Our House system isn’t just about spirited contests – it’s about empowering students to become well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens. Rooted in our core values of Reciprocity, Reflectiveness, Resilience and Resourcefulness, our House competitions are more than just games; they are transformative experiences.
Reciprocity and Resourcefulness take centre stage, strengthening collaboration and teamwork. This not only creates an unforgettable House experience but also equips them with valuable interpersonal skills that will serve them well beyond the school walls.
House Icons
At Hammersmith Academy, our school’s ethos is embodied in our five distinct Houses, named after Steve McQueen, Sir David Attenborough, Ada Lovelace, Katherine Johnson, and Fazlur Rahman Khan. The Houses not only represent remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to the world, but also exemplify the core values of our school, resonating with our students through connections with technology, shared local heritage, and stories of resilience and perseverance.
Attenborough House
Sir David Attenborough is an English broadcaster and natural historian. While Attenborough’s earlier work focused more on the wonders of the natural world, his later work has been more vocal in support of environmental causes. He is a champion of humanity and earth. From colour broadcasts to 3D television, he has always been at the forefront of pioneering technology in broadcasting.
In an era marked by the challenges of global warming and the alarming decline of various species, Sir David Attenborough stands as a vocal advocate, aligning with our school’s dedication to environmental stewardship and inspiring our students to become proactive champions of the planet.
“The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us.” – Sir David Attenborough
Johnson House
Katherine Johnson was one of the first African-American woman to work for NASA. Her work on orbital mechanics was critical to the first U.S. crewed space flights. Her calculations were essential to the beginning of the space shuttle. In 2015, Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
STEM is integral to our curriculum at Hammersmith Academy, and Johnson, a pioneer for black women in STEM, not only shattered barriers but also charted a celestial path for humanity. Her legacy resonates with our commitment to inspire and empower the next generation of diverse STEM professionals.
“You lose your curiosity when you stop learning.” – Katherine Johnson
Khan House
Fazlur Rahman Khan was a Bangladeshi-American structural engineer and architect, who initiated the important structural system for skyscrapers, the tube principle, around which all skyscrapers are designed with today. Khan was a true visionary who foresaw the possibilities of computer-aided design. He was known as “the Einstein of structural engineering.”
Fazlur Rahman Khan revolutionised the way skyscrapers were built, significantly impacting city skylines around the world, including in our bustling, architecturally striking city of London. Khan exemplifies innovation, resilience, and the blending of creativity with practicality, inspiring our students to dream big and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of architecture and beyond.
“The technical man must not be lost in his own technology, we must be able to appreciate life, and life is art, drama, music, and most importantly, people.” – Fazlur Rahman Khan
Lovelace House
Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage’s proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She was the first person to recognise that the machine had applications beyond pure calculation, and to have published the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine. As a result, she is often regarded as the first computer programmer.
As a pioneer in the field of computer science, serves as an exemplary role model and the profound impact women can have in mathematics and technology. Her innovative work in the early 19th century laid the groundwork for modern computing, inspiring our students to break barriers and excel in maths and science, fields where women have historically been underrepresented.
“That brain of mine is something more than merely mortal; as time will show.” – Ada Lovelace
McQueen House
Sir Steve Rodney McQueen KBE is a West London born British filmmaker and video artist. McQueen was incredibly resilient and despite his Dyslexia, he was the first black filmmaker to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. From being a Tuner Prize prize-winning British artist to an internationally acclaimed Oscar winning director, Time Magazine has named him as one of the most influential people in the world. (2014)
His triumph of creativity and self-expression in the face of challenges, resonates deeply with our school’s ethos of resilience. As a living testament to perseverance and success, he inspires our students, to overcome difficulties and harness their unique talents, demonstrating that resilience and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievement.
“I learned that life is a long and difficult road, but you have to keep going, or you’ll fall by the wayside.” – Steve McQueen
House Events & Competitions
Each event is designed to promote a particular focus in our students’ development. These are Charity, Sport, Community, Creativity, Inclusivity and Skill.
They are spread out across the academic year and are open to students across all year groups.