Houses and Tutor Grouping

Students are placed in a House when they arrive at Barnes Wallis Academy and we hope that this system will give students a sense of pride for their assigned houses through carefully planned house-bonding activities and inter-house competitions. 

The Form Tutor takes responsibility for their students and is the first port of call between home and school; they are the person that will make the initial contact with students on a daily basis and set the standard for the day ahead. In partnership with parents, they will aim to ensure all students are fully prepared to learn and progress within the Academy. Our houses are Dakota, Hurricane, Lancaster and Spitfire.

Hi, I am Miss Gem and I am Head of Dakota House. Our house is represented by the royal colour purple as we are a house of great importance and excellence. Being a member of Dakota means working as a team with your peers, showing kindness, being respectful and always trying your best. During your time at Barnes Wallis Academy, you will have the opportunity to represent Dakota this could be by earning house points, winning stars, or competing in a range of house competitions. Dakota is a friendly bunch of staff and students, and we all look forward to welcoming new students to join our team!

Miss Gem - Head of Dakota

Hi, I'm Mr Chapman and I have been at Barnes Wallis Academy since January 2018. I have been the Head of Hurricane House since September 2019. In Hurricane we strive to be the best we can be in all fields and are always respectful of our staff and fellow peers. At BWA I teach Physical Education, which is similar to many of the subjects at the Academy, where we offer fantastic opportunities outside of the classroom and we encourage all students to attend. The Academy has a strong sense of community where we support, encourage and work together so that we are able to get the best out of each other. My message to you would be to try not to worry about attending BWA but be excited and eager to start off the next chapter!

Mr Chapman – Head of Hurricane

I am Mr Pocklington, Head of Lancaster, and I’m really excited to welcome you into our team. If you hear other houses claiming that they are this, that and the other ignore them! Lancaster is the team which is on the rise and aiming to be the best in 2022. My number one request is that you are part of the TEAM, and that you commit to supporting the House in everything we do. Teamwork will take you to places you've never been to before. Lancaster House has a brilliant team of staff who are all there to support you, and of course my door is always open, so if you have a question that you need answering then don't be shy, ask! 

Mr Pocklington – Head of Lancaster

Hello, I'm Ms Swann and I'm Head of Spitfire House. Well done if you get in Spitfire as we are the best house and don't let anyone ever tell you any different. I've been a teacher here for many years and even taught some of your parents. We are a very friendly, supportive school and we are here to help you in every way we can. We will be with you every step of your secondary school journey and making the best version of you. We are all super competitive and hope you will contribute to every aspect of the house system as well as trying your Personal Best at all times. Finally, my number one rule is that we are all honest at all times. I will be honest with you and I expect you to all be honest with me. Feel free to come and find me and ask any questions!

Ms Swann – Head of Spitfire