The House System
Christ’s College is divided into 10 Houses, seven for dayboys, three for boarders. The dayboy houses are Condell’s, Corfe, Harper, Jacobs, Julius, Rolleston and Somes. The boarding houses are Flower’s, Richards and School.
House Structure The House system is one of the strong features of College. It is not only the physical base from which the boys operate, but also where they develop close relationships, leadership skills and a real sense of community. Academic, sporting and cultural facets are all catered for, particularly in interhouse competitions. However, the House is a lot more than a physical space. It is the structure in which the boys form lasting bonds with other members of the House and develop a strong sense of unity over their five years at College. Their involvement in a wide range of duties, as well as interhouse academic, sporting and cultural activities, encourages and instils a sense of responsibility, pride and commitment to the House in particular and to Christ’s College in general, and helps develop personal qualities and values. The Housemaster The Housemaster is responsible for the individual development of every student in the House, both academically and in co-curricular pursuits. They are the first liaison between parents and College. They advocate for their students when necessary and are in regular contact with teachers.
The Mentor System All Houses have a Deputy Housemaster and staff mentors who assist the Housemaster with pastoral care. Each boy is assigned a staff mentor and, in vertical groups of boys from Years 9–13, placed in a mentor group. These groups meet their mentor each week. Year 9 students spend Term 1 with their Housemaster, before being integrated into the groups in Term 2. During these weekly meetings, boys can discuss their goals for the year, as well as participate in other activities, such as group discussions, led by senior students. The goal planning process is student-driven, but guided and monitored by the mentor. Being part of a mentor group allows the boys to build a relationship with a member of staff who is not their Housemaster and is not necessarily one of their subject teachers. During the year, we invite parents to meet with their son and his mentor to reflect on the goal-planning process. This meeting provides an opportunity for the boys to explain what they aim to achieve and how they plan to realise their goals and aspirations. Mentors also undertake House duties and attend selected House assemblies and functions. They provide feedback to Housemasters about the boys in their group as required, and Housemasters can also access all goal-planning documentation. The mentor system was introduced in 2018 and, while it has made a positive start, is likely to be refined in years to come.
07 – Christ’s College Julius House
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