Admissions Open 2025/2026

School Spirit

ISS Houses

ISS Houses2024-12-02T10:03:26+01:00
iss houses
How it works

What is the House System?

The ISS Houses is a house system designed to build community and encourage teamwork. Students are divided into “houses,” which include members from various grade levels of tge IB Framework to foster mentorship and collaboration.

Houses participate in athletic and creative competitions, earning points through their achievements and engagement. Every member of the school community belongs to a house, enhancing the sense of belonging and camaraderie. This structure promotes a healthy, friendly rivalry, deepening connections among students.

Leadership opportunities for House Prefects further develop responsibility and teamwork skills. The year typically culminates in a celebration for the winning house, recognising their collective efforts.

Why we use it

The Benefits of the House System

The house system builds community by fostering cross-grade connections and a sense of belonging.

 

It also develops leadership skills and encourages participation through friendly competitions in academics, sports, and creative activities.

Friendly Competition

Inter-house events promote healthy rivalry, encouraging students to strive for excellence in academics, sports, and arts. This motivates participation while emphasizing collaboration and fair play for the students.

Community

Houses create a sense of belonging by grouping students across different grades. This fosters connections, breaks down barriers, and helps everyone feel part of a community.

Leadership

Students can take on leadership roles such as house captains or event organizers. These roles teach responsibility, decision-making, and teamwork to the students.

School Spirit

ISS Houses

Discover the unique qualities of each house, from vibrant team spirit to strong values, fostering collaboration, leadership, and competition.

“Houses help build community and school spirit, connecting all the students and creating a bond between them, giving everyone common goals.”

Matteo H.

Red House Prefect

“When a student looks back at their time at ISS, I want them to remember the friendships and bonds they formed beyond academics.”

Lis M.

Green House Prefect

The Houses are a good way to strengthen connections within the school, especially between the older and younger students.”

Giullia P.

Yellow House Prefect

“Adding the Houses helps students feel part of a community where they are seen and heard, bringing lots of friendly competition and spirit to the school.”

Krishaan D.

Purple House Prefect

Best events ever

What our Prefects Say

Hear firsthand from our student house leader, the prefects, about their thoughts on the house system. From developing leadership skills to building lasting friendships, their ideals highlight the positive impact of being part of a house.

did you still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you send your message, we can help with some answers to the most frequently asked questions. We hope that can help you take the best decision for your child

Do you have further questions?

Do you have further questions?

What activities do students do in their Houses?2024-11-21T15:18:28+01:00

We have House Activity Days where students participate in service-based activities or team-building exercises. On these days, additional activities such as chess competitions, speed jigsaw solving, STEM projects, art competitions, media groups, sporting competitions, and general knowledge quizzes take place, allowing participants to earn House points.

 

The annual Sports Day is a highlight, showcasing sporting excellence and encouraging participation at all levels to gain points for the Houses. As the House system continues to develop and grow, we plan to introduce activities such as House Music, House Drama, and House Debates. Student leadership within the Houses and the opportunity for students to suggest new activities are excellent ways to develop leadership skills.

How will my child be assigned to a House?2024-11-21T15:12:47+01:00

Houses are mixed-gender and include students from various year groups. The school strives to keep siblings in the same house to foster camaraderie. In the Senior School, houses correspond to Tutor groups, so assigning students to these groups requires careful balancing.

What are the House points used for?2024-11-21T15:18:16+01:00

House points are accumulated throughout the year and contribute towards the prestigious House Cup, awarded at the end of the school year. These points are not only earned through competitions but also through demonstrating positive behaviors and embodying the school’s core attributes.

 

Students can earn House points by participating in various activities, showing leadership, helping others, and displaying exemplary conduct both in and out of the classroom. This system encourages students to strive for excellence and fosters a sense of community and healthy competition.

 

The House Cup is a symbol of collective achievement and celebrates the hard work, dedication, and positive contributions of all House members.

What leadership opportunities does the house system provide?2024-11-21T15:14:45+01:00

Students can take on leadership roles such as House Prefects or event organizers. These roles teach responsibility, decision-making, and teamwork.

Will my child’s teacher be in the same House?2024-11-21T15:17:21+01:00

In the Lower School, all staff members are part of one of the four Houses. While your child’s teacher may be in the same House, they will support and encourage all Houses during non-specific House activities.

 

In the Senior School, Tutors of each Tutor group will have the same House group of students as their House. Classroom teachers are also assigned to a House, but they may not be in the same House as your child for every lesson on the timetable.