Why the house system at Northbridge is much more than a tribute to Harry Potter

Why the house system at Northbridge is much more than a tribute to Harry Potter Is Ibis just an example of Ravenclaw? Is the Elephant house based on Hufflepuff? Is Cobra but a copy of Salazar Slytherin? Does Stingray line up alongside Gryffindor? For some of you, the House system at Northbridge International School Cambodia may be a completely new concept, or at least just a copy of the fictional world of Harry Potter.

Is Ibis just an example of Ravenclaw? Is the Elephant house based on Hufflepuff? Is Cobra but a copy of Salazar Slytherin? Does Stingray line up alongside Gryffindor? For some of you, the House system at Northbridge International School Cambodia may be a completely new concept, or at least just a copy of the fictional world of Harry Potter.

In fact, it has been around in the UK for over two-hundred years. Originally, it was used mainly in boarding schools to offer pastoral care systems. Over the years this has developed into a system used in schools not only in the UK, but many other international schools worldwide.

The aim of the modern House system is slightly different from those days, and it mainly helps to encourage positive competition, overall excellence, social responsibility, and a sense of belonging.

The House system is relatively new in Northbridge, and this year it has expanded further to award House Points to students who demonstrate the school motto, the IB Learner profile and exceptional performance in whichever discipline.

Gold Merits are awarded for those who demonstrate Ambitious Minds or who exceed in their effort in the classroom - 10 Gold Merits will earn a student a Gold Certificate from their House Leader.

Diamond Merits will be awarded for those who demonstrate Caring Hearts, those who go over and beyond in an act of kindness, helpfulness or caring - 10 Diamond Merits will earn a student a Diamond Certificate from their House Leader.

Gold Merits earn a student 1 point for their House.

Diamond Merits earn a student 2 points for their House, as we believe working together in a caring community should be revered more than only academic achievement (although both are important).

We have four new House Leaders in Secondary and four House Leaders in Primary.

 

In Secondary we have:

Ms Emma - Elephants

Mr Ante - Ibis

Mr Jesse - Cobra

Mr Owen - Stingrays

 

In Primary we have:

Mr Craig - Elephants

Ms Camille - Ibis

Mr Kosal - Cobra

Mr Paraic - Stingrays

 

These House Leaders along with a new House-orientated STUCO and House Captains (students) for each house, will help the momentum in pushing the House system as a healthy, competitive feeling of belonging across all members of the school. The aim of the House system is to promote teamwork, responsibility, belonging and of course, ‘Caring Hearts and Ambitious Minds’.

Over the year, there will be more House events, more House assemblies, and we hope you can all get behind your House in any event, and even participate in them. 

If anyone ever has any questions I am the House Coordinator and so can help you if you have any questions about the new system. There will be House trophies for certificates received!

Good luck to everyone!