Interhouse

Our Interhouse Programme is run by:

• Mr Jamie McCue (PE Faculty) – Programme Coordinator

• Mrs Clare Leask (Pupil Wellbeing) – Scores & Values Credits

• Head House Captains – Event planning and leadership

Each House is supported by our Head House Captains - senior pupils who help organise events, encourage participation, and make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

What’s It All About?

The House Competition isn’t just for sports stars - there’s something for everyone!

Whether you’re great at quizzes, love video games, enjoy creative challenges or simply want to try something new, you’ll find plenty of ways to take part.

This year’s Interhouse Calendar has been shaped by pupil and staff feedback, helping us expand the programme in a way that’s more inclusive and more exciting for everyone.

It’s a perfect example of how we live out our values of Ambition (by encouraging every pupil to get involved and aim high), Respect (by supporting one another across year groups), and Wellbeing (by helping pupils feel proud, included, and connected).

How the Scoring Works

Each event is classed as either Major or Minor, depending on its size and difficulty.

Sports Day is such a big event that it gets its own special points system.

Here’s how points are awarded:

Minor Events:
1st – 10 pts | 2nd – 6 pts | 3rd – 4 pts | 4th – 2 pts

Major Events:
1st – 25 pts | 2nd – 15 pts | 3rd – 10 pts | 4th – 5 pts

Sports Day:
1st – 75 pts | 2nd – 45 pts | 3rd – 30 pts | 4th – 15 pts

Plus, each week, Values Credits are added to the totals based on how well pupils demonstrate our school values: Respect, Wellbeing, and Ambition - not just in competitions, but around the school every day.

What Do the Winners Get?

The House with the most points at the end of the year wins the Thornton-Kemsley Cup, awarded at our annual Prizegiving Evening.

They’re also rewarded with a special trip in Term 1 of the following session. Recently, that’s meant a cinema trip with a choice of movies, a snack, and a soft drink - a well-earned treat for a year of effort and success!

What’s Next?

We’re already looking ahead to making the 2025/26 programme even better.

Pupils and staff are being asked for ideas, and once our new Head House Captains are in place, the planning will begin.

There’s always room for new events, new talents, and new champions - so whether you’re a quiz brain, an athlete, an artist, or just keen to get involved, your House needs you!

Summary

The House Competition at Mearns Academy is more than just points and prizes - it’s about celebrating who we are as a school.

It reflects our Vision of Brilliant Futures, our Mission of Inspiring through Challenge and Opportunity, and the everyday values we live by: Respect, Wellbeing and Ambition.

Every House matters. Every pupil counts. And every event is a chance to get involved, have fun, and be proud.