
Penguins have been part of this school’s story for a long time. They’re familiar, loved by pupils, and instantly recognisable. What we are doing now is keeping that history, but refocusing the penguins so they tie explicitly and intentionally to our new school values: Work Hard, Be Kind and Dream Big.
This refresh is intended to strengthen our culture, provide consistency of expectations and provide a framework for celebrating positive behaviours.
By refreshing the penguins through the lens of our new values, we:
Preserve continuity with something pupils and staff already know
Give purpose and meaning to each House identity
Create a strong values‑based narrative we can use in assemblies, displays and lessons
Reinforce that our values are lived, not just displayed
Each penguin – EMPERORS, KINGS, ROCKHOPPERS and SNARES – display characteristics of our three values.
On the icy plains of Antarctica, the Emperor Penguin stands tall — the picture of determination.
Every winter, the Emperor works tirelessly, carrying the precious egg safely on his feet through freezing winds and swirling snow. Even when the journey is tough, he never gives up.
The Emperor never works alone. With gentle calls and careful shuffling, he supports the whole colony, reminding everyone that kindness keeps them warm even when the world feels cold.
Although the Emperor lives in one of the harshest places on Earth, he never stops dreaming big — dreaming of the moment his chick hatches, ready for a bright new future.
Elegant and calm, the King Penguin glides across the shore with a friendly confidence. He is known as a gentle helper, always ready to guide younger penguins through the bustling colony.
Kings work hard too - taking long trips to the ocean to bring food home. They return with patience and pride, proving that dedication and care go hand in hand.
What makes the King Penguin truly special is his bright, bold splash of colour. It reminds everyone to dream big, stand tall and celebrate what makes them unique.
Small but mighty, the Rockhopper Penguin is full of spark. With his crazy yellow feathers and boundless energy, he bounces across slippery rocks that others might avoid.
He works incredibly hard - hopping, climbing and scrambling to reach his colony. Every journey is an adventure, and even if he stumbles, he gets right back up with a smile.
Rockhoppers are wonderfully kind in their own unique way. They return to the same partner every year and greet their friends with joyful chatter, proving that even the liveliest spirits have kind hearts.
And above all, Rockhoppers dream big. They don’t let their small size stop them from conquering cliffs, waves and challenges far bigger than themselves.
Living on lush islands surrounded by forest, the Snares Penguin is a master builder. Each year, they work hard together to create strong nests from sticks and leaves — sometimes even borrowing a twig from a neighbour with a friendly nod.
Their kindness shines through in their teamwork. Snares Penguins communicate with gentle calls, making sure everyone feels included in their bustling colony.
But what truly defines them is their sense of possibility. While other penguins stick to open beaches, the Snares Penguin dares to nest beneath trees and dream of new, better spaces. They show that amazing things can happen when you imagine something different.
Award House Points when pupils demonstrate one or more values:
Work Hard – effort, focus, trying their best
Be Kind – helping, including, showing empathy
Dream Big – being creative, brave, ambitious
Weekly recognition in assemblies
Termly House total announcements
Annual House award/trophy
Optional House events or challenges later in the year