House System

The House system at Reigate Grammar School aims to develop student leadership and vertical integration across all year groups. Students are placed in to Houses when entering the school. Siblings are always placed in the same House. There are four Houses named after previous headmasters of the school: • Bird (Rev. John Bird MA 1708-1728) • Cranston (Rev. Andrew Cranston MA 1697-1708) • Hodgson (Rev. Joseph Hodgson MA 1800-1842) • Williamson (Rev. John Williamson MA 1684-1697) The Houses are led by a team of Upper Sixth Form students who are guided by Heads of House and House staff. Assemblies take place each week and are a mixture of whole House assemblies and those held in House families. House families are vertical groups created in each House with around 20 students in each. New students are allocated a buddy from their House family and all First Form students have an Upper Sixth Form mentor. Houses aim to increase the student voice at RGS. Many ideas are discussed and put forward as students feel able to have discussion in the small family groups. Within the House system students are encouraged to view leadership as consisting of multiple qualities, including: • Compassion • Creativity • Teamwork • Resilience • Reflection • Respect • Responsibility Students have the opportunity to display these qualities in the vast range of House events which aim to include all who want to take part. Events include: Sport, House Singing, Drama, Art, Gun Run, Bake-Off, Debating/ Public Speaking, Chess & Quizzes. Each House sponsors an endangered animal, supports a nominated charity voted for by students and has its own mascot.

Mr O’Donnell

My name is Mr O’Donnell and I am very proud to be Head of Williamson House. Our House colour is yellow and our House mascot is the rhino. I teach Biology and Chemistry and coach a rugby team at school. I love being Head of Williamson House and believe that the House system is important for all of our students. From the start of First Form, the House system helps you to settle in and to feel an important part of your new school. In the Sixth Form you could be a House Captain, and be involved in leading the House. No matter where your strengths lie you will have a part to play in our successes as House events are so varied including sports, art, singing, debating and computer games tournaments to name just a few. You will often see me around school and you are welcome to ask me anything as you settle in. I look forward to meeting you all soon. Welcome to RGS!

BIRD

Mrs Fullalove

Hello new fledgling! I am Head of Bird House and am delighted to be welcoming you to RGS Bird. Our colour is green and our mascot is the Harpy Eagle. We give all our families in Bird bird names so soon you will know yours. I teach English, so do love to chat and am always happy to chat to you. Very much an outdoors person, I especially enjoy running and archery but when I am indoors, it has to be a good book for me! I am really looking forward to meeting you in September and getting to know you throughout your time at RGS.

Miss Shah

My name is Miss Shah and I am the very proud Head of Hodgson House. I also teach Maths. Our house colour is red (like Gryffindor and I also support Liverpool so that works for me!) and our mascot is a wolf. My motto in life is to try new things, so while I have some constant hobbies like painting, dancing and puzzles, I mostly find myself trying something new whenever I get the chance. The House system is here to support and encourage you all to do the same. So, whatever your strengths, whatever your likes, whether you want to try something new or you want to develop an old skill or if you just want to have a bit of fun, there’s a place in Hodgson for you. We look forward to welcoming you into the Hodgson family.

CRANSTON

Mr Leck

My name is Mr Leck and I am Head of the mighty purple army that is Cranston House and our mascot is a Snow Leopard. I am the Head of Cricket and teach Physical Education. The House system is an integral part of the school with a range of events that take place throughout the year and the responsibility of overseeing a quarter of the school is a great honour. I look forward to welcoming you into the Cranston family where we will enjoy years of fun!