House System
Our Seven Houses
Belonging to a House helps our students feel part of a smaller community within the larger whole school community, a team in which students of all ages can work together and with members of staff to achieve common goals. The system of House student leadership is a key part of this, with students of all ages being given responsibility for organising school wide events.
Why the House names?
Our Houses are named according to local villages, landmarks and areas of interest, adding to the association with the surroundings of the school and local community. Each House has its own tie, in House colours, thereby each student is instantly recognisable as belonging to a particular House.
How to earn points?
The House system also provides opportunities for students to achieve success through participation in a wide variety of competitions, as well as earning House Points for academic success or positive contributions to the school.
Who are the Heads of House?
Every new student and staff member joins a House when they arrive. Here are the Heads of House who can help you sign up for inter-house competitions and earn those House points!
- Aldworth – Mrs Pankhania
- Beechwood – Mrs Wilding
- Chiltern – Miss Brophy
- Ilsley – Mr Dunne & Miss Ireland
- Lowbury – Mrs Anderson and Mrs McDowell
- Perborough – Mrs Meijboom
- Ridgeway – Miss Winfield
Inter-House Competitions
Termly sports competitions are highlights in the school calendar, especially the summer Sports Day, but competitions are by no means restricted to sports. Recent competitions have included the sold out House Performing Arts Competition and House Art Competition. The final half term of the year will see the hotly contested inter-House charity days, when the Houses compete to see who can raise the most money for their chosen charities.
- House Sports Matches every term - News
- House Performing Arts Competition - Featured in the Press
- House Art Competition
- Sports Day
- House Tug of War
- House Dance Competition
- House Music Competition
- House Charity Day
- House Rock Paper Scissors
- House Hula Hoop
Our students feel proud of belonging to their Houses. The House system is important to The Downs School, as it enriches the lives of staff and students alike, fostering a sense of team work and community, and embodying our school philosophy of ‘Learning Together, Learning For Life.’
