House System

From the start of their time at Barnes Primary School, all pupils are assigned to one of four houses: Bank, Beverly, Castelnau and Mortlake.

Throughout the school year, pupils take part in a wide range of competitive events, both academic and sporting. Points are awarded for participation and achievement, and the house with the highest number of points is presented with the House Cup at the final assembly.

We promote a strong sense of teamwork and belonging. Pupils are encouraged to be humble in success and gracious in defeat, recognising that competition is most valuable when it brings out the best in everyone.

We believe that a healthy body supports a healthy mind and contributes positively to children’s confidence and wellbeing. Participation in sport and competition can support strong academic outcomes and personal development.

When well taught and organised, competition helps to build important personal qualities, including self belief, determination, perseverance, courage, leadership and resilience. It also promotes values such as fairness, respect, discipline and humility.

Our house programme includes a wide range of activities, not limited to sport. These include:

• Handwriting competition
• Reading competition
• Reading in another language competition
• Public speaking competition
• Poetry recital competition

Pupils may be selected by teachers or peers to represent their house in competition finals. To ensure fairness and opportunity for all, pupils can take part in a final once per phase.

All children have the chance to participate through class based trials. House points and value bands are awarded to celebrate strong performances. Some pupils may also be invited to perform, be filmed or support others as mentors.

Siblings are placed in the same house, helping to build a strong sense of connection within families and across the school.

All pupils have opportunities to represent their house across a wide range of activities, ensuring that every child can experience success and develop their strengths.

Parents are asked to purchase a house T shirt so that pupils can be clearly identified when taking part in events.

• Bank – yellow
• Beverly – blue
• Castelnau – green
• Mortlake – white

Autumn Term

• House handwriting competition
• Key Stage 2 Sports Day
• Vine Park relay
• Tug of war
• Poetry recital competition

Spring Term

• House reading in another language competition
• Public speaking competition
• Bake Off

Summer Term

• House reading competition
• Key Stage 1 Sports Day
• Key Stage 2 Sports Day