16 minute read
House Updates
County House Dave Tridgell Head of County House
This year, County House has been successful, of that there is no doubt, but I suppose what is important to clear up what ‘success’ means. Does it mean getting better exam results than any other House? Not for me. What about winning the House Competition - coming first would be great, but in and of itself, it does not show success in my opinion. Success is something deeper than results. I have seen students work so hard this year and I grant them ‘success’ status without having seen their results. I have heard beautiful music and been impressed not just by the sounds - but of the work and commitment that allowed it to happen. I have witnessed sports teams give it their all, be kind and supportive to one another and try and create an atmosphere of enjoyment and inclusivity - I sometimes forget the result, but the experience stays with me as a reminder of what it is to be ‘successful’.
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I am competitive by nature. Trying to win a game or get that award or high grade is a wonderful aim. I support all in County House to set themselves those targets. But in measuring success we need to recognise more. Behave with integrity and grace. Work hard, reflect, improve, and rejoice in the fact that those who do this with consistency tend to win in the end anyway. County House is successful in that it tries to win and achieve, and has high aspirations. But never at the expense of integrity and the sense that everyone has a place with us - we are a kind and supportive community. In County House, we give 100% and bring out the best in each other. That is what success is.
Laud House Laura Clarke Head of Laud House
The 2021-22 academic year was the most successful year to date for Laud House. We ended the summer term in 2021 with an overall win in House Cricket, our first win in a House competition, which marked a turning point for the belief within the House that we have the talent and mentality to be successful. This change in mindset led us to some fantastic results in the House Cup; joint first in basketball and badminton and first in ghost, but also some incredible individual and year group performances across all competitions. House Eisteddfod continued in its recorded format and Laud House rose to the challenge with gusto. 7L and 8L rehearsed tirelessly to perform a lovely choral piece and Sid M and Nidilan S of 10L once again shone in their category. But the most exciting competition of the year was the return of House Music, albeit in a condensed format. The breadth of musical talent across the House is astounding and it feels like more talent will be unearthed in the coming year. Benchuan W (8L) and Thomas A (11L) performed junior and senior solos with nerves of steel and many musicians combined to perform the ambitious ‘We Don’t Talk about Bruno’ with real style.
The summer term brought about some of the most exciting sporting competitions with a Sports day for each year group and House Cricket. Laud House dominated the cricket competition, bringing home the House Cricket title for a second year running, with a notable team performance from 10L, who is the model of team-work and sportsmanship. However, what I am most proud of is the House spirit, camaraderie and sense of belonging that has grown over the year. Aryan K took the mantel of House Captain in the summer term, supported by his vice-captains, Asad A and Rahul G, marking the first time that the House captain and wider prefect team includes students that joined Laud house in year 7. The sense of pride that the house prefect team have for Laud House is spreading across all the year groups and I look forward to seeing how we use this as a catalyst for further success in the coming year.
West House Jesus Escribano- Sanchez Head of West House
It was January 2019 when I started my journey as Head of West House and almost four years later, I am still enjoying my days as day one.
Being part of West House allows me to not only work with “the westies” but also to learn from such a caring group of tutors who are always there when you need them. It is important to recognise all the hard work that Form Tutors put in every day and I would certainly not be able to do what I do without their support. This academic year has been exciting with the arrival of new faces to West House, and also competing in the House Competition where we secured an honourable 5th place for the first time in a very long time. This result will allow us to set a clear target for the coming months and I am convinced that under the leadership of Sida L, our new House Captain, and his team, West House will be a serious competitor in the coming events!
2021/2022 has been an amazing academic year with memorable moments but I cannot wait to see what new adventures are to come!
I would be exaggerating if I say that everything that has happened has been enjoyable and positive, but I can proudly say that I have had amazing moments that I will never forget. The most challenging time as Head of House has definitely been the lockdowns and Covid-19 era where I had to move away from the field and start using Teams as my working tool. Those who know me well enough will echo my preference for face-to-face interactions so being in front of the laptop for hours was a difficult time. I have personally learned a lot from this time and have reflected on the importance of strengthening relationships now that we can. My personal goal as Head of House has always been to build a community where people are respectful and supportive, where relationships will be as strong as friendships and people give something back to those who need it the most. I always try to lead by example and inspire those who make mistakes to reflect about their actions. We are not perfect, but we can try our best.
East House Nathalie Williams Head of East House
I am very proud to announce that East House has won the House Cup competition for the second year in a row! How did this happen? Has East been lucky? Have the students become better sportsmen, musicians, performers? I believe that East House has won again for the two main reasons: 1. The students believed that they could win. 2. The students were working together, getting organized and having fun! House Captain, Will Lockwood, along with his Vice Captains, Adam Musa and Jacob Merchant, have done a fantastic job leading the House Prefect teams this year. Communication through WhatsApp groups and in person has been key. Each prefect team got themselves organized way ahead of the house competition, organizing selection trials and training sessions for the sports events and numerous house music rehearsals. The main focus was always to work as a team and also pass on advice and tips from older students to newer members of East House. A special mention to Sam Hill and the Sport prefects for organizing the sports events – it was not an easy task with so many conflicting activities taking place at school and the lack of a common lunchtime break.
Another special mention to Niran Arulkkumaran and the Eisteddfod team for their incredible win. It was not easy to organise a virtual Eisteddfod, but you did it! 2022 was the return of House Music, and while we could not have the in-person performance at the Hexagon, it was a great way to get all our musician back in action. A special thank you to James Riley, our Senior House Music Prefect, Yash Singh, James Trust, Antonio Mak and everyone who took part, for the hours spent rehearsing and the fabulous final performance. A well-deserved win! The feeling of belonging to our amazing community of Easties is truly alive and I am sure our new Head of House Liam Green, House Captain Rishabh and his Vice Captains Alex and Henry will bring something new to East House this year while keeping our traditions alive.
East House Captain, William Lockwood (2015-2022)
"It has been an honour to represent and lead my house as House Captain during my final year at the school. Our form has been a shining light of East House throughout our time at the school and while East House would lose the House competition overall, our form would consistently win the competition for our year. To win back-to-back House cups in our final years is special for us as it feels like the hard work has finally paid off. All of East House can be truly proud of their efforts this year. While it has not been the easiest of years with Covid still playing a prominent role in what we were able to do, I am very proud of the hard work of the East House prefect team and extremely grateful for the leadership and support of Jacob and Adam. I am confident that the house is left in good hands with Rishabh, Alex and Henry who, I am sure will continue to improve East House and retain the house cup.
Finally, I would like to thank Mrs Williams personally and on behalf of East House. Mrs Williams was my first form tutor and has been Head of House. The consistent improvement of East House in terms of organisation, teamwork and academic support has been driven by Mrs Williams who was a better Head of House than any of us could have hoped for. I am so grateful for her support over the last 6 years and I wish her the best of luck in her next role. Thank you for everything Mrs Williams. I want to wish everyone in East House and at Reading school the best of luck in the future, it truly has been an honour."
N A T H A L I E W I L L I A M S
T E A C H E R O F M A T H E M A T I C S H E A D O F E A S T H O U S E ( 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 2 2 )
We say goodbye to Nathalie who has been a truly inspirational Mathematics teacher and Head of House. Here is just a snippet of what she had to say...
When did you become Head of House? Tell us about your journey from then till now
"I joined Reading School in 2015 and became the official form tutor for 7E for three years. In 2018, I took over the Head of East House role and it was the greatest possible gift in my career at Reading School. I am very suited to a pastoral role as I love to look after the students and help them go through those difficult and stressful teenage years.
My first goal was to make East House the most supportive and close-knit community, by increasing the interaction between the different year groups and creating a strong House spirit and sense of belonging. I introduced Prefect Teams with senior Prefects leading more Junior Prefects, started vertical tutoring from Year 7 to Year 13 once a week and a buddy system to help welcome the new Year 7 students into the House. Recently, East House also introduced academic mentoring between year groups and a well-being support system where older students help younger students deal with everyday issues.
I have attended as many house competitions as possible and been impressed by the teamwork and camaraderie, which are so special to East House."
What has been your favourite moment/memory as Head of House?
"I am very proud and privileged to have been with my form group through their school life to see them turn into these fantastic young people, who won the House Cup, supported each other through many ups and down, went through lockdown and remote learning and finally sat A level exams!"
What will you miss most about your role?
"It is a cliché, but I will of course miss all the students in East House. I will also miss working with our committed, caring, and supportive form tutors – I could not have done the role without them. A special thank you to Mr McGall for looking after the Pastoral team at Reading School and helping me run my House on more occasions than I can remember!"
What piece of advice would you give the incoming Head of House?
"If you invest the right amount of time and effort in the role and care for the students, you will make a difference in the life of many, and it will be a very rewarding role. Also “East is Beast” of course!"
Mr L Green (Teacher of Chemistry) on becoming Head of East House:
"East House already has strong systems in place. I want to carry on with what Mrs Williams has already instilled in the House. There is a strong sense of belonging and a belief that East can do anything and win everything. Ideally I would like East House to reflect the best of me: Awareness, Honesty, and Kindness. The awareness to know one’s own mind and actions. To know your own thoughts and feelings and then work towards being a better person. I have dedicated my time and expertise to help with various projects around the school. Whether it be robotics, STEM clubs, boarding, sports, Future Stories, or trips. If there is something that I can help with, I’ll be there. I fully intend to bring this attitude to my role as Head of House.
Reading School works to empower our young people to not only find out about what they need to know but to also figure out who they are as well. I have loved having the chance to share my journey with some fantastic young people. As Head of East House, I get to do that on a bigger scale. I can be at the heart of developing our ideas of success. To cherish the journey rather than the destination!"
S T E V E A L L E N
H E A D O F S P O R T & P . E . H E A D O F S C H O O L H O U S E ( 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 2 2 )
This year, Steve Allen will step down as Head of School House. He has been Head of School House for 7 years:
What has your house been up to this year?
"I would like to say a huge thank you to all students and staff in School House this year. It's been so good to see house competitions returning, especially house cricket. I love to see boys cheering on their house and I love playing the music when boundaries are hit and when a wicket falls!
Our senior boys have been taking such a great lead. We have had so many younger students stepping up to get involved and lead events. I would love to see even more students across all year groups get involved in every possible competition. It's very emotional stepping down as Head of House, but it has been an absolute pleasure to lead the house for the last seven years."
What has been your favourite moment/memory as Head of House?
"Senior prize giving was such an amazing memory for me as I got to see students, I had taught for such a long time come back after 2 years of university. It was great to see them and I felt very proud of them."
What will you miss most about your role?
"I will miss assemblies, giving out rewards and people coming to me for advice. I hope students from any house know they can contact me anytime they need something. I will do my best as Head of Sport and PE to make sure I give lots of rewards and be available if anyone needs me."
What piece of advice would you give the incoming Head of House?
"Just that things will go wrong and that's ok! It has to be one of the best jobs in the world so enjoy every moment."
family. My vision for the House is that no student will feel unheard, alone, or unsafe; that every student has a sense of belonging to School House and Reading School and knows that I am in their corner and will support them through all of their ups and downs.
I am hoping that I will bring a breath of fresh air that will enable me to achieve my vision. School House is already well established and embodies many of the aspects I want in my vision, but I am hoping to bring new excitement and energy. We call this ‘gees’ in South Africa – good luck pronouncing that! I am incredibly excited to welcome the new Year 7s and to work alongside my prefect team to create one of the best years for School House. Above all else, I am excited to develop relationships with the boys as I embark on the next part of their school life.
To all of you in School House, I look forward to meeting and interacting with you. I look forward to developing relationships with you. Together, we will stand strong and achieve success for all."
Mr C Betteridge (Teacher of Mathematics) on becoming Head of School House:
"As I start September as the Head of School House, I hope that the sense of family and community amongst the boys strengthens. There is such an incredible sense of patriotism to the house as well as unwavering support among the boys. From what I have seen, the boys love being a part of School house and I look forward to joining their
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