Update from Head of INSPIRED Sixth Form, Mr Oracz

13/06/2025

The House system has deep roots at Westholme, with every House having its own identity and unique characteristics. I became a proud member of Pendle many years back when I joined Billinge House myself as an excited new student. Then, when I returned as a teacher, I was excited to rejoin Pendle, finally proudly becoming the Head of Pendle House for a number of years, supporting the students who were captains under my tenure as best I could.

Whilst I did not taste victory back then, it was a very joyous celebration last year when Pendle finally took the championship trophy at Sports Day, a euphoric feeling that felt very much like the sense of joy I felt when our blue and white town team happened to win that coveted football league trophy back in 1995 (#BRFC). That is the same sense of devotion, passion and competitive spirit that defines the House system, with students devoted to their House and what it stands for. 

Aiming to instil that same sense of spirit, this week our new House Captains took charge of their Houses and led their first formal House Assemblies. This transition from the outgoing captains to the new is always an exciting time, because it takes place in the final furlong for the overall House championship. With everything to play for and the final events scheduled to take place in the next few weeks, these new captains must encourage their houses in the pursuit of victory, swiftly setting out their stall and showcasing all the characteristics of an inspirational leader. In what could be a nerve-wracking experience, standing on stage in front of your peers as that leading figurehead, I have been so impressed by the quality of these assemblies, with every captain demonstrating the confidence, clarity and passion that defines a successful House Captain. Each captain opened up to their houses, telling them a little about who they are and what they will each bring to the role as their captain. They also went into the background of their House, explaining the geographical and historical backgrounds to Bowland, Calder, Longridge and Pendle.

Furthermore, they intelligently discussed the characteristics behind their crest, with Bowland discussing their strong roots as a forest, Calder their deep currents as a river, Longridge their competitive nature linked to Cromwell and Pendle their magic as a location linked to witchcraft. Huge congratulations to each of our new captains on an impressive first step into their roles. With House Pool currently being played in the Sixth Form and House Music due to take place shortly, all is to play for on the final event of the year at Sports Day. Who will take home the championship and earn that highly coveted prize of a trip out to Blackpool Pleasure Beach? It’s all to play for and cannot wait to see all of our students represent their houses with pride and competitive spirit.

Mr Oracz