The House system is a core aspect of the Wadhurst pastoral care program, providing structure and belonging for our Year 7 and 8 students. Recently, the Wadhurst House activities program has been expanded to offer an even greater emphasis on connection and respect for others through a wider range of activities.
“Inter-House sport is still very much part of our schedule, but we’ve also introduced other options to widen the opportunities for students to connect with others, discover strengths, and support their own wellbeing,” explains Deputy Head of Wadhurst Rob Mann.
Changes to create stronger connections
Thursday afternoons each fortnight are dedicated to the Wadhurst House activities program. Traditionally the focus was on a range of competitive sport including tennis, football, cricket and basketball which all students still regularly participate in. These activities are now complemented by options such as art, chess, boxercise, and cultural dance classes at other times.
House-based activities at Wadhurst go beyond the fortnightly program to include camps, service learning, and inter-House competitions in the arts and at sports carnivals.
Inter-House singing and lunchtime debating competitions also occur, along with social and emotional development workshops, leadership workshops, and bespoke sessions run by our Heads of House.
“The Year 7 cohort is drawn from around 75 different primary schools and brings together 200 students, many of whom are new to Melbourne Grammar School; this means we must intentionally foster their connections with one another,” says Rob. “We find that there are benefits for parents, too, who will often create opportunities to connect with other House families through aspects of our program.”
Building a stronger student voice
Weekly assemblies are another important component of the pastoral care program, with each House taking turns to lead the Friday assembly, focused on a theme of their choice.
“Assemblies have been a really rich way to increase the role of the student voice in what we do at Wadhurst,” says Rob. “Students are responsible for everything, from writing the script to finding an MC. The Year 7s ran a great assembly recently on personal care and respect for each other. It’s amazing to see them step up and find their confidence.”
“Early adolescence is a time when peer approval is critical,” Rob adds. “Across all these activities, the House system gives students a community where they can find their people, address any concerns they might have, and build the skills and confidence they need to take their next steps.”
