Houses, Rewards & Prizes
Every pupil belongs to one of our four Houses. Each House is named in honour of a Christian whose character and virtues are central to our spiritual mission.
House Heads run fortnightly assemblies and organise a rich variety of activities and events throughout the year which enable everyone to get involved, feel a real sense of belonging and take pride in their shared identity. The Houses are responsible for coordinating fundraising for our School charity.
Rosmini (Yellow)
Named after Blessed Antonio Rosmini (1798 – 1855). Born in Italy, his family were wealthy and he was educated at Padua University. He wanted to become a priest however at first his parents objected, but when they realised how determined he was, they relented. Rosmini was particularly concerned about the way individuals’ rights were being eroded away by governments who, post French Revolution were trying to increase their power and restrict the basic rights of the ordinary person. Rosmini was a voice defending the rights of the people to speak and act in the cause of democracy. Rosmini travelled to England and founded the teaching order of the Sisters of Providence. The order was much in advance of its time, encouraging children were encouraged to grow in love and kindness and stressing the exploration of every individual’s unique talents and character. As a result, a happy atmosphere existed in all the schools founded by the sisters, and is still very evident in Loughborough Amherst School today.
Teresa (Green)
Teresa was born in Avila, Spain in 1515. She became one of the most important mystical thinkers and writers in the history of the Church. As a woman, Teresa stood on her own two feet, even in the man’s world of her time. She was beautiful, talented, outgoing, adaptable, courageous, enthusiastic and totally human and womanly.
Though a contemplative she spent much of her life and energy seeking to reform. She was a woman for others, a woman who inspired and gave life. She died in 1582 at the age of 67.
Agnes (Blue)
Saint Agnes was only twelve years old when she was arrested by Roman soldiers for being Christian. She was required to worship Roman idols, but refused, saying she believed in the one true God. She was treated appallingly, whipped and dragged through the streets to be mocked by bystanders. Many however were uncomfortable with this spectacle and a young man stepped forward to protect her by offering her marriage. In her determination to remain a Christian she refused the young man’s kind offer at which point one of the soldiers struck her a mortal blow. She was made a martyr and her feast day is on 21 June.
Peter (Red)
Peter, one of the twelve apostles, was originally named Simon. Jesus gave him the name Peter, meaning ‘rock’ and Matthew 16 v. 13-20 gives the story of his renaming. In this Peter says to Jesus ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’ and Jesus recognised Peter’s faith and wisdom. Peter was a fisherman on the Lake of Galilee and he was called with his brother Andrew to follow Jesus. Peter became the leader and spokesman for the disciples, although his faith often wavered. After Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter led the Christian community for fifteen years and was given the title of the first Bishop of Rome and his tomb is reputed to be below the high alter of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. For many Christians he is the ultimate model of what an ‘ordinary’ person can achieve through perseverance and courage
Rewards
Rewards are organised under six categories linked to our School name, AMHERST:
A – Academic
for any noteworthy academic achievements
M – Mind-set
for resilience, approach to learning, positivity
H – Heart
charity work, community outreach, service to others
E – Extra-curricular
anything except sports
R – Reading
for any noteworthy progress, achievement or interest in reading, or the promotion of reading culture
S – Sports
for any sporting achievements
T – Team work
awarded to groups rather than individuals
Once pupils reach certain thresholds of points they earn the following recognitions:
Bronze Level: 50 points covering a minimum of 4 categories: Certificate presented in assembly slots and a Postcard home
Silver Level: 100 points covering a minimum of 4 categories: Privilege of a choice of options: Amherst pens, pencils, rubbers, keyrings (TBC); entry for a draw for Kindle; queue jump passes.