Introduction

Introduction to Middle House

Middle House was established, as a boarding house, in 1895.

For the first eighty-five years, Middle was based in the main school buildings (in the area now occupied by the Design Centre). The Headmaster disliked the lack of identity created by the large dormitories and so he ‘artificially’ designated houses in the dormitory block. In 1980, Middle moved to its current location in Lewsdon. The house has recently had a large extension and refurbishment during the 2015-2016 school year. The House has an interesting history, which is recorded in the House journal, which is written in at the end of each term by the Head of House. The names of every pupil who has been in the House are on a display board in the main hall.

The House shield has an egg in the middle in affectionate memory of a legendary bald Housemaster! The House colour is green. From September 2021, Middle House will consist of 117 pupils, of whom 38 are boarders and the remainder are day pupils. There are five year groups in the House starting with Year 9 and going through to the Year 13. The Senior Housemaster, Mr Steven Smyth, who teaches Geography at the School, lives at the far end of the house, with his wife, Laura, who is a teacher of Biology at the School and their three young children Harry, Poppy and Florence. Mr Euan Gordon is the Resident Assistant Housemaster, living within the new wing of the house. Mr Ed Allchorne is resident elsewhere on school site this year and will do an evening boarding duty each week. In addition to these staff, there are six nonresident tutors attached to Middle House. There are 2 non-resident matrons who take care of the cleaning, laundry and other domestic issues. The Assistant House staff and tutors assist the Senior Housemaster with the pastoral care of the boys in the House. All staff have a group of tutees and they monitor the academic and general development of those in their care.

The House at present is mainly a social centre. Each day pupil has either a locker (Years 9, 10 & 11) or study (Years 12 &13) where they keep their books. The Years 9, 10, & 11 have a locker room by the Old Hall House common room in main school building. Evening prep is supervised by the member of staff on duty and for Years 9-11, this is done in the main IT centre each week day evening (6.25pm - 8.00pm for Year 9 and 6.25pm 8.30pm for Years 10 & 11, but only until 8pm on Fridays). Sixth form do supervised prep in their studies in the Dixon.

The House aims to be a place where the pupils can grow a sense of responsibility for themselves and others; learn to co-operate with and support one another, as members of a team. They are encouraged to work hard to achieve their best in a secure, wellordered home from home. Good manners, good humour and common decency are expected at all times. Our partner House is Summerhill and is situated directly next to Lewsdon on College Road. Social events are organised throughout the year and some of these are joint events with Summerhill. Inter-house sports and music competitions are entered with enthusiasm and pride. Facilities in the House, in addition to bedrooms, include a main House common room and kitchen. The common room has satellite TV, PS4 and there is an all-weather table tennis table just outside- all for the use of day pupils and boarders. There is also a fantastic garden, which has a BBQ and pizza oven.