House System

At Avonbourne we run a house system alongside our year groups. The house system is designed to foster a sense of community, offer students the chance to work with other year groups and feel more connected with the community around them.

Students can achieve house points though house events and displaying our REACH values. These contribute to a  league,  leading to the awarding of the house trophy at the end of the year.

Throughout the year the Heads of House alongside the house ambassadoers coordinate service, sporting, charity and arts events. This year our focus is to further develop our links with our local community.

Meet our House Heads:

houses

Brownsea House - Head of House: Miss Cumbers

My name is Miss Cumbers, and I am the head of Brownsea House. Our Brownsea House is named after our very own Brownsea Island found here in Dorset. Brownsea Island is the largest island in the Dorset country at 2.4 kilometres long and 1.2 kilometres wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland, heathland and saltmarsh. The beautiful landscape is not the only thing that Brownsea Island has to offer, it is also well known for its thriving wildlife. The vibrant wildlife is made up of peacocks, grey heron, grey squirrels and is best known for its red squirrel population. Brownsea Island also played an integral part in the formation of the Scouts back in 1907 and the island is full of history. 

I am very proud to be able to be the head of Brownsea and I look forward to working with all of you and taking home the House Cup!

Brownsea House - Head of House: Miss Cumbers
Brownsea House - Head of House: Miss Cumbers

Chesil House - Head of House: Mr Newham

Hello everyone, my name is Mr Newham, I am Drama teacher here at Avonbourne and I am extremely privileged to be head of Chesil house, the current 2 times Sports Day champions!

Chesil Beach is an 18-mile-long shingle barrier beach stretching from West Bay to Portland. At the end of the last Ice Age, about 15-20,000 years ago, the sea levels began to rise, eroding large quantities of gravel and sand from the cliffs of what is now Lyme Bay. This was driven eastwards by the prevailing wind and waves, forming Chesil Beach and the shingle that is found there today. This natural barrier protects the low-lying coastal village of Chiswell from flooding. Like the shingle barrier, students and staff in Chesil house look after each other, enabling each other to thrive in an environment built around community and belonging.

All Chesil staff members are there to support you, and if there is anything you would like to discuss with us, whether it is any challenges you are facing in school, or whether you have any ideas for events and celebrations in school, please do speak to one of us. I believe a positive mindset can overcome any obstacle you may face, so stay positive Chesil and keep moving forward!

Chesil House - Head of House: Mr Newham
Chesil House - Head of House: Mr Newham

Durdle House - Head of House: Miss Darvill

Hello everyone, my name is Miss Darvill and I am a Music teacher here at Avonbourne. I am incredibly proud to be Durdle's Head of House, the 2025 winner of the REACH point league table!
 
Our house is named after one of the Jurassic Coast's most iconic and striking landmarks, Durdle Door. Located in south Dorset, the magnificent natural limestone arch was formed when the power of the waves eroded the rock and forged a hole through the middle. Just like Durdle Door, we are a house of powerful, hard-working and determined students ready to leave a positive and influential mark on our school community.
 
Whilst we have our REACH values as a school, our core house values of kindness, respect and determination are integral to Durdle. As a house, we strive to be the best we can possibly be and aim to achieve highly day in, day out. As your Head of House, I want you to feel represented and included in our school community so please do share any ideas you have.
 
I am so excited to welcome you to Durdle and am looking forward to a brilliant year ahead!
Durdle House - Head of House: Miss Darvill
Durdle House - Head of House: Miss Darvill

Lulworth House - Head of House: Miss Slaughter

My name is Miss Slaughter and I currently teach PE at Avonbourne Academies. My favourite sport is Football and of course, blue is my favourite colour.

The house system is based around events and competitions which are all chances for you to represent Lulworth and win points for the house. Lulworth Cove is a land formation found on the Jurassic coast of Dorset. Formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age, the cove has been around for approximately 10,000 years. Like the cove, you too will grow older as you move up through the academies and naturally become role models for those younger than you in your community. Its unique geology meant the wave diffraction gave it the coved shape. As a house we too are going to be unique by pulling together all our individual qualities, personalities, and skills to create a sense of unity and lead us to success!  

Making Lulworth house inclusive is important for me and so I encourage you to use your voice and tell me what events you would like to be a part of, or to share ideas to make us a better house. My aim is to get everyone in our house involved and work together to reach the top of the REACH point leaderboard! 

Lulworth House - Head of House: Miss Slaughter
Lulworth House - Head of House: Miss Slaughter

Purbeck House - Head of House: Miss Reynolds

Hello everyone, my name is Miss Reynolds, I am a Dance Teacher here at Avonbourne. I am delighted to be the Head of Purbeck House! GREEN ARMY!
 
Purbeck House is named after an area of Dorset – The Isle of Purbeck – which has stunning views, interesting rocks and cliffs. It’s part of the Jurassic Coast, where you can discover fossils and learn about dinosaurs – all of which makes Purbeck truly unique.
 
Our house values are Community/Belonging, Ambition, and Respect.
 
It is important to me that Purbeck House is an inclusive environment where individuals feel valued, supported and feel that they belong. Ambition helps to fuel motivation, inspires innovation, and encourages a resilient mindset for overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Respect is also vital in recognising and appreciating the worth of all individuals, regardless of their background or faith.
 
This year, Purbeck is supporting Friends of the Earth as our House Charity. Friends of the Earth is an environmental charity, which aims to preserve the natural environment and support all people within it. Any money raised by Purbeck students through house events will be donated to this brilliant charity.
I look forward to a fabulous year and I am incredibly proud and grateful to be leading this wonderful house!
Purbeck House - Head of House: Miss Reynolds
Purbeck House - Head of House: Miss Reynolds
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