This terms totals: 

Red Arrows       - 543               Cathedral Yellows - 571     

Brayford Blues - 574               Lincoln Greens     - 592

At Birchwood Junior School the House system was introduced in September 2019 and is now an integral part of our pastoral system. The challenge is to instil a new sense of pride and passion for the new and improved system.

The House system allows every student and member of staff to feel a sense of belonging by becoming a member of the Red Arrows, Brayford Blues, Lincoln Greens or Cathedral Yellows.

By being a member of the House family, students and staff are encouraged to show team spirit as all of the Houses thrive on the ethos of “playing your part”. Each House is made up of one quarter of each year group. In addition all adults will be allocated to a house. The houses will have dedicated and devoted House Captains to promote and encourage engagement in the House system.

Inter-house is a major pastoral and extra-curricular side of school which develops students’ social, team-working and organisation (amongst other) skills. The House system aims to reflect the ethos and values of the school. You have probably seen that the children use the DREAM BIG powers and assembly values within school. We try to develop this by fostering a sense of community, awareness of each other and a sense of being part of a team.

We show respect through fair play and sporting behaviour; we are graceful in defeat and magnanimous in victory. We support others and take pride in their efforts.

We show growth mind-set by practising for events and taking part; this could improve sporting ability or a more academic/vocational skill. A fantastic side effect of participation often sees increased confidence, which can positively show itself in a student’s whole school life from the classroom and beyond.

Students should aspire to succeed and learn from every experience. Each class should look to contribute as much as possible in the aim of winning the overall inter-house championship. Through their experiences, they can aim to improve themselves. For example, if they lose a game they can look at how to win next time or if they win, how can they better themselves further?

Many students get a sense of achievement when their team wins. We should encourage this but also support a student who, for them, participating is an achievement. Improved confidence, a great performance, even a single moment in an event can all be highlighted as success. Be supportive.

There are many House events throughout the year from all areas of school life. This blend ensures that everyone has the opportunity to represent their House in something that they enjoy or are good at. For example House events include; various sporting activities, music, dance, ICT, spelling  and many more.

Staff will facilitate events but we encourage students to take the lead in their management and organisation which further develops their wider skill set as they mature and grow towards secondary school. Sports ambassadors/ Mini Police/School Councillors will often undertake roles to support the running of an event. These competitions regularly attract crowds of supporters cheering for their House.

All students have the opportunity to earn House points as they are all invited and encouraged to take part in all events, and everything from their classwork effort to their musical prowess and sporting ability can contribute to the scores. The House system points will be tracked on Class Dojo, students are rewarded for their classwork

At the end of the academic year all of the House points are added up and one House wins the overall trophy. We actually have four different trophies available throughout the year; the overall championship winner, the Sports Day shield and a trophy for winning a sporty or academic event.

Below is a list of events that have run during this year or that we hope to include for the next academic year. We also take on student suggestions as it is their House system and we want them to own and control it. The events need to be feasible and realistic and staff need to be present to help support their running