Our aim through our House system is for students to feel part of a group while knowing they are special for who they are – just like in a family. The wearing of the uniform and house tie helps to create a sense of belonging and we encourage all students to take pride in themselves and in the Academy. The house system we have provides an exceptional pastoral system, which has been recognised by Ofsted. Each student is placed in a Tutor group within a House; this enables our older students to nurture our younger ones and creates a family atmosphere in which everyone feels valued. Siblings are normally placed in the same House.
There are four houses:
House points are awarded to students for consistently good attendance, modelling the Dorcan Academy values, a positive attitude to learning leading to positive progress and other achievements, both academic and personal. There are a range of House competitions throughout the year and the four Houses compete to win the House Cup. The winner is the House scoring the most House Points.
Heads of House lead a team of tutors and are responsible for the academic progress and wellbeing of the students in their House; they oversee progress, manage attendance and behaviour, and communicate and provide support to students and parents. Heads of House conduct regular House Assemblies with different themes.
The school council is made up of two representatives from each House, the Head Boy and Girl and their Deputies. House reps are appointed during the first week as part of the induction programme. The Head Boy and Girl selection process is in Term 4; these prestigious posts are advertised and there is a recruitment process involving a letter of application and formal interview.
Meetings are held once per term and are on the school calendar. Heads of House will explain the exact time and venue in the weekly bulletin.
Minutes are emailed to staff for discussion at House Councils
Elections are held at the beginning of each academic year:
2 students from each tutor group attend House Council Meetings together with the House captains.
Minutes are recorded and reported back to each tutor group.
Each House arranges fundraising days and events. Houses also compete against each other for rewards and prizes, both academically and for extra-curricular achievements. There are regular House quizzes. The annual ‘Sports Day’ is held each year at the Swindon County Ground Track and parents are invited to attend.
