Our House System

At St Bernard's RC Primary School, our House System is much more than a way of collecting points.

It is a way of building community.

Every child, from their very first day in school, becomes part of one of our four Houses, each proudly named after one of the four Gospel writers:

Matthew      Mark      Luke      John

Together, these four disciples shared the life and teachings of Jesus with the world. Their words have inspired people for over two thousand years and continue to shape lives today.

As members of our House families, we encourage our children to think carefully about the words they use, the choices they make and the example they set for others.

Every child has the opportunity to write their own story of kindness, courage and service.

Intent

Our House System has been designed to strengthen our sense of belonging while celebrating the values that lie at the heart of The St Bernard's Way.

We want every child to experience being part of something bigger than themselves. By belonging to a House, children develop friendships across year groups, encourage one another, celebrate one another's successes and work together towards shared goals.

The House System also reinforces our whole-school commitment to Words Matter.

Just as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John used their words to bring hope, truth and love to others, we encourage our children to use their own words to build others up, show kindness, resolve conflict peacefully and make a positive difference within our community.

Above all, we want children to understand that true success is measured not only by what we achieve ourselves, but by the way we encourage others to succeed alongside us.

Implementation

Every child belongs to one of our four Gospel Houses throughout their time at St Bernard's, creating a strong sense of identity and belonging from Reception through to Year 6.

House Points are awarded throughout each school day by all members of staff. Children earn points by consistently demonstrating the values of The St Bernard's Way and by contributing positively to our school community.

House Points may be awarded for:

• demonstrating kindness, compassion and respect towards others
• working hard and showing resilience when learning is challenging
• using positive, respectful language that reflects our Words Matter commitment
• displaying excellent learning behaviours and readiness through Hearts, Bodies, Voices, Minds Ready
• showing honesty, responsibility and integrity
• helping others without being asked
• demonstrating outstanding effort or improvement
• caring for our school environment and God's creation
• representing the school with pride
• living out our Catholic values each day.

Rather than recognising only the highest achievers, our House System celebrates the many small choices that build a caring, respectful and successful school community.

House Points are celebrated regularly through assemblies and displayed proudly across the school, helping children see the collective impact of everyone's contributions.

At the end of each half term, the House with the highest total is awarded the Headteacher's Hot Chocolate Hub.

This special celebration is an opportunity for the winning House to come together with the Headteacher to celebrate their success, enjoy hot chocolate and treats, reflect on the values that helped them achieve their victory and recognise the importance of teamwork, kindness and perseverance.

The reward is not simply about winning.

It is about celebrating a community of children who have consistently chosen to live The St Bernard's Way.

Impact

Our House System creates a strong sense of belonging across the whole school.

Children develop pride in their House and understand that every positive action contributes towards a shared success. Older children naturally encourage younger children, creating relationships that strengthen our whole-school family.

Children begin to recognise that kindness, effort, resilience and respectful communication are valued just as highly as academic achievement. They understand that everyone can contribute to their House, regardless of age, ability or starting point.

The connection with the Gospel writers reminds children that words have power. Inspired by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, they learn to use their own voices to encourage, include, forgive and lead others with kindness.

The House System promotes healthy competition while strengthening collaboration, ensuring children celebrate success with humility and support one another with generosity.

By the time children leave St Bernard's, they understand that leadership is about service, teamwork is built on respect and every positive choice has the power to influence those around them.

Like the Gospel writers before them, we hope our children leave our school using their words, their actions and their example to make the world a little kinder, a little fairer and a little brighter.

That is the purpose of our House System.

That is The St Bernard's Way.

This is how we continue becoming the school God wants us to be.

"Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News."
Mark 16:15