The House System: Fostering Identity, Collaboration, and Leadership:
Originating from British boarding schools in the 1800s, the “House system” was established to support and encourage students in their academic and social lives while apart from their families. The popularity of Harry Potter has resulted in unprecedented awareness of British school house systems in countries where they were previously largely unknown. Somersfield Academy, echoing tradition, embraces the modern importance of this structure in schools. The House system holds a significant role in fostering identity, collaboration, competition, and leadership skills within the student community.
The House system ensures students' smooth transition into senior school, creating a sense of belonging and support from the beginning. By dividing the school into Houses - the blue Tigers and the Green Makos - Somersfield helps students integrate quickly, alleviating the potential anxiety of moving from P6 into M1.
Collaboration lies at the core of the House system's strengths. Mirroring the Montessori classrooms in Lower Primary, Houses break down age barriers, promoting friendship and teamwork among students of all ages. This mirrors the real-world scenarios where individuals interact across age groups. Notably, the vertical interaction between older and younger students fosters camaraderie and support. Somersfield Academy exemplifies this during House Competitions where multi-aged teams compete to earn points for their house.
2023-24 House Captains (L-R) Tigers: Jackson Langley and Aaliyah Haffar; Makos: Rose Paulos and Samantha Osborne.
House points drive students to excel and improve while learning valuable lessons about both success and failure. The inclusivity of the system caters to different interests and skills, incorporating sports, creativity, and cross-curricular events, ultimately boosting academic engagement and performance.
Leadership development is a cornerstone of the House system. House Captains at Somersfield Academy learn essential leadership skills by managing peers and interacting with staff, fostering responsibility, time management, and delegation skills—qualities crucial for life beyond school.
Overall, Somersfield Academy's House system promotes a strong sense of identity, collaboration, competition, and leadership skills. It creates a vibrant community that bridges the gap between students and staff, fostering an inclusive, competitive, and supportive environment for personal growth and academic achievement.