|
Allan Boys is a house comprising of students living to the north of Cranbrook, an area that includes the local villages of Benenden, Biddenden, Frittenden, Goudhurst, Staplehurst and Marden. As a result of this, we are one of the largest houses in the school with a total of 105 boys. Our sister house is Allan Girls, drawing pupils from the same area. The head of Allan Boys is Mr S Duddle, and five other members of staff assist him in his duties as well as also acting as tutors for the various year groups. Currently the tutoring system works out as follows:
Year 9 tutors: Mr Green and Mr Warren, Year 10 tutor - Mr Wilkinson, Year 11 tutor - Mr Howard, Year 12 tutor - Mr Young-Min, Year 13 tutor - Mr Duddle
In a system that is unique to Allan House, and when staffing allows, each year group keeps the same tutor throughout their time at the school. I personally believe this is an excellent system as it results in a strong relationship forming between student and tutor, and when it comes to that daunting yet pivotal stage of university reference writing in the 6th form, the tutor has gained a vast understanding of not only the pupil's academic capabilities but also a thorough understanding of the person behind the examination grades.
James Watkins is the current House Captain and is aided by his deputy, Ed Dracott. Both boys also hold the roles of supervisor, a key role which entails many duties contributing to the running of the school. Tom Letchford leads the sporting side of the house as Sports Captain, taking responsibility for organising the sports teams for the various inter-house events that include cross-country, football, rugby, basketball and hockey. Josh Day is Head of Performing Arts, a key role involving the strenuous (yet rewarding) task of directing the hugely successful House Play alongside the corresponding girl from Allan Girls. The Head of Performing Arts also chooses a song for the House to 'sing' for the annual Inter-House singing competition, aptly named 'House Shout'. He also organises the Allan House Soiree, a charity event held to raise money for the School's Lenten Appeal. This magnificent event sees both Allan Boys and Allan Girls collaborating to perform drama and musical pieces to an audience consisting of parents and students alike.
Along with the Alan Soiree, Allan House also provides a variety of events to suit every member, a highlight being the annual Autumn Term trip to London to see a West End show. This year sees both boys and girls going to see the massively successful Lion King in mid October. Towards the end of this term we hold the Allan Dinner; this is a fantastic evening in which Allan Boys and Girls enjoy a formal dinner put on by the school. The parents have a get together on this evening too. A disco follows featuring rising DJs from the school and a professional. The Allan House play, Gizmo, is on 18th November and should be a great evening.
by James Watkins, House Captain
Allan Boys - Summary of House Review 2008
Allan Boys is clearly a house that is popular with boys and parents. Mr Duddle has worked hard to continue the cohesion brought about by Mr Presnell his predecessor. The loyalty expressed by the boys indicates this and their appreciation of Mr Duddle and his team of tutors is clear. There is appreciation too of the house events such as the dinner and Allan Soiree. All this identifies Allan Boys as a house which is making significant progress moving forward using the best experience of the past to inform the present and future.
There have been certain aspects of house life which Mr Duddle and his team might now review and these include:
Review report and appendices with tutor team and share findings as appropriate with the house.
Review House Assembly Procedures - quality and range of assemblies.
Make arrangements for regular meetings of the house council and seek ways to give boys a greater voice and responsibility.
Review the enhancement of the house area to 'identify' it more as Allan Boys area.
The house must continue to pull together and put in place one or two organisational structures which will enhance the day-to-day and week-to-week experience of Allan Boys.
Mr Duddle and his team are to be congratulated. The group of tutors are very experienced and well-liked, providing Allan Boys with a strong lead.
P Sorensen
|
