Melksham Oak - Houses

Houses

Our house system is an important part of school life at Melksham Oak. It provides students with opportunities to shine outside the classroom and it’s academic, community, and competition elements embody our own school moto, which is to “try hard, be kind, show respect”.

Our house system has been in place since 2012. It has the following aims:

Drive improvement in academic standards.
Develop student leaders.
Create dynamic competition.

When the house system was created, a democratic vote, all decided by the students, led to the creation of our 4 houses, named after stars: Castor, Omega, Polaris, and Sirius.

We quickly developed a team of student leaders who mentor others, create competitions, and support the school in a range of ways. Staff too are all affiliated to houses, which helps to maintain the camaraderie around school.

The ethos behind the house system is really clear: it is a vehicle that provides opportunities both in and out of the classroom, having a real impact in the school community.

Admissions for 2020/21

Activities & Enrirchment

Castor

Castor as a star is made up of six stars (see pic), the reason that it is one of the brightest stars in the sky is because these individual small stars shine together. As part of Castor house you are a star individually but you are also part of our team and we couldn’t shine as brightly without each of you. Castor as a house is all about opportunities to shine; no matter what your age, gender, background or school grades. We value each of you, every different skill and quality. Whether you’re ace at PE or Pokemon Go, really creative or really comical, super at putting your hand up or super at homework, it all matters to us.

"I'd rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are;
Because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star.
I’d rather be a has-been than a might-have-been, by far;
For a might have-been has never been, but a has was once an are.”

Sirius

Supporting Each Other

The vision for Team Sirius can be summed up in 3 words: Challenge, Support and Success. We want everybody in Sirius to take on new challenges. That might mean representing your house at Sports Day, or it might mean mentoring a new Yr 7.

Over the coming months and years, every member of the house can expect to be challenged in some way, whether that be in their academic achievement, developing their own leadership or through sporting competitions and extra-curricular activities. Sometimes people will be nervous about taking part, worried that they are going to 'fail' and 'let the House down'. But that's not how it is at Sirius.

...yes we want success, but more importantly we want a house where everybody feels that they have something to offer, and where people feel comfortable trying something new – taking a risk.

We have an excellent team of House Leaders and Assistants who are there to support the students every step of the way. But it's not just them, in Sirius we should all be supporting each other – encouraging each other to take on that challenge, and offering support and guidance when things don't quite work out.

Through taking on new challenges, learning from our mistakes, and by supporting each other, I just know that everybody in Sirius will see great success. But it will only work if we are all in it together.

Polaris

Pushing for greatness

We value being united and pushing for greatness in every challenge. Our house respects everyone’s contribution and strives for everyone to be part of a collaborative team.

We believe in doing things right and we have integrity at the heart of every challenge we rise to. The house system is a great system to bring together all year groups and house members. It gives everyone a chance to use their ACORNS as a group and become more of a team.

We have a great level of communication between everyone and value everyone's ideas. Being in Polaris house, you will be closer and feel more connected to the whole school community: teachers, other pupils in the house and support staff.

In Polaris we strive to create a strong sense of team spirit throughout the house as we feel this is the key aspect to being a successful House. Being part of this house means that you will be pushed to be the best you can be whilst having loads of fun!

We are proud that everyone has a place and valuable attributes to bring to the table that will all build in creating a diverse and varied community which celebrates success, pushes for challenge and supports each other to become the best that we all can be.

We love the fact that we can draw upon so many interesting individuals within Polaris because it keeps things fresh and innovative.

Polaris house members know that their opinions are valued and their talents are used at every opportunity. We know that our house will bring a brighter more productive future.

Omega

Dare to dream, strive to succeed
In Omega, the emphasis is placed on you as students to push yourselves in order to be the best you can possibly be. Success and achievement come through passion and effort – applying yourself to achieve your ambitions.

In Omega House we support and recognise each other’s achievements and work together to overcome obstacles to ensure future success. As team members of Omega House you will have a range of skills; some of you will be talented musicians or artists others may prefer sporting competition. Please take every opportunity you can within the House system, be it a new experience or a well-honed skill.

THE SCHOOL IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Dear parents and carers,

Following the Government announcements, we've taken the decision to close the school until further notice. We appreciate this is a difficult time for everyone as we all make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the nation. Where possible, we've tried to contact parents and carers who registered as Key Workers, those with vulnerable children, or who collect Free School Meals. If we have not managed to contact you, here is some further information:

Children of Key Workers

If you need support with childcare because both parents of the child(ren) are critical key workers, then we will do our best to support you while you're on the frontline. This school is now closed, however, we have designated schools within the White Horse Federation that are still operating as hubs. We will organise childcare for your child(ren) at one of these locations. Please contact one of the White Horse Federation Coordinators using the chat facility on the website. You can launch this by clicking the ? in the bottom left of the screen.

Children who are Vulnerable

The White Horse Federation has deemed vulnerable children to be those without adequate care or protection at home or with significant health needs. Given the current Government guidance at this point in time, we deem the safest place to be at the parent's or carer's home. If you believe this is not the case for your child(ren), then please contact one of the White Horse Federation Coordinators using the chat facility on the website. You can launch this by clicking the ? in the bottom left of the screen.

Children who collect Free School Meals

We are making every effort to ensure children who collect Free School Meals have access to food. To that effect we will be supplying parents and carers of children who collect Free School Meals with vouchers to cover the cost of 20 days’ worth of lunches from Tuesday 24th March through to Monday 4th May. The vouchers are ordered and we are currently awaiting receipt of them before the end of the week. We have contact details of those who are registered as receiving Free School Meals and will contact you directly. If you're concerned that we don't have your details, then please contact one of the White Horse Federation Coordinators using the chat facility on the website. You can launch this by clicking the ? in the bottom left of the screen.

We will endeavour to continue the learning for all our children despite these setbacks. You should know that the teaching staff at your school have worked tirelessly both day and night to manage this situation to the best of our ability. Our nation is triumphant against adversity, and we have every confidence we will return to our normal lives as soon as possible. Please take care of yourself and loved ones while we all work through this together.

Yours faithfully,

Dr Nicholas Capstick, OBE

CEO The White Horse Federation