Traditionally, an effective system of pastoral care has been regarded as
the sine qua non of a good independent school education. Within BBC, the House
System places emphasis upon the welfare of the individual. Older students
lead the House, particularly in intra-school sporting and cultural activities,
in association with the House teaching staff.
The Houses not only provide a means for the organisation of various intra-school
sporting and cultural competitions, but also cater for the important aspect
of providing proper pastoral care. The House staff act as mentor and model.
Our aim is to provide a secure and nurturing "family environment"
for our students. From the day they enter the Senior School, students become
members of a smaller House group whose staff are dedicated to helping them
in their progress both in and out of the classroom.
Each student is placed in one of the nine Houses. All boarders are in Rudd
House and brothers are in the same House. Sons of Old Collegians are placed
in the same House as their fathers, except for those day boys whose fathers
were boarders. Membership of Houses is arranged vertically across the five
secondary years with approximately the same number of students from each year
group. The names of the nine Houses honour men who have strong associations
with the College or with the Churches which comprise the Presbyterian and
Methodist Schools' Association.
Parents with students in Years 10 to 12 who are concerned about their son's
progress should contact their son's Senior Housemaster.
To enable the aims of the College to be effectively communicated to students
in order that their characters can be influenced for good, so that the fundamental
virtues of good citizenship such as courage, honour, loyalty, diligence
and faith can become personal characteristics.
To foster House spirit and identity that contributes positively to the
overall spirit and tone of the College and expresses itself in positive
relationships between students and staff both in and outside the classroom.
To contribute to the efficient administration of the College and its routines.
To enable each student to be known as an individual and to help each of
them to come to terms with his own strengths and weaknesses.
To encourage full participation in the academic programme and wide range
of activities offered by the College, thereby enabling students to achieve
their potential.
To nurture leadership through active delegation of responsibility within
the House and to hold accountable those who have such responsibility devolved
to them.
To assist in the resolution of conflict and distress that naturally occurs
when students interact with fellow students, staff, parents, and other members
of the community during the process of maturing from young boys to young
men.
