OVERALL HOUSE REVIEW

Over the past year, students from all houses have showcased exceptional teamwork, sportsmanship, academic prowess, and creative talents, making this year a remarkable one for AGSB’s house system. Let us reflect on the achievements, highlights, and memorable moments that have shaped our vibrant and spirited school community.

Some of the best events are the ever-present, now ‘old favourite,’ which are always an enormous success. These include the House Shout, Public Speaking, Debating, Sports Festivals, University Challenge, Photography, Cross Country, Tug of War, Sports day, Christmas Fair Entrepreneurs competition and Solo Musicians competition. They grow year on year, and I am amazed by the quality of talent on display.

This year, we have enjoyed some new events in new areas that have elevated the house system to new and exciting levels. Chess introduced the ‘champion of champions,’ the Philosophy society introduced competitive TED talks, the LGBTQ+ society organised a ‘design a T-shirt competition’ and there was an ecological bug hotel design competition.

One of the greatest additions this year saw the re-launch of the AGSB House Talent competition, highlighting a wide variety of traditional and contemporary talents. It was a spectacular event which was also combined with the inaugural Battle 11/88 of the Bands competition. Ten bands competed for the title of ‘2023 Champion’ and eight talent acts performed live to a packed Coleman Hall.

The Hindu, Sikh and Jain Society hosted some ‘House Indoor Cricket competitions’ which were a great success. This success was in no small part to their hard work and brilliant organisational skills. Nearly 150 pupils represented their houses in cricket, and it was a competitive, but great fun, event.

This year has been a year like no other. Every single house has led in the Saville Laver Cup (House events) at some point across the ten months to date. The lead in the Hamblin Cup (House points) has changed hands four times between two houses.

It is a huge privilege to write the house summary each year, and it is a fantastic opportunity to say thankyou to the wonderful people who make the House system such a success. Thanks to the Head Master for his ongoing support and passion for the house system.

Thanks to the House Managers who worked tirelessly, organising teams to compete in great events. Thanks to every member of staff who organised and hosted some of these incredible events. Thank you to the student leadership body (the Year House Leaders and House Captains) who should be enormously proud of their work this year.

So, who won I hear you ask… We have decided that the final results for 2022/23, will be announced in a whole school assembly in September 2023. This is so everyone can be in involved in celebrating the success of their house.

May the best house win!

M Soulsby