HOUSE SYSTEM

The Origins of the “House” System

The house system is widely used in British schools and schools that model themselves after the British system in countries with past British colonial ties, such as Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, and Singapore. The system began in boarding schools, where students actually ate, drank, and slept in individual houses during school terms. The house system still operates this way in prestigious British boarding schools, such as Harrow, Eton, and Winchester College.

There are numerous benefits schools have traditionally seen in using the house system. According to its website, Harrow International School Bangkok, Thailand, considers its house system the “heart of the Secondary School.” “It is designed to encourage and increase competition between students and to create a supportive environment.”

Purpose

To teach civic duty and build school culture. To foster trusting relationships with housemates and learn teamwork through challenges that showcase the group’s ability to rely on and work well with one another.  It also provides healthy competition outlets within the school and can open up opportunities to host a new and unique type of athletic/academic competition with similar schools in the future.

How it works:

Leaders: House Captains are chosen by staff and partnered with a staff leader.  The House Captain and Staff Leader will choose up to 3 additional leaders in the house. To become a leader, there is an application and interview process. Student’s academics and behavior are considered in the election process.

House Assignment: Random draw for incoming students.  Once a last name is assigned to a house, all family members will remain in that same house for their duration at RCA. This will deepen family connections for generations to come. 

House Points: Each house will compete with the other houses to gain the most points to be awarded the Eagle’s Cup at the end of the year.  The winning house is announced at the end of the year Awards Ceremony. Points will be given by the administration for academic excellence, dress code compliance, house spirit, community service, Buddy Days, and House Games. .