The Houses

The school is organised into eight houses under the guidance of a Head of House and House Manager. The Year 7 Learning Team is seen as a transition phase where students are introduced to the rigours of secondary education. The eight houses are organised differently but the focus remains on learning and achieving. Each Year 7 tutor group is attached to the House system.

The House System

The students in Year 8 to 11 are divided into the eight houses. The houses are:

Students are placed into Houses in family groups so that our staff can build strong links between the school and the home. Each House is made up of eight mixed ability, mixed aged Learning Groups. This vertical arrangement allows the House Tutor to monitor the progress of a small number of students from each age group more closely and so address their learning and welfare needs more closely. It also allows older students to take on roles of responsibility and develop their leadership potential. Every member of the Fulwood Academy , including every member of staff belongs to a House and wears a lanyard in their House colour.

The Vertical Tutor Group

At Fulwood we are committed to the benefits gained from having students experience a Vertical group experience. On entry to the school Year 7 students are divided into 8 tutor groups. Each of the Year 7 tutor groups will be linked to one of the 4 Houses.

All Year 8-11 students will be evenly divided into 40 House Tutor Groups. Each House will consist of 4 House Groups and will be led by a House Tutor. Students will be encouraged to support and lead their peers, share experiences and help prepare their younger peers for future events. A team/family ethos will be encouraged amongst Learning Groups and this will permeate across the House system. The Head of House and House Manager will lead staff and students to ensure inter house activities promote a positive atmosphere across the Academy.

The House Tutor

The role of the House Tutor is extremely important at Fulwood and we place considerable emphasis on the impact a tutor can have on the overall development of the students in their House Tutor Group. As the first point of contact between home and school, tutors have a key role to play in keeping open the lines of communication. As the teacher who sees the student on a daily basis over a four year period, it is appropriate that tutor and student develop a relationship of trust. The House Tutor should make it an integral part of their job to maintain their students’ self-esteem and encourage continual improvement as children strive to reach targets.

The form period provides an ideal opportunity for a start to the school day that encourages a positive approach to the day. Promoting house-based activities will enhance students’ sense of belonging. This can also be helped by consistently following a routine that is both disciplined and encourages self-discipline.