Houses
The school is divided into four Houses – Auden, Drake, Newton and Sutherland (a poet, an explorer, a scientist and an artist, all originally
chosen by students). Our houses are designed to give a sense of identity and belonging to students within the larger school community.
Even before a student enters the school the House is concerned with his or her welfare. The Year 7 Co-ordinator and other teachers visit primary schools to meet students personally and to discuss their needs with primary school teachers. There are day and evening sessions for new students and parents in the Summer Term.
Special care is taken to ensure that all students settle happily and quickly into the school. Each student remains in the same House and Tutor Group throughout the whole of his or her school career. The Head of House and Form Tutor consequently know each student very well. Heads of House have time available to see parents whenever problems arise or information is needed.
Our Houses play an important part in the life of the school. They are the basis for competition in work, sporting events, drama and music. They are also meaningful and important social units in themselves. Assemblies are held in Houses and students are taught on a House basis in most subjects in Year 7. A programme of personal and social education is followed in form periods aimed at developing positive attitudes and self-awareness. Academic achievement, progress and target setting are discussed during individual meetings of students with form tutors.