House System

Our House System

At Riverside, our House System is the heartbeat of our school community. It is designed to foster a sense of belonging, encourage teamwork, and celebrate the individual achievements of every pupil. By being part of a House, pupils develop social connections across different year groups and take pride in contributing to their team’s success.

The Four Houses

Every pupil and member of staff belongs to one of our four houses, named after local landmarks:

• Bowie

• Cairnoch

• Carman

• Duncolm

Celebrating Values: The Token System

We believe in catching our pupils "doing it right." Our House System uses a tangible token economy to reward positive behaviour and personal growth. Pupils earn tokens for their house by embodying our three core pillars:

Flow of Respect

Respect is the steady current that keeps our school a safe and happy place. Whether it’s listening to others, looking after school equipment, or showing self-respect, we celebrate the Flow of Respect in everything we do.

Ripple of Kindness

We believe that one small act of care can change someone's entire day. When a pupil helps a friend or offers a smile, they create a Ripple of Kindness that spreads throughout the whole school.

Waves of Effort

Success isn't just about the finish line; it’s about the energy we put in. We celebrate the Waves of Effort shown by pupils who try their best, persevere through challenges, and show determination in their learning.

Why the House System Matters

• Predictability & Clarity: Using a consistent "shared language" for rewards helps our pupils understand expectations and feel secure.

• Concrete Success: The physical act of earning and collecting tokens makes the abstract concept of "achievement" visible and easy to celebrate.

• Inclusive Community: The system is designed so that every pupil, regardless of their specific learning pathway, can contribute equally to their House’s total.

• Social Development: House events provide structured opportunities to practice turn-taking, sportsmanship, and peer support in a fun, low-pressure environment.

"At Riverside, we don't just teach-we belong. Our House System ensures that every pupil feels like a valued part of the team."