House System

At LEH International School Foshan, we are committed to delivering an authentic British educational experience, with the House system playing a pivotal role in the school life of every student. 

Understanding the House System

The House system at LEH Foshan groups students across different ages, skills and interests into four unique 'Houses': Dragon, Gryphon, Phoenix and Unicorn. Going beyond traditional academic groupings like year groups or faculties, these Houses form smaller, family-like units within the school, each with its distinct character and ethos. Thoughtful placement in these Houses ensures a blend of talents and backgrounds, fostering a rich environment.

House Name Dragon Phoenix Gryphon Unicorn
House LOGO

 

 

 

 

Compass Point

East South West North
House Color

Blue

Gold

Green

Purple

*Two of the four mythological creatures are from China and the other two are from Western mythology. The selection of these House symbols is used to highlight the importance of both East and West at LEH Foshan, and another meaningful way to combine the two cultures.

 

The Purpose of the House System

Cultivating Diverse Social Interactions

The House system at LEH Foshan plays a crucial role in fostering interactions among students from various year groups and backgrounds, creating vibrant mini societies within the school. In these house-based communities, it is common to see our students hanging out in their house rooms, chatting and joining in activities with others. This gives them a great chance to learn how to get along with others and to create a friendly and supportive environment. These experiences are invaluable, laying the foundation for students to develop essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal dynamics. Such preparation is pivotal, equipping students for their journey through university and into a diverse global society.

 

Fostering a Culture of Community

The House system does more than just group students together; it fosters a culture of community. This sense of community is anchored in two key elements: shared spaces and a collective identity. Each House, with its distinctive room, emblematic symbol, and shared ethos, instils a unique sense of belonging and pride. Essential to the House system are the communal spaces (House rooms) where students and faculty can gather for both formal and informal interactions, fostering a sense of community. Moreover, the system promotes healthy competition through inter-house activities in sports, arts, and academics, teaching students the value of teamwork, individual effort, and achievement.

 

House Events and Activities

The House system is inclusive, encompassing a range of events that cater to different learning styles and interests, from sports and arts to music and academic competitions. These activities provide academic and social-emotional benefits, enhancing confidence and engagement in all school aspects.

House Music Competiton

House Quiz and Halloween Celebration

Houseroom Halloween Decoration Competiton

House Sports Games

House Masters

Both students and teachers are integral parts of the House system. Each House is guided by two House Masters, one from Prep and one from Secondary; they are teachers who lead with the support of colleagues, shaping the House’s development and pastoral care.

The role of House Master is an important one here at LEH Foshan as it allows us to develop and nurture our schools’ values pastorally. One of the main strengths of the House system is giving students of all ages the opportunity to work together, creating a truly cohesive environment and ensuring that age is not a barrier to friendship and collaboration. This reflects the life that we are preparing our students for outside of LEH Foshan.

Unicorn House

Mr Robert Jones

House Master of Unicorn


 

Gryphon House

Ms Jennifer Clarke

House Mistress of Gryphon

Dragon House

Mr Connor Lewis

House Master of Dragon


 

Phoenix House

Mr Alexander Tennant

House Master of Phoenix


Secondary School House Masters

Unicorn House 

Ms Kathryn Hollowood

House Mistress of Unicorn


 

Gryphon House

Mr Nicholas Lomas

House Master of Gryphon

Dragon House 

Mr Matthew Taylor

House Master of Dragon 


 

Phoenix House

Mr Andrew Munim

House Master of Phoenix

House Tutors

The House System is also supported by House tutors; there are 3 tutors in each House, with each overseeing 2 Year Levels, supporting their academic, social and emotional development. The House Master and House Tutor roles complement each other perfectly to provide an in-school support network for our students so that they have a positive school experience.

 

House Benefits

The House System exists to develop a sense of identity, belonging and school spirit and to provide opportunities for all students to participate fully in the life of the school. A wealth of House competitions and activities encourages community, co-operation, and collaboration among the student body alongside creativity, determination, interdependence, and resilience.

Since the inception of the House system, it has been possible to see significant developments and improvements in students’ interpersonal relationships and leadership opportunities, with several of our older and younger students taking on different responsibilities, afforded to them within the House system.

House Captains

Student leadership is embodied in the House Captains and their deputies, who assist the House Masters in managing and representing their House, further fostering leadership skills and community involvement.

House Points

The 'House Point' system is designed to recognise and motivate students' achievements. Earning House Points for positive behaviours and quality work goes beyond individual acknowledgement; it builds a culture of involvement and support. Students are thus motivated to explore their interests and skills, fostering both personal growth and a sense of community spirit.

The sense of community that pervades throughout the school would, arguably, be incomplete if students were not given the opportunity to interact with teachers beyond those they see in the classroom, thereby encouraging stronger relationships between adults and students.

To talk about the House system and neglect to mention competition would be foolish. Potentially it is the competitive element of the Houses that people think of first. The all-important termly round up where the current leader is announced to great fanfare, the selection of mini competitions each term and, of course, Sports Day. Competition is good, it drives our students to improve, improves collegiality and teaches how to fail.