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History & Ethos
The House was opened in 1974, and is named after Cranbrook School's chief benefactor John Blubery, a local man who acquired considerable wealth as Yeoman to the King's Armoury under Henry VIII, in 1518. The first Housemaster was Mr D Vear (1974-1980), then Mr G Balaam (1980-1987), followed by Mrs V McCormick (1987-2005). The current Housemaster is Mr J Usher.
The aims of this house have always been to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect, tolerance and independence. Most girls have duties on a regular basis, and develop an awareness of the importance of responsibility in a boarding environment very quickly. We are very keen on widening cultural horizons, and regular trips to the ballet, opera and theatre are planned throughout the year. Blubery House is also well known for running successful charity events and has supported Children in Need for nearly 20 years.
Facilities
Blubery is one of two girls' houses, and is centrally located on the School's campus; it therefore has the advantages of being very close to the Performing Arts Centre, the Queen's Hall Theatre, the Sports' Hall and the swimming pool.
Girls are mostly in single rooms, although when they join us in Year 9 they spend the year in a dormitory to ensure that they get a good introduction to boarding life and integrate fully with what is on offer at the School. The House has its own enclosed garden where the girls can relax. Inside we have several kitchens, two common rooms (with Sky television), a pool table and a table tennis table. Computer facilities are excellent; we have a room with 4 computers which are connected to the School network and a laser printer, although girls can use their own laptops as there is wireless connection in every room.
Staffing
Head of House: Mr Justin Usher
Live-in Tutor: Miss Amanda Tyburski
House MAC: Miss Vicki Ingle
Deputy MAC: Mrs Kitty Kevan
Academic Tutors: Mr Justin Usher, Mrs Karen Kumar, Mrs Gillian Coulson, Mrs Jenny Birke
The following girls have responsibilities in the House:
House Captain: Emily Righini-Nisbett
Deputy House Captain: Lucy Reeve
Social Secretary: Georgia Sanderson-Nash
House Achievements 10/11
Winners of Small Group House Shout
Winners of Tug of War
Winners of Sports' Day Competition
Blubelle of the Month
Awarded to outstanding achievements including academic excellence, sporting success or excellence in the field of arts.
Summary of Blubery House Review, March 2011
Justin continues to run a happy House where the girls feel secure, happy and well supported both within the House and in their academic life at school. Everyone speaks of the homely atmosphere the Ushers have created and the high level of care and concern shown for the girls. Both students and parents are grateful for Miss Ingle’s support for all in the House. Maybe the most telling feedback is that all the parents that responded to their questionnaires said they would recommend the House to others. A fine accolade.
Academically the girls feel well supported but it does seem many turn to Justin for advice rather than their own tutors. This could be because the girls find it harder to relate to staff who do not do duties in the House but this should not be the case. Teaching and learning happens at school so it seems apt that academic support happens there too.
The girls like their weekends in Blubery but do not want to go on outings every weekend. They are quite happy to have their down time relaxing in the House, though they do like events that happen on site (more work for the staff then!)
Overall this has proved to be a most positive review and Justin and his team are to be congratulated for the high standard of care and support offered within Blubery House.
Issues for development:
• Continue to push for refurbishment of the bathrooms, showers and plumbing within the House
• Encourage use of the Common Room for chats with parents and students
• Encourage the girls to use the support from their academic tutors more effectively, so JFU does not have to be the main support for each and every girl
• Revisit the Buddy system
Whole school/boarding issues
• Review IT provision in the House, especially over the weekends
• Review the weekend activities programme, using ideas from the students to hone what is on offer
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