House System

NBS House System Objectives

Our aim is to provide every student in each house with the following:

  • a sense of belonging within the school community
  • a deeper understanding of our Catholic ethos
  • opportunities to develop social, intellectual, physical and practical skills
  • a sense of achievement both inside and outside of the classroom
  • fun and excitement through competition
  • opportunities for leadership
  • an awareness of individual and collective responsibility

House Organisation

Students are assigned to one of the four houses on entrance to the school in Year 7 where they remain until the end of 6th form; where possible younger siblings will become a member of the same house.

Each member of staff is also attached to a house.

Each house has two designated Year 11 House Captains, and one Sixth Form House Leader, who will help to co-ordinate house teams, organise activities and events and represent their house at relevant meetings.

Understanding House Points

Each House is in competition with each other to achieve the highest number of house points at the end of each term and most importantly by the end of the year, where there will be a special prize for the winning House.

Regular House Point totals will be advertised on the House Leader Board next to Reception, and on the screens in school

Students can contribute to their House Point totals in a number of ways both in and out of the classroom. All students are expected to participate in at least one of the many House events and activities.

How To Earn House Points

  • In class – Students are awarded House Points for excellent effort and achievement both in the classroom and for their homework
  • House Activities – Every curriculum area provides at least one house activity organised throughout the year for all Year Groups to enter. These activities are outlined on the school website calendar and will be advertised with further details on how to get involved through tutor times during the school year.
  • Clubs – Students can also earn House Points for their involvement with extra-curricular clubs such as football, netball, music or drama.
  • Achievement outside school – Students can also earn House Points for varying kinds of achievement such as passing extra-curricular tests such as music exams, dancing medals or Judo colours.
  • Extra-curricular Competitions – Students can also earn House Points for entering competitions, and prizes will always include House Points.
  • Caught doing good – students can earn House Points by being helpful outside the classroom, such as assisting visitors, helping others or collecting litter.
  • Attendance – Students who achieve 100% attendance in a term or those showing significant improvement receive a House Point, as well as being placed in a draw for a gift voucher.
  • Living Our Catholic Faith – students can earn House Points for excellent and supportive behaviour during Masses, Assemblies and Liturgies. Students who read, serve on the altar, sing or perform during these events will also earn House Points. All these activities are open to all students of every faith, or none.
  • Giving to others – House Points will be given for all kinds of caring behaviour. For example, points will be given to students who help others in the classroom, show a caring approach to someone else who is in need, or who show a committed approach to fundraising activities such as our chosen charity, Marist Mercy Care.