College – Issue 37

BOARDING Mentoring and competition thrive in School House

Boys love competition, says School Housemaster Arthur Wood. “When you create it, it drives them together, and they thrive on it – whether it’s academic or sporting.” He has instituted the School House Inter-Mentor Group Challenge Trophy, which has seen the House split into four vertical groups of 15 boys each. “We’ve named them after the first four ships – CJ, Seymour, Randolph and Cressy. Each group is mentored by Year 13s assisted by the Assistant Housemaster, and through the year they earn points through competing in different activities, both physical and mental, and based on their Interim Progress Grades.” He says points are awarded for everything they take part in – from sports events to fundraising, or a quiz night or food challenge, like eating dry Weet-Bix. “Everyone has to be involved in something, and it’s proving a great way to drive everyone together. It’s fiercely competitive and they love it. Last year two groups were tied right to the very end.” Another innovation in School House this year is the introduction of a set of incentive based awards, the School House Man Awards, which are designed to turn a good House into a great House, says Arthur. “This followed a consultation process and brainstorming session with the boys, and a follow-up with the 2019 Year 13 group. The boys came up with some words to describe what a

School House man would look like, and then we worked on developing the awards programme. “It’s about the boys leaving a lasting legacy. Every Year 13 group is responsible for leaving the House in a better place than when they found it.” Three awards have been created – School House Black, School House White and School House Gold – and after a trial period, if successful, this will be rolled out to all three boarding Houses in the future. “These are awards based on the broad categories of House participation, service to the wider College, academic endeavour, personal attributes, duty and responsibility, and overall consistent effort. A lapel badge has been designed and will be launched at events for both boys and parents,” says Arthur. “Our aim is that these awards recognise boys in Years 9–12 who demonstrate College virtues and character strengths, and those in Year 13 who demonstrate the attributes of the ideal College graduate.”

According to Arthur, enthusiasm for the new awards is high, with the

boys right behind them. Year 12 student Ben Davis

endorses the system, which he says recognises those with a high level of commitment and who show key virtues. “The awards encourage hard work and commitment from those who it may not come naturally to, both of which are important character strengths to develop,” says Ben. The first set of awards was presented at the School House dinner in September, and more will be awarded at the School House prize-giving at the end of the year. The first recipients were: Black – Sam Macfarlane and Ben Macfarlane. White – Charlie Bassett, George Hutchinson, Tom Macfarlane, Homare Nakajima, Will Prentice, Caleb Tod and Henry Wells. Gold – Lachie Harper, Edward Hsing, Alex Todhunter, Thomas Graham and Will Chaffey.

Christ’s College Canterbury

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