Houses
We are proud to have 3 houses at our schools. Arlington (red), Anvil (purple) and Watermill (green).
These have been chosen because we either work in partnership with each of the aforenamed Arts Centres or aspire to be like them.
The Watermill Theatre is one of the UK’s most successful regional producing theatres. The Berkshire theatre produces nationally renowned work. Every other year our school works alongside the Watermill Theatre and other local schools to put on a shared production. The Production Manager helps us with our Christmas lighting every year for which we are very grateful.
The Arlington Arts Centre is the choice for live music in West Berkshire. The line-up is always introducing you to up-and-coming blues and folk artists, as well as veteran craftspeople of the scene. Alongside this they have a vibrant programme of Theatre, Dance and Comedy - as well as being available to hire for conferences and the like.
All proceeds from Arlington Arts Centre go to the Mary Hare School For The Deaf Charity. As a school we aspire to promote Theatre and Dance.
Anvil Arts, the largest performing arts organisation in Hampshire, runs The Anvil, The Haymarket and The Forge in Basingstoke.
It is managed by The Anvil Trust, an independent educational charity. We aspire to emulate this Arts Centre.
Children are distributed evenly between the houses. Year 5 pupils stand for election as Shadow House Captain and are voted in in a democratic manner. They write a speech and try to win votes from the rest of the school. When the children reach Year 6, they then become House Captains. This succession planning means that our House Captains have a year learning the skills and gaining experience so that by they time it is their turn to lead, they are ready from the outset!