The Jersey College for Girls House system is an integral part of school life and helps support the ethos created at the College. The school is split into six Houses. – Austen-Bartlett, Cavell, Curie-Fry, Garrett-Anderson, Inglis and Nightingale.

Students are in tutor groups that correspond to their Houses, and their tutor will also be part of the House staff. House is a unique experience which should provide a supportive and welcoming environment for all the students. It also encourages ownership by the students of a significant part of school life.

House meetings take place every week and although all staff are part of a House, it is led primarily by the Heads of Houses of which there are two per House from Year 13. House meetings are to organise teams for events, play games, get to know people from other years, but most importantly to plan for and carry out fundraising and community service events. Fundraising takes the main part of House and the students acquire many skills during their time at JCG, both in terms of management and leadership, but also social skills and emotional attachment to various charities. Normally each form runs their own community service and fundraising event, although some Houses run whole House events too.

Fundraising

Examples of fundraising that have taken place last year include the traditional Cavell Auction which this year raised over £3000. Despite torrential rain, Inglis walked the length of St Aubins Bay in their pyjamas to raise money for their charities. 7 Cavell took part in their own version of the Swimarathon aptly named the ‘Cavaquathon’ and we had our first competition of ‘JCGs Got Talent!’ As well as smaller events, non-uniform days are also popular with the school such as ‘Think Pink’ Day. The Romanian shoebox appeal is another traditional way that JCG can help others. Students bring in shoeboxes filled with gifts for people in Romania to have at Christmas. We regularly collect in 200-300 boxes as a school. Christmas is a fun time in Houses with various themed sales taking place. The annual carol singing over three evenings in town also raises an average of £700. The total raised by the House system each year is often in excess of £16,000.

The JCG Mile was run for the second year with every student and many staff members running or walking a mile around the school campus in aid of the house charities. The event was a huge success and great fun was had by all.

Along with fundraising, the students are encouraged to take part in community service activities. This has ranged from visiting care homes through to helping outside agencies with their work such as environmental organisations or street collecting for various charities. Others have used their musical or sporting talents to teach or perform to other people. Students should gain a different kind of gratification through giving their time rather than just their money, and many people have been helped this year by JCG students.

Competition

The competitive side keeps the House system alive. Sporting, musical, performing arts and artistic events are among the wide range of ways points can be scored for each House. This year, we are looking forward to the new House Play competition. House merits are gained by the girls every time they complete an event for house or take part in fundraising. In addition, academic merits are collected by Years 7-9 and these are transferred into House points. The winners at the end of each House year (Easter – Easter) are presented with the prestigious ‘Cock House Trophy’. This award is part of the history of the College and winners are displayed on the wooden award boards in the Dome. Last year’s proud winners were Garrett-Anderson.