At Edward Peake C of E (VC) School we operate a vertically tiered house system which is designed to nurture teamwork, leadership and cooperation skills.
The houses are named after notable historical characters from Biggleswade: Albone (green), Penrose (red), Ryland (blue) and Tealby (gold).
House Albone – Green
This house is named after Dan Albone who was born on the 12 September 1860 at the Ongley Arms Inn in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. He is best known internationally as the Inventor and Manufacturer of the world’s first practical and successful farm tractor, the Ivel. He was one of the first to add international combustion engines to bicycles and tricycles in Britain. Dan died at work on October 30 1906 and was buried in Biggleswade cemetery.
House Penrose – Red
This house is named Charles Penrose who was born in Biggleswade in 1877 and created a unique selection of comical and witty records between 1911 and 1933, for various labels, originally played on wind-up gramophones. The ‘Laughing Policeman’, made in 1962 became a cult classic in 50’s, 60’s and 70’s on the BBC programme Children’s Favourites and is still made use of by advertisers.
Henry Ryland – Blue
This house was name after Henry Ryland who was born in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire in 1856. He was a British painter, book illustrator decorator and designer, Although he did paint in oils, he specialized in highly finished watercolour paintings. Ryland also designed stained glass and his woodcuts were used for a number of magazines, including the English Illustrated magazine in the 1880’s and 1890’s.
House Tealby – Gold
This house is named after Mary Tealby who founded Battersea Dogs and Cats homes over 150 years ago, but little is known about the former Biggleswade resident who went on to establish one of the first homes for stray dogs in the country. In 1864, Mary moved from London to Biggleswade, where she stayed with relative Robert Weale. She died on October 3, 1865 and is buried alongside her brother Edward in the church grounds.
A range of sporting, artistic and academic activities take place throughout the year using house teams. These include events such as âSport for All Dayâ, âMaths Championâ, House quizzes and Key Stage art competitions.
Children can gain house points by participating in house events, demonstrating the school values and making a positive contribution in lessons. The house cup is awarded on a half termly basis and the winning house is rewarded for their efforts – often with a non-uniform day.
