Around 250 pupils took part in House Music in the hall this week, which was amazing, and it was wonderful to see so many students enjoying playing and singing. There were some stunning performances – particularly from the junior soloists this year. Ying-Tai Y won the Junior Solo for Westgate, and Charlotte L of Newgate* won the Senior Solo. Southgate House was victorious in the Junior Ensemble category, and Newgate and Southgate were joint winners of the Senior Ensemble and Open categories.

Newgate House was the deserving overall winner. Head of Music Mrs Jones said: “Finlay should be congratulated for his musicality and leadership. Southgate House was so close as runner up though, and Martha should also be congratulated for all her hard work. Well done to everyone who took part in this year’s event.”

*Newgate House Newgate was recently added as a fifth House, to better accommodate the School’s five-form intake and growing Sixth Form numbers. Although there is no Newgate Street or Newgate area in Gloucester as such, after surveying staff and students with various name options, ‘Newgate’ was the most popular choice as it is in line with the names of our other four Houses, and is, of course, ‘new’!

Newgate House’s colour is purple, and form groups now all belong to the same House, helping to build team spirit and an atmosphere of friendly competition:

Northgate: S forms Southgate: T forms Eastgate: R forms Westgate: B forms Newgate: C forms

www.strschool.co.uk/schoollife/houses