Wirral Grammar School

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Cross Lane, Bebington,
Wirral. CH63 3AQ
Tel: 0151 6440908

The House System at Wirral Grammar School for Boys

What are the names of the houses at WGSB?

Why have a house system?

There are many reasons why we value having a house system in school. They include:

• It encourages team spirit.
• It assists the development of an increased sense of community and belonging.
• It gives everyone a long term focus.
• It creates a means to reward all students for their personal achievements.
• It encourages inter-year group friendships.
• It can promote a healthy sense of competition.
• It is a respected and historical aspect of our school life.

What is the history of the house system at WGSB?

Wirral Grammar School for Boys has a long and proud tradition of house competition and it has long been a main feature of our school competitions and events, particularly in the area of sporting endeavour. Recent years have seen a rich and varied development in the areas in which our students participate, ranging from those involving enterprise, community, charitable work, to those involving musical, dramatic and artistic endeavour. There are so many ways in which our students involve themselves in the wider life of the school that it seems only fitting to ensure that the house system evolved alongside this expansion of activity and was used as a vehicle to reward student participation.

How has the process of change happened?

Through pupil voice, Vertical Tutor Group discussions and staff meetings, all staff and students have been involved in a period of consultation about the nature and shape of change regarding the house system and a number of changes have emerged as a consequence.

What can students gain credit for?

A tariff for house point acquisition has been developed and is constantly evolving as staff look for more ways to reward the endeavours and initiative of boys' involvement.

The basic areas for which house points can be attained are as follows:

1. Achievement * - one house point for every 5 commendations awarded
2. Sport - involvement in house and school teams
3. Music - ensemble and solo concert performances and examination entries
4. Drama - school production (front and backstage)
5. Enterprise and Creativity - all kinds of things: eg. Duke of Edinburgh, PSG, school council, enterprise event, charity event, commitment to departmental clubs and competitions / Livewire involvement
6. Charity & Community Spirit - range of form/house activities / library duties / PSG
7. Attendance - 100% attendance each term
8. 6th form involvement in work to support the school, eg car park duties
9. Misc: selling raffle tickets for the Christmas Fair; working on the production of house banners

What else has happened?

• We now have: Four 6th form House Captains to work alongside the existing staff leaders. These individuals are:
• Barber - Mr Cooper / Michael Cearns
• Dodds - Mrs Hayman / Tom Outram
• Hodgson - Mr Money / Sam Edgar
• Lever - Mr Crowley / Jack Oxton
• All sixth form and staff are allocated to a house.
• In additional to forms, all boys are now allocated to a Vertical Tutor Group (VTG) - a group of around 20 students from years 7-13 who meet each half term to discuss various issues in a cross-phase forum.
• Mixed forms mean that boys can develop competitions and events between houses but within the same form.
• House banners are being produced, based on logos and designs originating from the student body.
• Tesco has pledge to support us by funding trophies etc or awards at the end of the school year.
• House badges are now been worn proudly around school by staff and students - have you got yours?