A revamp of the school house system at James Hargest College aims to get students excited and engaged in school activities, and potentially, more involved in sport.  

Principal Mike Newell said the school had sought feedback from students about what would get them engaged and interested in being part of school activities and the overwhelming response had been to make them fun.  

The school kicked off its revamped system at a sports day last month, with a range of fun activities held all designed to encourage participation, rather than judge success or physical achievement.  

“Today is hopefully about a whole lot of fun, the kids just getting involved, participating, supporting each other.”  

“It’s just been an awesome day and what we are hoping is that this might be a way to springboard kids getting more into sport potentially, but actually just buying in to our house and school activities just for our culture and spirit of the school. While today is about sport there will be a mix of events and activities throughout the year to encourage participation and cater to all of our students’ interests. ” Newell said.  

While the house system had existed at James Hargest College for years, it was under-utilised, so using it to drive other activities and initiatives would hopefully add to the culture of belonging and connection at the school, he said.  

The school had been restructured into houses, with each house looked after by a house dean, heads of house, and Year 13 house captains. Instead of being something that people connected to only during sporting occasions, under the new system, houses underpinned all activities at the school, he said.  

The sports day was designed by the Year 13 house captains and newly appointed staff Heads of House, and there had been fantastic buy-in from students.  

Activities included tug-o-war, hula hoops, an obstacle course, cornhole, basketball, non-competitive athletics activities including long jump, and running races.  

Listening to the students and adapting programmes to respond to their wants and needs was a big part of the pastoral care at a high school, and it was important to make sure students felt they belonged, and were seen and heard, Newell said.  

He encouraged other schools to take a similar approach, using student feedback and insights to drive school culture and activities.  

Sport Southland Rangatahi Lead Steve Gear said listening to the feedback of students and then using that information to drive school activities was a great way to ensure engagement.  

“Listening to the students, and taking note of what they are really wanting, or really not wanting, is key to getting that buy in from the majority. By making the focus of the sports day fun instead of competition, the pressure is off, students are able to enjoy their day, and feel connected and supported by the school.” 

Article added: Wednesday 03 March 2021