A key strength of the House System is the vertical integration of different aged students. This creates a ‘family’ unit within which responsibilities are assigned to older students to care for and support their younger peers.
The House System is the most distinctive characteristic of a Harrow-branded education and is central to the School’s culture and success. The development of House communities is characterised by strong bonds and support networks within each House. The House Master or Mistress and Form Tutor know each member of the House extremely well, allowing for close monitoring of academic performance as well as pastoral support. Therefore, if and when there is a problem the student will swiftly receive well judged, individualised and effective support to get back on track.
The House system at Harrow Shenzhen is central to our students’ wellbeing and personal development as they journey through their school career and progress into life beyond school. Based on the traditional House system of Harrow UK, it is a fundamental ingredient in providing a personalised learning environment in which each child is personally known by a key member of staff.
All students belong to one House and develop a strong sense of belonging and allegiance to their House over the course of their time at School.
In the Lower School students come together in their Houses for such events as competing for House sport trophies, singing competitions etc. Each student’s pastoral care is provided by their Class Teacher and guidance and oversight is provided by the Heads of Phase in the Lower School.
Students in the Upper School also belong to one of these six Houses which form their tutor groups. Each House is led by a Housemaster/mistress (Hm). The Housemasters/mistresses are supported by the Assistant Head, and Head of School.
The House system allows close personal tutoring to become a reality and is at the heart of the Harrow philosophy. Such a system develops and maintains a ‘small school’ atmosphere, within a large school structure. Importantly the House system serves as an important link between school and home, one in which parents can benefit from a clear line of communication from their child’s tutor and Housemaster/mistress.
As part of the strategic vision at Harrow Shenzhen the House system is vital to ensuring all students achieve their full academic and individual potential, which will in turn offer them a supportive environment in which they can flourish.
The Six Houses
Deng Xiao Ping House (Green)
Named after the Chinese politician and paramount leader from 1978 until 1992. He was the leader of ‘reform and opening’. Special relationship with Shenzhen. Seen as the “Architect of Modern China.”
Curie House (Purple)
Named after Polish physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Noble Prize (twice).
Lyon House (Orange)
Attenborough House (Red)
Named after Broadcaster, historian and leading conservationist who helped to raise global awareness for 60 years. National Treasure of Britain.
Song Qing Ling House (Yellow)
Named after the important politician. In May 1981, she was given the special title of “Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China”. Regarded by many as the Mother of modern China.
Churchill House (Blue)
Named after the British Prime Minister during WW2, who led Britain to victory and again from 1951 to 1955. He attended Harrow school.
House events take place throughout the year and include:
- Sports Days
- Charity Events
- Dance, signing, artistic competitions
- Harrow Ducker
- House Music
- Different sports and swimming competitions
- Attitude and effort competitions (based on report cards)
The Houses afford students a smaller, closer community within the school, and broaden the range of activities and support available. Students Houses can be identified through the student’s uniform, which includes a House t-shirt, worn during House events and every Thursday.
Points are awarded to Houses for winning and placing in competitions. At the end of each academic year, the number of points accumulated by each House is totalled and the ‘winning’ House is recognised.
