The Boys and Rammell ethos
Although we are one school and one large boarding community each house has its own unique feeling. Rammell, despite its rather grand appearance, prides itself on the friendly atmosphere and the fact that all the boys get on so well together, regardless of age, home background or religion You will often find the older boys chatting happily to the younger boys, helping them with their prep or including them in a game of 'footie' on Scott Field. We like to think of ourselves as one big happy family. This is home for some boys for over 30 weeks of the year.

The House
There are a maximum of 44 beds in the house and it is our strong belief that the boys in Yrs 12 and 13 should have their own rooms. As Rammell was built in the early 1900s the majority of rooms are of a good size. We have a 6 and 5 bed dorm for Yr 10 while Yr 11 boys share a study. There are 3 recreation rooms as well as 2 pantries

The History
Rammell was founded in 1926 although the house was down the hill slightly at Hill House and catered for 26 boys. The present site was developed in the 30s and consisted of two large dormitories sleeping around 40 boys. Continuing investment has seen the house evolve into its present very comfortable guise.

These include awards for academic excellence, house play production, small group performers in the house singing festival, sports and services to the house.

Winners of the House Sports Cup for the 4th year in  a row

Tom Berger and Nick Goodall - straight A grades at 'A' level

Freddie Doust straight A*s at 'A' level

Jon Beshion - all A grades at GCSE

James Drummond, Tom Grime, Will Barrington, Josh Jones, Harry Rugg, Eman Eghobamian, Kitan Orimoloye, Dylan Hurdwell, Tom Beresford West, Rob Mclean and Ryan Burdon - all toured Australia with the Rugby Squads

Housemaster: Alex Presnell

Year 13: Alex Presnell
Year 12: Gavin Turner
Year 11: Stephen Allen
Year 10: Clayton Pohio

House MAC: Janet Lester
Assistant to the House MAC: Julie Hazelwood
Cleaners: Lorraine Thompson, Bess Relf, Vanessa Downing

Head of House: Ryan Burdon

Deputy Head of House: Rob Maclean
Sports Captain: Tom Beresford-West

Summary and Conclusion
Rammell has clearly moved on into the mature phase of its operation under Alex Presnell.  Questionnaire responses show a very a high approval rating and the issues which Alex himself wanted teased out have proved to be the ones which floated to the surface during the review.  Welcoming and communication with parents; the presentation of the housemaster style to the younger students; the full understanding of his philosophy of openness and lack of hierarchy.   It should be noted the strong support given by Maggie Presnell to her husband and the house.  Alex’s sports duties means that Maggie isregularly, the anchor of the house at times when Janet Lester and Julie Hazelwood are off-duty. 

There is much to admire and encourage in this report and a few observations which should be thought-provoking.  It is very clear that the staff seem to ‘sing from the same song sheet’ and that the boys are extremely happy and feel safe and well cared for.  This latter is the most important element of any home from home. 

Areas for development include:

• Review of student participation in assembly and tutorial
• Procedures for welcoming and communicating with parents
• Discussions on approaches to the younger students - both staff and seniors
• Sharing of this review with staff and students

For school to consider:

• Improving pupil perception of, particularly, supper
• Upgrading of bathrooms

Conclusion
This is a happy, well run and safe house for the boys.  There are issues to address in this report but the overriding impression is one of stability and continuity.  Alex and his team are to be congratulated on a positive and happy house.