As the current heads of our school boarding houses sit the last of their exams, they make way for their successors – the new Heads of House – who were recently appointed into their roles.
Each of our seven boarding houses has traditionally appointed a Head of House, and sometimes two boys are chosen, which is the case this year. The role of Head of House is hugely important within the boarding community; they help to look after the younger boys, providing them support when needed, for example, if they get homesick, which happens from time to time. They also act as a go-between to the Boarding Housemaster and the boys, which helps ensure the best possible pastoral care. Additionally, they are expected to be good role models for the other boys and organise events within the boarding house and across the boarding community.
Kabir Singh, the new Head of House in Phillpotts, told us, “I wanted to become Head of House because I saw it as an opportunity to express my leadership skills and help the younger boys develop in their school life. Over the years the House has really helped me develop as an individual and with this role I wanted to give back to the House that has given me so much.”
Kabir and his peers take their responsibilities very seriously, and rightly so. It is a highly respected role, not only within the House but also in the wider school. It provides the opportunity and platform to be the voice of their House in school communities and other boarding events.
The boys have hit the ground running and have already held their first Boarding Council meeting (with all important pizzas, of course). They have planned an extracurricular strategy involving five-a-side football (after the success of this year’s tournament), volleyball, pool and a table tennis competition to be staged in the Great Hall.
Kabir went on to say, “Our aim for the next year is to plan more House events and trips. We want to help encourage the boys develop both their academic and sporting abilities. We would also like to help the teachers within the boarding houses, taking the load off them and make the Sixth Formers more responsible.”