House System

At Barnsole Primary School we believe that all children should be given a sense of belonging within our community through encouragement to be positive role models and part of a supportive team.

Our House System creates friendly competition, good work and behaviour, encourages teamwork, and provides opportunities to take on responsibilities and brings everyone in the school together.

Every child who attends our school (except Nursery) is assigned to one of our four 'house teams'. Each house is made up of pupils from different year groups from Reception up to Year 6.

There are four house teams at Barnsole, which are led by a House Captain and a Deputy. The four houses are called Adams, Gordon, Invicta and Medway.

Adams House Team

William Adams (1564–1620) was an English navigator and the first known Westerner to reach Japan in 1600. Born in Gillingham, Kent, Adams had strong connections to the Medway area, where he trained as a shipbuilder and gained maritime skills. After a long voyage with a Dutch fleet, Adams arrived in Japan, where he became a trusted advisor to the shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. He helped establish trade relations between Japan and Europe and was granted the rank of samurai. His pioneering journey marked the start of early relations between Japan and the West, making him a significant historical figure.

Gordon House Team

Major General Charles George Gordon (1833–1885), also known as "Gordon of Khartoum," was a renowned British military leader and national hero. Known for his courage, leadership, and humanitarian work, Gordon played significant roles in conflicts across the British Empire, including the Crimean War, China, and Sudan. His last stand in Khartoum during the Mahdist War made him a symbol of British heroism and sacrifice. Gordon has a strong connection to the Gillingham and Medway area through his service as Commandant of the Royal Engineers at Chatham from 1865 to 1871. During his time there, he was known for his charitable efforts, particularly in helping the poor and supporting local education, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.

Invicta House Team

"Invicta" is a Latin word meaning "unconquered" or "undefeated." It is famously used as the motto of the county of Kent, symbolising the county's resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The motto is said to have originated from Kent’s resistance to William the Conqueror's rule in the 11th century. The people of Kent successfully negotiated favorable terms after the Norman invasion, reflecting the county’s spirit of strength and independence. The link to Gillingham and Medway comes from the motto's historical association with the region, representing the unyielding spirit of its people. By naming one of our house teams "Invicta," we celebrate this enduring resilience and local pride, inspiring students to embody these qualities in their school life and beyond.

Medway House Team

The Medway Queen is a historic paddle steamer with strong ties to the Gillingham and Medway area. Built in 1924, she became famous for her heroic role during World War II, particularly in the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940. The Medway Queen rescued over 7,000 soldiers during Operation Dynamo, making multiple trips across the English Channel despite facing enemy fire. The boat was originally based in the River Medway and operated as a pleasure steamer, serving local communities. Today, she stands as a symbol of courage and resilience, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of Gillingham and the Medway region.

Responsibility & Leadership

As part of the wider curriculum at Barnsole we understand the importance of providing more opportunities for our older pupils to take responsibility and develop leadership skills. At the beginning of each academic year assemblies are held in order for the children to elect their House Captains. One pupils from Year 6 is elected House Captain for each House Team.

The job of the house captains is to take responsibility for the leadership, direction and organisation of their house throughout one academic year. In addition to the house captain, one deputy house captain is also elected for each house to support the house captain in their duties.

House Captains & Deputies

Adams House - Cherish Onaifo (House Captain) & Jack Lloyd (Deputy)

Gordon House - Lilly-Mae Cross (House Captain) & Teddy Osborn (Deputy)

Invicta House - Rhys Goma (House Captain) & Yusor Shnaa (Deputy)

Medway House - Ethan Gravett (House Captain) & Sarah Wybourn (Deputy)

House Points

The children are given the opportunity to win house points for their team. House points are awarded for children exhibiting our school values and going 'above and beyond' what is normally expected of them in school. Please see below for the latest house point scores.