Each pupil from Year 3 upwards belongs to one of the four school houses. The houses are named after famous British explorers of Arabia and have their own house colours Blunt,Doughty,Palgrave,Pitts.
All class teachers and specialist subject teachers involved in the teaching of pupils in Years 3 - 11 are placed into one of the school Houses, with the exception of the PE staff.
The PE Department oversee the allocation of pupils and staff to Houses.
The House system provides a focus for pupils. House points are gained for academic, pastoral and sporting achievements throughout the year. House and sports cups are awarded termly and then annually to recognise these achievements. AIMS
To give the pupils a focus of identity outside their class group.
To provide competition in sports.
To give an added incentive to work hard in all subjects.
To enable pupils to identify with pupils and staff outside their own year group.
ORGANISATION
Each House has a Head of House teacher from either KS2 or KS3/4.
Each House has a Captain, Vice-Captain and Sports Captain from Year 10/11 pupils. Where numbers are too few, pupils from Year 8 may be used.
The above-mentioned House Officials will be chosen by the Head of House, after consultation with PE Staff.
The House Officials will help in the organisation of House events as delegated by the Head of House.
The total number of pupils in each House is kept as even as possible.
HOUSE POINTS
House Points should be something earned by either excellent work or outstanding effort. They should not be awarded for what is the normal standard expected (eg. good behaviour, being quiet in class).
House Points are also awarded for House events during the school year, i.e.
House Days
Sports Days
Swimming Galas
Inter-House sports competitions (after school hours) run throughout the year. These events are organised by the PE Department.
All staff are expected to attend the events which take place during school hours and to perform such duties as may be allocated by the Head of PE and/or the Head of House.
Pupils are expected to wear a house T-shirt of the appropriate colour during these events.
Staff are invited to add their support by dressing in the appropriate colour. Casual clothes may be worn on these occasions.
Staff support is always welcome at the after-school events. The pupils value this. Please support your House and pupils.
MERITS
Upon obtaining 10 House Points, a pupil will be awarded a Merit.
3 Merits (30 House Points) = Year Leader’s Certificate
5 Merits (50 House Points) = Vice Principal’s Certificate
10 Merits (100 House Points) = Principal’s Certificate
Class/Form Teachers are supplied with Merit Cards and these should be signed by both the class teacher and the appropriate Leader. Merit Certificates are awarded during assemblies.
RECORDING
All Class/Form Teachers in Years 3 - 11 are responsible for recording House Points for the pupils in their form. This is usually done by displaying House Charts in the form room. This recording is essential as House Points are totalled at the end of each term.
A standard sheet is available for issuing House Points to individual pupils. Specialist teachers should use these or departmental specific sheets, as applicable.
AWARDS
A House Cup is awarded at the end of each term, for all points totalled for that term.
A House Day Cup is awarded each term for points gained on the day.
The Sports Cup is awarded at the end of the school year, for all points gained from sporting competitions.
The House trophy is presented at the end of the school year, for all points gained throughout the year.
