House System

The House structure aims to further promote student achievement as well as contribute to the development of young people who are equipped to participate in a dynamic society. We will acknowledge and reward this endeavour shown by our students in the form of House points.

There are four houses. King, Hillary, Cavell and Edison.  These names have been carefully chosen as they reflect such strong values and achievement. The House system will provide great opportunities for all students to receive house points in lessons, in a House event or by demonstrating positive values or achievement throughout school. They will earn that point for their House as well as themselves.

The popular House system offers great opportunities for students to both participate and lead on the sports field, on the stage, as an artist or photographer, as a chef, as a designer to name but a few. Integral to the wider experiences open to our students is the range of opportunities they are given to achieve and develop as a whole person. The newly introduced House structure serves to help achieve this for everyone of our pupils. 

 

 

Edith Cavell (1865-1915) was a British nurse, working in German-occupied Belgium during the First World War. During this time, she helped hundreds of British, French and Belgian soldiers escape the Germans. She was part of an international movement to improve the standards of nursing. Her bravery and resilience is still commended today and this was illustrated through one of her famous quotes “I can’t stop while there are lives to be saved”.

The house system at Churchdown Academy School offers students to take part in a variety of different activities. They offer you the opportunity to build your confidence and independence, perhaps through our famous talent shows. They also offer you the opportunity to be creative and inventive through fundraising events. There are many fantastic activities and events held at Churchdown Academy School and being part of a team makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Being the Head of Cavell House is a true honour. Cavell made history because of her respect, bravery, team work and resilience and here at Churchdown you can expect to do the same. We have an excellent House tutor team that will be here to support you throughout school and will encourage you to take part in the exciting and enjoyable ethos of the house system. We cannot stop whilst there are points to be won! 

-Miss S Tandy, Head of Cavell House

 

 

Edison House is named after Thomas Edison (1847-1931), an American inventor who is most well known for developing the electric light bulb, the motion picture camera, and the phonograph – the light, picture and sound of modern society. Although the House name invokes a strong scientific quality, the House colour is represented by yellow, which is one of the first colours ever to be used in human art with evidence from 17,000 years ago and is of course associated with happiness, wisdom and eternity.

Being part of Edison House means you join our happy family, where we hope to instil the eternal values of passion, comradery, support and excellence, and of course the ability to make those wise decisions in life.

The House System at Churchdown School Academy offers the opportunity for you to engage and enjoy a wide variety of competitions, talent shows and fundraising events. Every skill is tested, and collaboration across all year groups creates an inclusive and exciting atmosphere where we can all excel.

I am enormously proud to be Head of Edison House, and with the House Tutor Team, will encourage, support and nurture you through your time at Churchdown and help you develop into the best person you can be. The Edison Staff Team offers the very best pastoral care and will be a constant for both students and parents. You can feel secure within the Edison family, in the knowledge that no matter what your background, or the skills you do or do not possess, you will always have a home with us.     - Miss E Callister, Head of Edison House

 

 

Hillary House is proud to be named after the great Sir Edmund Hillary who in 1953, alongside Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, was the first to reach the summit of the highest peak in the world – Mount Everest. Not only did Hillary achieve this astounding feat, but he left a vast legacy for the Himalayan people in the work of the Himalayan Trust which he founded to build schools, hospitals and airfields for the people of the mountain range. Sir Edmund Hillary’s attributes of determination, resilience and kindness are central to the values of Hillary House. 

All pupils in Hillary are part of a team that supports one another in ‘climbing our mountains’ - whether that be personal goals, tutor group challenges or in contributing to the wider life of the school. Pupils are supported and encouraged to try new things and show their pride for their House. House Captains for each tutor group take on a leading role in organising tutor groups’ participation in events and wear their badges with pride. Older students support and mentor younger students, particularly in their first year at Churchdown. Individuals are celebrated and a ‘Hillary Pupil of the Term’ is awarded recognition in assembly every term for their efforts in House events and extra-curricular life – we have had some wonderful stories over the last year!

 “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” - Sir Edmund Hillary 

In Hillary we look out for each other and always build each other up. This team spirit is most visible at House Events – including Sports Day and House Music – where Hillary pupils are sure to be found cheering each other on and supporting one another. 

The House system is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to explore interests and build skills in a wide range of areas including Music, Art, Sport, Maths, English, Business and many more. Pupils can collect House points through the year from their teachers, with the most points awarded for taking part and doing well in House events. The winning House is announced at the end of the Summer Term...our current ‘mountain’ is to make sure that it’s Hillary in 2020!

Pupils’ hidden talents that become uncovered through the year are always astounding, and every Hillary pupil is encouraged to come forward to let their unique talents, skills and ideas shine.            - Miss E Leeman, Head of Hillary House
 

 

 

King House is named after Martin Luther King (1929-1968), an American minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955. Whilst the house name reflects courage, leadership and confidence, it also represents inspiration to all students within the school to achieve whatever they put their minds to.

One huge incentive of our house system is that you join a group of individuals who become more than a family and help guide, support and care for you on your Journey at Churchdown School Academy. House Captains will provide an extra layer of support throughout and help become the very best person that you can be.

Students at Churchdown School Academy will have ample opportunities to engage and enjoy a broad range of competitions, fundraising events, talent shows and sporting events. Our dynamic house system will test each individual, unlocking hidden talents and trying things that you never thought you would ever do.

We are tremendously proud to be a part of King House and we will continue to build on a culture of loyalty, passion and respect that we foster as a school community. King House will continue to work hard and collaborate in all that we do; effectively building a strong identity, ethos and bringing our school community closer together. Our students will be an integral part of driving this ethos and supporting the aims of the House System.        - Mr C Hillard,  Head of King House