The school, which is part of Meridian Trust, has been working with students to reimagine and reinvigorate its house system. Each of the five houses have students from all year groups, including sixth form. This ‘vertical tutoring’ system fosters a sense of community, whilst continuing to ensure tailored support for individuals.
Clare Raku, Principal of Sharnbrook Academy said: “I’m delighted that our new houses have been chosen by the students themselves. The house names were taken from mythology and constellations, reflecting our value of aspiration, which epitomises our belief that if students reach for the stars, anything is achievable”.
“The pandemic was an isolating time for so many of us, including the students, so it’s really important that the new house system gives them a strong sense of ‘family’ within the school” added Mrs Raku.
Each of the new houses are led by a Senior Tutor who works closely with a dedicated Student Support Assistant to make sure that students receive the right support. Students in years 11, 12 and 13 have more tailored support in their own tutor sessions, but are still involved in the house community.
Richard Spencer, Executive Principal at Meridian Trust said: “At Meridian Trust we believe that every child should be known, valued and supported to achieve their potential. The house system promotes a sense of belonging and pride amongst students, whilst ensuring that individual needs are identified and addressed.
“I’ve no doubt that the newly re-launched house system at Sharnbrook Academy will give students from all year-groups the opportunity to collaborate and network, in a truly inclusive environment.”
Chosen by the students, the house names are a combination of heritage and ambition, combining the two themes of constellations and mythical creatures:
• Delphinus – Blue
• Ursa – Orange
• Pegasus – Purple
• Cygnus – Green
• Phoenix – Red
What are the features and benefits of the renewed House system at Sharnbrook Academy?
Houses are a tangible part of every school day, from the morning tutor sessions, to breaks, lunchtimes and after-school, the house zone is where students go to share any worries or celebrate success with their Tutors.
Students are allocated to a tutor group which is made up of around 27 students from years 7-10 within the same house, providing an established network of older students who, guided by Form Tutors, will offer advice and assistance to younger students.
Each house has a Senior Tutor and Support Assistant who can be visited in their ‘House Office’. Students are able to visit during unstructured times to talk through any concerns or issues they are experiencing, and the house team will liaise closely with home as required.
All Support Assistants in houses are trained in safeguarding and welfare to ensure they can support the mental wellbeing of students. Peer support is also encouraged within each house, promoting a nurturing and positive environment.
Once a fortnight, house assemblies takes place, allowing the groups to come together and celebrate successes and achievements. This is shared at a wider school-level each Friday, where achievement points are allocated.
What’s next for the revamped House system at Sharnbrook Academy?
This half term, Sharnbrook Academy will be embedding vertical tutoring and establishing student leadership roles within tutor groups, houses and the wider school.
Students have been designing the house logos and house mottos and will soon be setting up student voice groups to help drive direction of school.
There are lots of fun house events in the pipeline. The first ‘house competition’ will take place after Christmas and the school’s annual “Christmas in a box” charity hamper is being created by each tutor group within their respective houses.
Mrs Raku continued “Students have been really positive about the changes and have enjoyed getting to know those from other year groups, whom they might not have met otherwise. I’m also very proud of our sixth formers, who have wholeheartedly embraced the leadership opportunities provided by the new house system”.