Houses
Our House System
Our House System is a long-standing tradition that plays an important role in the life of our school. Every child belongs to one of our four Houses: Aylesford, Canterbury, Faversham and Walsingham. Named after significant places of Catholic pilgrimage and heritage, our Houses reflect the rich traditions of our faith and remind us that we are all pilgrims on a journey with Christ.
Through our House System, children develop a strong sense of belonging, build friendships across year groups and take pride in representing their House. It provides meaningful opportunities for pupils to develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, confidence and service, while living out our school mission to Achieve Excellence, Act with Respect and Serve our Community.
The House System contributes to our wider commitment to developing the whole child, supporting pupils’ personal development, character formation and understanding of their role within the school and wider community.
Houses
Aylesford
Aylesford is named after The Friars, home of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Kent. For hundreds of years, pilgrims have travelled to Aylesford to pray, reflect and seek peace. The Carmelite community based there continues to welcome visitors from across the country, providing a place of prayer, welcome and spiritual renewal.
Canterbury
Canterbury is one of the most significant Christian cities in England and has been a place of pilgrimage since the martyrdom of St Thomas Becket in 1170. His courage and commitment to standing firm in his faith continue to inspire Christians around the world.
Faversham
Faversham celebrates our own local Catholic heritage within Kent and reminds us that faith is lived out in everyday life. It reflects the importance of local parish communities and the people who have faithfully kept the Catholic faith alive across generations.
Walsingham
Walsingham is England’s National Shrine of Our Lady and has welcomed pilgrims for almost one thousand years. It remains one of the country’s most important places of prayer and pilgrimage, visited by thousands of people each year.
House Life
Each House is led by our Year 6 House Captains, who act as positive role models and ambassadors for their House. They encourage participation, promote teamwork, support younger pupils and help organise House events throughout the year. Through these leadership opportunities, children develop confidence, responsibility, communication skills and a spirit of service.
Children earn House Points by demonstrating our school mission to Achieve Excellence, Act with Respect and Serve. House Points recognise excellent learning, perseverance, effort, positive behaviour, kindness, acts of service, sporting achievement, participation in school life and living out our Gospel values.
Every contribution is valued, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to make a positive difference to their House. The system celebrates a broad range of achievements and enables every pupil to experience success.
Throughout the year, children take part in a wide range of inter-House competitions and enrichment activities. These include sporting events, performing arts, music, languages, reading, mathematics, art, curriculum challenges, fundraising events and whole-school celebrations.
These opportunities encourage pupils to work collaboratively, develop resilience, discover new talents and celebrate one another’s achievements. They also provide opportunities for children to develop leadership, teamwork, creativity and confidence beyond the classroom.
At the end of each half term, the House with the highest number of House Points is awarded the House Cup, recognising the commitment, effort and achievements of all its members.
Leadership and Service
The House System provides meaningful opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills and take responsibility for contributing to the life of the school. House Captains and other pupil leaders support younger children, encourage participation and help create a positive culture of belonging.
Through these roles, pupils learn the importance of service, compassion and supporting others. They understand that leadership is not simply about achievement, but about using their gifts to make a positive difference within their community.
The Impact of Our House System
The House System gives children regular opportunities to live out our school values beyond the classroom. Through House activities, leadership roles and acts of service, pupils develop a stronger understanding of our values by putting them into action: striving for achievement, showing respect and serving their community.
Children develop a strong sense of community and belonging across year groups, strengthening our St Philomena’s family. The House System supports positive relationships between pupils of different ages and encourages children to celebrate and encourage one another.
Leaders monitor the impact of the House System through pupil voice, participation in activities, House Point achievements and feedback from staff and families. This enables leaders to evaluate how effectively the House System supports pupils’ personal development, behaviour, attitudes and sense of belonging.
