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Our House System

We’re refreshing our school House system! 

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 HardBe 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. 

A story for our pupils….

Emperor Penguin

On the icy plains of Antarctica, Emperor Penguins stand tall — the picture of determination. 
Every winter, Emperors work tirelessly, carrying their precious eggs safely on their feet through freezing winds and swirling snow. Even when the journey is tough, they never give up.   

Emperors never work alone. With gentle calls and careful shuffling, they support the whole colony, reminding everyone that kindness keeps them warm even when the world feels cold.  

Although the Emperors live in one of the harshest places on Earth, they never stop dreaming big — dreaming of the moment their chicks hatch, ready for a bright new future. 

King Penguin

Elegant and calm, King Penguins glide across the shore with a friendly confidence. They are known as gentle helpers, 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 King Penguins truly special is their bright, bold splash of colour. It reminds everyone to dream big, stand tall and celebrate what makes them unique. 

Rockhopper Penguin

Small but mighty, the Rockhopper Penguins are full of spark. With their crazy yellow feathers and boundless energy, they bounce across slippery rocks that others might avoid. 

They work incredibly hard - hopping, climbing and scrambling to reach their colony. Every journey is an adventure, and even if they stumble, they get 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. 

Snares Penguin

Living on lush islands surrounded by forest, Snares Penguins are master builders. 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. 

House Points 

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 

Celebration Structure 

  • Weekly recognition in assemblies 

  • Termly House total announcements 

  • Annual House award/trophy 

  • Optional House events or challenges later in the year