The allocation of students into four distinct houses—Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow—creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie from the very start of each academic year. Importantly, the inclusion of siblings in the same team enhances family connections within the school community
House Teams principle
The primary objective of the House Teams system is to accumulate house points, and these points serve as tangible rewards for positive behaviours and actions that align with the school’s values. Students can earn house points for demonstrating things such as: politeness and good manners, kindness, sharing, looking after peers, including others, greeting teachers, looking after belongings and adhering to school rules. This comprehensive approach ensures that a wide range of positive behaviours are acknowledged and celebrated.
An academic year competition
Throughout the academic year, students are further motivated by participating in house-specific events and competitions. Whether it’s inter-house sporting events, quizzes, or theme days, students work collaboratively within their house teams to earn additional house points. This not only adds an element of friendly competition but also strengthens the bonds among team members.
Leadership
The regular tracking of house points by Grade 6 house captains every two weeks, adds a sense of responsibility and leadership to the older students. The house point totals are read out in the whole-school assembly, and the winning team are awarded both the coveted house points trophy, as a tangible symbol of their collective efforts, and a smaller printed trophy, to add to the House Points Tracker. The ritual of counting and recording points every two weeks engages students in the ongoing narrative of their team’s success.
Excellence
The accumulation of house points becomes even more significant as it influences the selection of end-of-year team prizes. The menu of activities, tied to the number of trophies on the House Points Tracker, provides an incentive for teams to consistently strive for excellence. Whether it’s an afternoon of free-play, an ice-cream treat, or an exhilarating water fight, the chosen prize becomes a collective reward for the entire team’s hard work and dedication throughout the year.
Teamwork
In essence, the House Teams system at The International School of Bearn goes beyond mere competition; it promotes a culture of positivity, collaboration, and mutual support. Through the pursuit of house points and the anticipation of end-of-year rewards, students learn the value of teamwork, responsibility, and the joy that comes from working together to achieve common goals.
