Skip to content ↓

House Competition

House Competition

The house system used today was introduced in 1922 by the Head Master E.A.A. Varnish to inspire competition. The houses were named after ancient or near ancient civilizations with an historic reputation for robustness and conquest. 

On entry to Rutlish each student is allocated to one of the eight houses and they remain in this house for the duration of their time at school.  Each house provides structured opportunities for development of individual interests and talents such as sports or performing arts.

There are regular house competitions and charity events including football matches, cake sales, The Cube, a spelling bee or a bagatelle competition.  

Please see our latest House newsletter Newsletters

Argonauts

The Argonauts were a group of heroes in Greek Mythology who took a quest to find the Golden Fleece. Their name comes from their ship “Argo”, built by the sailor “Argus”.

Staff House Coordinator -Mr Adegbenle

We take pride in being one of the best all rounded houses and encourages its students to participate as much as they can to gain points in the House System. Students are glad to be a part of the Argonauts House and display their enthusiasm, intelligence and determination throughout life at Rutlish. With such outstanding students who only strive for greatness; it will only be a matter of time until the House becomes victorious.

With positive contribution and competitive nature, let’s help the Argonauts be the golden House at Rutlish. Go Argonauts!

 

Argonauts house logo

  

student designed argonauts badge

 

Carthaginians

Carthage originated as a colony of Phoenician's from the city of Tyre at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. The city of Carthage was on the northern coast of Africa in what is modern Tunisia. The Carthaginians were notable as trading competitors of the Romans and the two fought a series of wars (the Punic Wars) ending with the destruction of Carthage in 146 BCE.

Staff House Coordinator - Ms Winrow

My name is Ms Winrow and I am coordinator of the Carthaginian house. I ensure all students are aware of every competition and encourage them to strive to be their best as well as try new challenges each term.

Carthaginians in the past have won the house prizes for years 7, 9, 10 and 11!!!! Proving that we are the best house!

 

student designed carthagians badge

 

Kelts

From around 750 BC to 12 BC, the Celts were the most powerful people in central and northern Europe. There were many groups (tribes) of Celts, speaking a vaguely common language. The word Celt comes from the Greek word, Keltoi, which means barbarians and is properly pronounced as "Kelt".

Staff House Coordinator - Miss Mates

As House Coordinator I am very eager to make sure that every student is aware of all the competitions that take place here at Rutlish. This will aid every student feeling that they have had opportunity to shine and achieve their best; thus helping to foster a sense of school spirit and togetherness. I have seen so many committed students working together to try and put Kelts as high up the leader board as possible. Kelts are making strides up the table and are always striving to improve on the last year's position. Students are awarded house points for academic, extra-curricular and pastoral activities in daily school life.  The house points build towards the race to win the House Shields, House Cups and the House Medallions. I believe this further develops self-confidence, personal and team pride, building to House pride.

 

student designed kelts badge

 

 

Parthians

Parthia  is a historical region located in north-eastern Iran, best known for having been the political and cultural base of the Arsacid dynasty, rulers of the Parthian Empire.

 Staff House Coordinator- Miss Gray

My name is Ms Gray, and I am the supreme Coordinator, of the almighty Parthians. Being a Parthian is an opportunity for students to excel, work as a team and achieve success together. The house motto is 'Be bright, be bold, be brilliant’ As House Coordinator I have seen students participating in exciting events, showing determination in achieving house points in order to be victorious. Along with being the House Coordinator, I am a History teacher and a form tutor. Students are awarded house points for academic, extra-curricular and pastoral activities in daily school life.  The house points build towards the race to win the House Shields, House Cups and the House Medallions. I believe this further develops self-confidence, personal and team pride, building to house pride.

parthians house banner

 

student designed parthians house badge

 

Romans

The Roman Empire is an iconic time in world history and laid the foundations for society as we know it. The Romans were curious, skilful, educated, and conquered most of Europe. To keep expanding their empire they explored new lands and set up trade links with many other parts of the world. The Romans have won many battles but suffered losses as well. The Roman House here at Rutlish strive to use the Roman culture of perseverance to conquer the house competitions.

Staff House Coordinator - Mrs Auckle

The Romans are a force to be reckoned with. Romans like to get involved with all aspects of the house competitions and especially get involved with charity events and fundraising. With the support of their Caesar and the senate of the Tutor Teams, the Rulish Roman Republic regularly places in the top half of the house table.

Romans is special because of the emphasis we have on getting involved. Romans love to win, but more importantly Romans love to give back to those less fortunate and so are always willing to get involved in a charitable house competition. Roman tutor groups consistently raise huge amounts of money through cake sales and charity days. This giving spirit is something that truly makes our house a special one to be part of. Senatus Populus que Romanus (SPQR!)

 

student designed romans house badge

 

Spartans

The Spartan House is named after one of the finest militaries of the ancient world. Their society was based on one of discipline, courage and honour. You could only become a Spartan if you proved yourself worthy; They were feared and respected in equal measure. Fighting battles is what they did best. Greeks said that in battle one Spartan was worth several other men.

Staff House Coordinator - Mr Neesham

As coordinator of Spartans I hope to help students achieve their full potential and lead the house to Victory. I ensure all students are aware of every competition and encourage them to strive to be their best as well as try new challenges each term. As well as being the Spartans Coordinator I also teach English and Media and am a tutor.

Spartans’ strength is sport and I am very confident that we will win more this year and hit the top spot on the leader board.

 

student designed spartans house badge

 

 

Trojans

The Trojan horse is one of the most iconic mediaeval images in western history. Even though modern day historians doubt the validity of the Trojans horse and war, we at Rutlish remember it as a way to remind us that the Trojans were a people that used their intellect, resourcefulness and imagination to win the war.  All attributes that are useful for today's young minds.The legend has it that the Trojan war would not be successful without Heracles’ bow.  At Rutlish we know that the Trojan house would not be successful without every single student working together, communicating and aiming for the same goal.

Staff House Coordinator - Miss Paton

My name is Miss Paton. As House Coordinator I am very eager to make sure that every student is aware of all the competitions so that every student feels they have an opportunity to shine and achieve their best; thus helping to foster a sense of school spirit and togetherness. We have seen so many committed students working together to try and put Trojans at the head of the leader board. All houses are worthy opponents but we are determined to prevail!!! 

We have been at the top of the leader board more than once and that is down to the students’ incredible  resilience, pride and enthusiasm. We have won the school spelling bee, a FIFA competition and others. At Rutlish, all students are encouraged to do their best and work with their natural inner abilities; be it sport, science, history or spelling. The beauty of the house system is that EVERYONE can get involved and feel like they are positively contributing to their school. I am confident that with such a great team and house we can be victorious. Let's go TROJANS!!!!

 

student designed trojans house badge

 

 

Vikings

The Viking house is named after warriors. More precisely ‘Viking’ is the name by which the Scandinavian sea-borne raiders of the early medieval period are now commonly known. Many people still think of the Vikings as harsh, brutal people who added to their income from farming poor land in Scandinavia by raiding the towns, villages and monasteries of Britain and Europe, looting gold and silver, and carrying away people to use or sell as slaves. No doubt there is some truth in this picture, but Arab merchants in Russia who dealt with the Vikings took a different view, seeing them primarily as peaceful traders: "They have no estates, villages or fields; their only business is trade in sable, squirrel and other furs.“

Staff House Coordinator - Mr Brogan

Viking House is dedicated to every student making every possible effort in achieving their potential. The house motto has been “Vikings rule” but it is getting a bit old, therefore we are open to suggestions. Over the last few years this House has seen a lot of dedicated and experienced Tutors as well as students participating in competitions willing to collect points and achievements in order to be the best. 

The Vikings have often been top of the board which shows students are proud to be part of the Viking House and it does have a competitive nature. We encourage all students to take pride in the House and all have helped to make the House a winning one. We can do it again, compete again and again until victory becomes inevitable.

 

student designed vikings house banner

 

  

House Competition 2023 - 2024

Position   House Total Score
1 Argonauts 4710
2 Carthaginians 3975
3 Kelts 3275
4 Parthians 4725
5 Romans 5150
6 Spartans 5725
7 Trojans 4150
8 Vikings 4350

combined house logos with Rutlish logo