The House System
Our House System at Greenbank High School
In 2012, the House System was proudly reintroduced, creating a vibrant sense of community and friendly competition across the school. Originally, there were six Houses, each named after an inspirational woman who made a lasting impact in her field. In 2020, pupils voted to add a seventh House, choosing Christiana Hartley as the new patron.
From September 2020, every pupil and their form tutor belong to the same House. Form letters indicate House membership – for example, pupils in 7B are in Bronte House, while those in 8H are in Hartley House. Pupils in Audrey Hepburn House will have the form letter A.
How It Works
All achievement points earned by pupils contribute to their House total. Points are awarded for:
- Excellent effort and contributions in class
- Following the ‘Greenbank Way’
- Having the correct equipment and uniform
- Attendance and punctuality
- Participation in extra-curricular activities
- Service to school and the wider community
- Leadership roles
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Taking part in special events and competitions
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Other categories or achievements, as appropriate.
Leadership and Involvement
Each House is supported by dedicated staff and enthusiastic pupils. Every form elects one House Captain and two Vice-Captains, who help organise events, lead assemblies, share ideas, and act as role models.
Competitions and Events
Throughout the year, pupils work together to earn points through exciting House events, including:
- House Talent Show
- Inter-House Sports
- Times Table Rock Stars
- Creative Writing and Poetry Competitions
- Art Competition
- Bake Off
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Topical quizzes during PDT
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Other events/activities as per the school calendar.
Certificates and prizes are awarded every half term, and at the end of the year, the House Cup is presented to the overall champions, who enjoy a special celebration.
Charity and Community
Fundraising is a vital part of the House System. Each House selects a charity to support – some remain the same each year, while others change based on pupil choice. Recent charities include:
- UNICEF (Hepburn)
- Southport Offshore Rescue Trust (Bronte)
- RSPCA Southport (Pankhurst)
- Queenscourt Hospice (Hartley)
- Liverpool Bereavement Service (Keller)
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital (Seacole)
- British Heart Foundation (Curie)
Fundraising activities range from bake sales and raffles to sponsored events and creative new ideas. Over the years, thousands of pounds have been raised for these worthy causes.
Fundraising activities may include (but are not limited to):
- Sales of cakes/pancakes/popcorn/lollies/ice pops etc.
- Sponsored events (skipping, runs, etc.)
- Tombola
- Raffles
- Bucket collections
New ideas are always welcome and considered.
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Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte: Literary role model who wrote Jane Eyre in a time when women authors were ignored or frowned upon.
- House Leader: Mr. P. Wildman
- Colour: Purple
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Marie Curie
Marie Curie: The only women to win 2 Nobel Prizes in the different fields of physics and chemistry.
- House Leader: Mr. D. Burton
- Colour: Dark blue
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Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn: Academy Award winning actress, fashion icon and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
- House Leader: Mrs. A. Moran
- Colour: Turquoise
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Helen Keller
Helen Keller: The first deaf-blind person to be awarded a BA degree. An outspoken political activist and author.
- House Leader: Mrs. C. Howard
- Colour: Burgundy
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Emmeline Pankhurst
Emmeline Pankhurst: Head of the Suffragette movement who campaigned for women’s rights.
- House Leader: Mrs. G. Minshull
- Colour: Orange
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Mary Seacole
Mary Seacole: A British-Jamaican nurse who set up a hospital behind the lines in the Crimean War.
- House Leader: Mrs. H. Marshall \ Miss. R. Bond
- Colour: Yellow
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Christiana Hartley
Christiana Hartley: First female Mayor of Southport, fought for social and welfare rights, especially for women and founder of the local maternity hospital.
- House Leader: Mrs. J. Hunter
- Colour: Lilac
