House System

The House System

Why is there a House System?

The House System is designed to promote interaction among various year groups, enhance community spirit, and foster peer mentoring. It aims to strengthen the existing rewards framework, encourage greater student participation in competitions, and create leadership opportunities for students across different key stages.

Our vision for this academic year focuses on enhancing the House System’s visibility through engaging competitions, events, and assemblies. We aim to establish a sustainable framework for student leadership within the House System, ensuring that it thrives in the long term. Additionally, we plan to create a replicable schedule of activities that can be easily adapted for future years, fostering a sense of community where all students and staff are aware of their House and actively participate in its events throughout the year.

What does the House System mean at Ormiston NEW Academy?

  • Identity: When students join NEWA, they quickly embrace the identity of their designated House. This feeling of belonging is strengthened through involvement in House activities, which not only helps them acclimate to the school but also builds friendships among classmates during their time there.
  • Competition: Competition is a vital and positive aspect of the House System. Engaging in friendly rivalry with peers not only enhances academic performance but also supports social and emotional growth. Students who participate in competitions for their House become more invested in the school’s values and demonstrate a greater commitment to their studies.
  • Inclusivity: The House System embraces everyone, ensuring that a diverse array of interests, abilities, and traits are acknowledged and celebrated. It offers a variety of opportunities that cater to all, fostering an inclusive environment for everyone involved.
  • Community: Students identify as members of various communities, whether within their schools, local neighbourhoods, or the global landscape. They actively participate in initiatives that support these communities, fostering a sense of connection to the causes they champion.
  • Collaboration: Students engage in collaborative efforts, working together in teams both within their year group and across different years in the school. This experience allows them to appreciate the diverse skills and talents of their peers, regardless of age or background. By joining forces, they discover that their collective strength enhances their learning and fosters a supportive community.
  • Leadership: The House System offers valuable leadership experiences for students across all year groups. Opportunities may include serving as the captain of an inter-House team or taking the lead in an assembly as the House Captain. These roles not only foster personal growth but also encourage teamwork and community involvement.

The House structure

House Coordinator: There is one member of staff who oversees the vision and annual schedule of activities that the house system provides.

Heads of House: There is one member of staff per House. This is the team who organise House events and assemblies, and work with the Student House Captains and ambassadors.

The following members of staff are Heads of House:

Pride (Emblem Shark): Miss McCurdy

Excellence (Emblem Dragon): Mrs Jade Smedley Bough

Endeavour (Emblem Hawk): Miss Riley

Together (Emblem Tiger): Miss Browne

What is House Week?

House Week presents a fantastic opportunity for each House to accumulate as many House Points as possible through active participation in a variety of engaging activities. Throughout this exciting week, members of each house are encouraged to showcase their talents, collaborate with one another, and immerse themselves in the spirit of friendly competition.

From sports events and creative challenges to academic quizzes and community service projects, there are numerous ways for participants to contribute and earn points for their House.

The more involved each member is, the greater the potential for their House to rise in the rankings, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. This is not just about competition; it’s also a chance to build lasting memories and strengthen bonds among House members, making House Week a truly enriching experience for everyone involved.