are constantly engaging with the world in vibrant, exciting ways.

For those who crave a challenge, the rugged trails of the Gunung Pulai hike lead to the reward of a cool waterfall, while the strategy and teamwork required for paintball, laser tag, and escape rooms turn peers into lifelong friends. These aren’t just outings; they are exercises in collective problem-solving and foundations of character.

While our calendar is packed with world-class opportunities for adventure, we are firm believers that a well-rounded education requires balance. In Taylor House, we protect the in-between moments. We recognise that if every second is scheduled, there is no room for the imagination to breathe. Creativity is born in the gaps between the actions. Some of the most profound growth happens during downtime. When the structure of the school day falls away, the boys are given the freedom to navigate their own leisure. This is where we see organic innovation through the creation of elaborate House games, improvised backyard sports, and collaborative projects. This space away from structured activities is where true creativity is born.

In shaping these young men, we look to the principles of doing the basics well. Inspired by the insights of performance experts like Gilbert Enoka, we believe that high performance in the classroom or on the sports field is a byproduct of high character. By prioritising being a good human through daily acts of kindness, humility, and integrity, our boys learn that who they are matters far more than what they achieve.

Our proximity to world-class environments allows us to reinforce these values through:

Water Sports: Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking on the lake, and sailing.

Conservation and Nature: Our weekend trip to Sibu Island offers a lesson in environmental stewardship, returning with a renewed appreciation for the finer things in life we are so privileged to enjoy.

The Creative Soul: Terrarium workshops, art sessions, and musical experiences in Singapore.

Life Skills: Everything from cookery and farming to mastering your swing at the golf driving range.

Developing a well-rounded individual also means looking beyond our own gates. We believe in the importance of giving back and fostering a sense of social responsibility from a young age. One of the most impactful weekend trips in Taylor House is our annual trip to a local orphanage. Leading up to the visit, the boys take the lead in organising donations of clothes and Christmas presents. It is a humbling and eye-opening experience that shifts their perspective, teaching them that true leadership is rooted in service and that a small gesture of kindness can mean the world to someone else.

While the activities are the hook, the heartbeat of Taylor House weekends is found in the Three Cs:

Compassion: Whether on a steep hike, in the kitchen, or visiting our friends at the local orphanage, boys learn to look back and help those around them.

Conversation: Away from screens and schedules, these are the hours where boys find their voices and learn the art of listening.

Companionship: Sharing a first, the first time standing on a surfboard or the first time performing on stage, creates a bond that defines the boarding experience.

Of course, this vibrant array of activities does not happen by accident. None of these experiences would be possible without the dedicated team of staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to organise, transport, and run every session. From the early morning departures to the late-night returns, to the beaks – who, off the back of a big teaching week, so generously give of their time to staff these adventures on weekends, the Taylor boys are most grateful.

In Taylor House, we don’t just fill the time. We curate a lifestyle that respects both the need for exhilarating challenge and the necessity of quiet reflection. We are helping our Year 5-8 boys transition into young men who are confident, capable, and, above all, good people.

Mr Tim Jones, Housemaster of Taylor, Prep PE and Games