Pupil Leadership
Pupils shape our community and at every stage of their Abercorn journey there are opportunities to explore participation and responsibilty as well as to gain leadership experience.
The House System
The House System is an integral part of school life, designed to promote good behaviour, positive work habits, and achievement.
From Year 1 Pupils are placed in a House, alongside siblings. Each is named after prominent people in British History with its own colour: “Dickens” (red), “Thackeray” (green), “Victoria” (blue) and “O’Connor” (yellow). Children are given a badge to wear showing the house to which House they belong. Junior, Senior and Vice Captains are elected in the first House meetings of the school year, and wear an additional badge. Meetings, held every half-term, are an opportunity to discuss ideas and take part in games and activities which encourage comradeship.
Inter-House sporting competitions, designed to promote teamwork, sportsmanship and camaraderie, are hosted every half-term with tournaments including Football, Hockey, Cross-Country, Basketball, Swimming and Athletics.
At the end of each term, points are tallied and the winning house attends a Rewards Afternoon; the activities for which are voted on by the pupils. At the end of the year, the over-all House winner is rewarded with a trophy and individuals are recognised with certificates. Cups are displayed alongside sporting shields in each school building. This system contributes significantly to the children’s schooling experience and identity, preparing them to work productively and giving a sense of belonging and encouraging healthy competition.
Prefects
At Abercorn we believe that senior pupils should take on more responsibility as they move up through the school.
This not only ensures the smooth running of the school but helps them develop skills of teamwork and leadership. Prefects, including the positions of Head Boy and Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl are selected by the Headmaster in consultation with the staff. Their roles include assisting with school events, helping the younger pupils and helping staff ensure school rules are followed.
School Council
At Abercorn we believe that the pupils should play an active part in the development of the school and its various activities.
We value the opinions of the pupils and these opinions can be voiced through the School Council. Each class from Year 3 upwards selects a representative to sit on the School Council. These are joined by the Head Boy & Girl and the Deputy Head Boy & Girl.The School Council discusses various issues raised by pupils and puts some of these forward for discussion with the Head and senior staff. They are also the main focus of fund raising within the school and have run very successful events for Red Nose Day and Children in Need, as well as supporting many other ideas put forward by the pupils.
