Houses

A frantic race for the Sidestrand Hall House Cup!

For most of last year it was a three horse race with the Crocs, Red Pandas and Wolves battling it out for the top position and a potential House Cup win. However, as the Penguins knew, all was not lost with the form challenge totals to factor in. Again and again the Penguins came out on top, winning half of all challenges set and steadily crept up the house table.

Early in the autumn term, the physical challenges proved popular with pupils, many achieving remarkable feats of endurance. Towards Christmas the recycled tree competition was an outstanding spectacle with judges finding it almost impossible to choose phase winners. There was no let-up in the spring and before we knew it sunflowers were growing,

However, sports day proved the decider and the confident Crocs were pipped at the post by the victorious Wolves, who took home the House Cup and now stand as reigning champions.

In 2024-25 pupils will set out on their aspirational journeys, developing their resilience and independence as they go. The sky is the limit when it comes to House Points, and the challenges will come thick and fast, enabling them to earn key totals for their house.

Togetherness, aspiration, positive competitiveness and the promotion of kindness are just a few of the many traits the House System at Sidestrand Hall facilitates and nurtures in all pupils.

During the summer term 2023, house leaders organised a huge democratic process that fully exemplified the strength of the school’s pupil voice. During the bi-weekly School Council meetings, pupils collated lists of animals they felt would closely represent the character of each of the four houses. During a 2 week window, all pupils were asked to research and share the attributes of the final 16 animal candidates ready for their Big School Vote.

Finally, at the close of a promotional assembly, pupils were asked to come forward to cast their vote for the animal they felt would best serve their house.  The results were exciting, and as a school we look forward to establishing these animals as the face and profile of each house.

The Blue House adopted an animal renowned for its personality, survival instincts, sociability and humour. Yes, you guessed it, the Penguin.

The green house voted for an animal a little more ferocious in stature but no less measured. They are an ancient animal, majestic in appearance, renowned for their ability to survive adverse conditions and ruthless in their methods to achieve and succeed. That’s right, it’s the clever Crocodile.

There are many animals we associate with the colour red and the nominated animals created a close vote. However, this animal prevailed due to its magical capabilities and endangered status, which highlights how the young people of Sidestrand Hall want to help raise awareness. For the Red House, it’s the Red Panda.

During their research, Sidestrand pupils will have learnt how years ago this animal roamed the hills and shores of Britain. It seems to be an animal those in the yellow house would like to see reintroduced – it was a landslide victory for the Wolf.