Vertical Tutoring and House System

The House System & Vertical Tutoring in Seniors

The House system is at the heart of how we operate as a school community.  The House system provides the young people of Mayfield with a sense of identity and belonging.  There are a wide range of inter house activities throughout the year, in all aspects of school life. Our pupils gain points for their House through participating in the House events such as Sports Day and performing well academically via the rewards system. 

The four Houses: Discovery, Intrepid, Endeavour and Victory, compete throughout the year to win a range of awards and each year, the house which has collected the most points will be awarded the much sought after House Cup! 

Why do we tutor vertically? 

As a relational school, vertical tutoring helps us to create a more supportive family atmosphere where strong relationships between staff and students, and between students, can be built. There is no hierarchy, meaning that students feel a sense of belonging within the school community regardless of year group. 

When do vertical tutor groups meet? 

They meet every morning (unless there is an assembly) for 20 minutes. 

What is a community circle? 

Community circles play a crucial role in how we build our relationships here at Mayfield. On Mondays we check in after the weekend and on Fridays, we check out together. 

Will students be taught in vertical groups? 

There are no plans to teach students in vertical groups in our mainstream lessons although there are some intervention groups which can have students from mixed year groups in them. 

Are all year groups represented in each tutor group? 

Vertical tutor groups are made up of students from all year groups (Year 7 – Year 11). 

Will my children be in the same house? 

We would plan to put children from the same family in the same house to make communication with home easier. This includes pupils who have siblings in primary and seniors.