Our House System

The St. Andrew’s House System is a longstanding tradition and a central aspect of school life, promoting camaraderie, leadership and a sense of belonging among students, faculty and our families. Ask any of our alum about their time at St Andrew’s - it won’t be long before they tell you which house they were in!
Our Community

The system encourages participation in a wide range of activities and provides an excellent vehicle for integrating pastoral care and staff-student interaction. There is always a strong spirit shown through house activities and this has proven over the years to encourage an involved and active student body at all levels.

Organisation

There are four houses, named after indigenous Caribbean tribes, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region: 

New students are placed in house, under the direction of a faculty house leader who organises and supports our house competitions. New students who have a clear family connection with a particular house are normally placed in that house.  This structure encourages mentorship, unity, and a family-like atmosphere, as students remain in their designated house throughout their time at St. Andrew’s. 


Purposes of the House System

The House System serves multiple objectives aimed at enhancing the educational experience:

  1. Promoting School Spirit and Community: By belonging to a house, students develop a sense of identity and pride. House-based events and competitions foster school spirit and strengthen the sense of community.
  2. Encouraging Healthy Competition: The system introduces friendly rivalry through various competitions, motivating students to excel in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. This competition teaches resilience and the value of teamwork.
  3. Developing Leadership and Responsibility: Each house is led by student-appointed House Prefects who take on leadership roles, organizing events and guiding younger members. This responsibility nurtures leadership skills and accountability.
  4. Providing Pastoral Care and Support: Houses function as support networks where students can seek advice and assistance. The mixed-age groups allow older students to mentor younger ones, fostering a supportive environment.

House Competitions and Activities

Throughout the academic year, houses compete in a variety of events categorized into different cups and awards:

Academic Achievements

Students earn credits for their house through outstanding academic work, effort, and behavior. The credit allocation system rewards excellence and improvement, contributing to the overall house score.

Outdoor Cup

This includes sports and physical education activities where houses compete in events like athletics, swimming, and team sports. Success in these events contributes to the Outdoor Cup standings.

Indoor Cup

Comprising competitions in arts, music, drama, and other indoor activities, this cup encourages participation in cultural and creative pursuits.

House Colours

Exceptional contributions to house activities are recognized through the awarding of House Colours, celebrating individual commitment and achievement.

These competitions culminate in the awarding of trophies and recognition at the end of the school year, celebrating the collective efforts and successes of each house. 


Leadership Structure

Each house is overseen by House Prefects—senior students selected based on their leadership qualities and commitment to the school community. These Prefects are responsible for organizing house activities, mentoring younger students, and representing their house in school forums. Their roles are crucial in maintaining the spirit and functionality of the House System. 


Impact on Student Life

The House System at St. Andrew’s International School significantly enriches student life by:

  • Building Lifelong Friendships
    The bonds formed within houses often lead to enduring friendships that extend beyond school years.
  • Enhancing Personal Development
    Participation in house activities helps students develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
  • Creating a Supportive Environment
    The sense of belonging to a house provides emotional and social support, contributing to overall student well-being.

In summary, the House System at St. Andrew’s International School is a cornerstone of the institution’s ethos, fostering a cohesive community that values excellence, leadership, and mutual support. Through this system, students are encouraged to strive for personal and collective success, embodying the school’s commitment to holistic education.

Team

Kayleigh Sturrup

Head of Carib House, Primary School, Teacher, Spanish
Carib

Sean Sears

Head of Arawak House, Secondary School, Teacher, Visual Arts
Arawak

Vera Acquah-WIlson

Head of Taino House, Secondary School, Teacher, English
Taino

Pippa Ferguson

Head of Lucayan House, Teacher, Learning Support
Lucayan