House System

Dormston operates a successful House System where we have engendered a real sense of community, competition and achievement across the year groups. We have named our four Houses after four rivers: Avon, Derwent, Severn and Trent because the journey through school is much like the flow and currents of a river. It may start small but as it works its way to the vast ocean it gets wider, flows stronger and gains momentum.

There may be obstacles in the way and sometimes it might not be an easy or direct route but just as a river finally emerges into the vast ocean, so our students move on to bigger and brighter futures. If we work together in this way we are confident in the success of your child both academically and beyond.

Form Groups

On average there are eight form groups in each year, with an average of 28 children. Form groups are led by a tutor who students will see each morning and afternoon.

Initially, students can turn to their Form Tutor for any advice or support required. Throughout the year specific students will be identified for individual mentoring (in years 7-9) with regards to homework, organisation and personal well-being.

A Head of House leads their House alongside their Deputy Head of House. Together with their team of tutors they monitor and track attendance, effort, and behaviour. Staff forge positive and professional relationships with the students to support them in being the very best version of themselves.

Please click on the drop down box below to read a message from your Head of House.

Avon

MESSAGE FROM MR AMOS – HEAD OF AVON

AVON House aspires to encourage our pupils to be independent, creative and confident individuals who also abide by the schools 5 core values. The fundamental attribute of Avon House is ‘believe’. This is the ethos which is always at the very heart of what Myself and Mr McLaughlin encourage Avon students to do on a daily basis; whether this be to overcoming a challenge, attempting a new skill or working towards their dream career. Avon House encourages our pupils to embrace opportunities to become the very best version of themselves through working hard in school. This really means a great deal to the Avon team and as staff we strive to lead by example.

Our Student Leadership Team are key in helping to smooth the transition from primary to secondary school or supporting students who have struggles along the way either with homework, organisational skills or making friends. AVON students are encouraged to care for others as well as themselves and to always ‘believe’ in themselves so they leave school not only armed with academic qualifications, but with life experiences and a positive outlook as well as compassion for others.

Avon students are regular fundraisers and have raised thousands of pounds over the years. This year, we shall be working together to raise money for a whole school charity. Avon pupils enjoy helping and contributing to charitable causes and take an interest in trying to make a difference.

Derwent

MESSAGE FROM MRS DOWNIE – HEAD OF DERWENT

In Derwent House we are always striving to make the next day better than the last. We expect our students to be in school every day and put maximum effort into every lesson. Any time behaviour falls short of perfect, students can expect to be chased up and procedures put in place to rectify the situation.

We are a successful House – and this is because of the fact that we care. Our new motto of ‘We are more than a ‘House’ we are a ‘Home’ clearly shows how much we care about the safety, progress and happiness of our students.

Derwent prides itself on excellent attendance and behaviour. This is down to the dedication of our students and a commitment to be the best. Even better than that, what makes our House special is that students are so proud to be part of our team. They wear their badge with pride. Their successes are always celebrated and any issues are always dealt with. Our Student Leadership Team provide extra support for Tutors and offer mentoring for younger students to encourage them to succeed at Dormston. Students are supported by a wonderful Tutor Team, Deputy Head of House, Mr Richardson and Head of House, Mrs Downie.

Severn

MESSAGE FROM MISS WARD – HEAD OF SEVERN

In Severn House we endeavour to be the very best version of ourselves. We strive to work hard every day and have the resilience to never give up. This is the foundation that Severn House is built on and enables students to achieve to the best of their ability and reach their potential.

The leadership team can help make the transition from primary school to Dormston easier through mentoring sessions, from helping form new friendships, workshops in gaining confidence, support with homework, to simply being a friendly face around school.

Severn’s ethos, “the future belongs to those who prepare for it today” is demonstrated through Miss Ward and Mrs Trotter along with our supportive team of form tutors, preparing students for their future by leading through example. Our Head Boy and Head Girl (along with the rest of the Leadership Team) are strong role models to younger students.

In Severn House, the ideal student is one who gives 100% EFFORT and always tries their best. They may not always succeed but will have the RESILIENCE to get back up and will learn from their mistakes. In Severn House we RESPECT each other and our environment and always take RESPONSIBILITY for ourselves and our actions. We understand that KNOWLEDGE is power and when our students leave Dormston they should aim to have fulfilled not only their academic goals but also have created a rich tapestry of memories which they can cherish moving forward.

Trent

MESSAGE FROM MR PLANT – HEAD OF TRENT

‘Achievement through Effort’ is the fundamental objective of Trent House, for students to accomplish academic and personal goals through hard work, determination and commitment. Mrs Brayshaw and I encourage Trent students to strive for the very best, feel proud of their efforts and celebrate in all successes.

On a daily basis Trent students will show kindness and compassion to help and support each other to create a positive ethos and caring community whereby all pupils feel safe to be individual and unique. There are various opportunities for students of all years to take on an active role within the House which give students a sense of responsibility: with our Leadership Team doing a fantastic job steering key events throughout the year, and the Mentoring Team helping Year 7 through a smooth transition, and support students who need a little assistance with homework, organisation and confidence building.

Trent House is always proactive with ideas, exploring new opportunities through initiating extra-curricular projects such as the Triathlon Club, which is very successful. A variety of creative events organised by students include obstacle courses, a 5k run, sponsored individual challenges and stalls which offer an array of opportunities for money to be raised. With effort being one of the key indicators of achievement and success, Trent students will leave school knowing that they have done their very best, moving on to new and exciting ventures.