By Karel Van Der Linden
Deputy Head of Primary
A house system with a merit-based approach can significantly enhance student growth in a primary school setting. By dividing students into different houses, the school creates smaller communities within the larger school environment, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork.
Each house competes to earn merits through positive behavior, academic achievements, and participation in various activities. This system encourages students to strive for excellence and fosters a healthy competitive spirit.
At Northbridge, we have adopted four animals culturally relevant to Cambodia to be our houses. They are Cobras, Stingrays, Ibis and Elephants. Every Friday, our Primary school is adorned with houses and the four colours of the houses and we host mini house competitions during lunch break.
At our school, we use merits as a way of gaining house points and these promote our school values of caring hearts and ambitious minds. Merits serve as tangible rewards for students' efforts, reinforcing positive behaviors and motivating them to improve continuously. When students see their contributions directly impacting their house's success, they are more likely to engage actively in school activities, show respect for their peers and teachers, and take responsibility for their actions. This not only promotes individual growth but also builds a supportive and collaborative school culture.
Moreover, the house system teaches important life skills such as leadership, cooperation, and resilience. Older students often take on mentorship roles within their houses, guiding and supporting younger peers, which enhances their leadership abilities. The system also provides students with regular opportunities to celebrate successes, learn from setbacks, and understand the value of working together toward a common goal, all of which are crucial for their overall development.
Leadership roles such as House captains (in Grade 5) and Vice Captains (in Grade 3 and Grade 4) ensure that we have students that learn to lead and support others, for the betterment of the community.
By Donita Bell
PYP Co-ordinator/Assistant Principal
The importance of home-school partnerships have long been documented as having positive impact on student wholistic development, wellbeing and life-long learning. Research shows that the role of the relationship between Parents and Educators creates the conditions conducive to student success.
'No school can work well for children if parents and teachers do not act in partnership on behalf of the children's best interests' - Dorothy Cohen
At Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC) in the heart of Phnom Penh, we take pride in providing a nurturing environment where every child can flourish. In this interview, Yewon Heo, a parent of an Early Learning 4 (EL4) student, shares her positive experiences at our school.
