Life at IWS
School life and Houses
The four Houses are the four points of the compass in the IWS badge. Around them sit clubs led by students and a challenge for each House every term.
- North
- East
- South
- West
Students learn better when they feel that they belong to a community where they’re known, respected and supported.
We work to make IWS a safe and ambitious community, where students make friends, take part and feel part of something larger than their own timetable. A child who belongs is more motivated and more confident.
Everyone belongs to a House
Every student is placed in one of four Houses after taking the House Quiz, so the fit is theirs. The Houses are the four points of the compass in the IWS badge.
North
- Integrity
- Vision
East
- Innovation
- Discovery
South
- Empathy
- Community
West
- Resilience
- Action
The House Quiz
Taken before placement, so a student joins the House that suits how they learn and what they care about.
One challenge a term
Each House takes on a single challenge each term, which is enough to build something together without crowding the timetable.
Clubs led by students
Students lead six of our seven clubs, and a teacher runs the seventh. They meet online at 3pm UK time, from Tuesday to Friday, and any IWS student can join. A student who wants to start a club is helped by their Mentor to set it up.
The Design Lab
Logos, posters and graphics, made as a team.
Tuesdays, 3pm UK time
Led by a student
Debate Club
Got an opinion? Own it. Disagree? Great. Let’s talk.
Tuesdays, 3pm UK time
Led by a student
Soccer Club
From bad to good to legendary.
Wednesdays, 3pm UK time
Led by a student
The Quills
Poetry and writing: philosophy, literature and the classics. Beginners welcome.
Wednesdays, 3pm UK time
Led by a student
STEM Club
Build the future.
Thursdays, 3pm UK time
Run by Dennis Lukozi, a teacher and MentorBehind the Lens
A video essay club: explore your curiosity and the art of filmmaking.
Thursdays, 3pm UK time
Led by a student
Baking Club
Every month, one dessert from somewhere in the world. Learn its story, then bake it.
Fridays, 3pm UK time
Led by a student
Watch the clubsThe school’s own short film of its clubs. (video, plays on this page)
What students can take part in
These are the places where students start things, work with others, lead and take responsibility. They’re central to school life.
Clubs
In a club, students follow an interest over time, build a skill with others and take responsibility for something outside lessons.
Houses
A House gives a student somewhere to belong, and chances to contribute to school life, represent others and lead.
Work & Learn
Work & Learn gives students real responsibilities, with the expectations of a workplace.
Founders Programme
In the Founders Programme students take an idea and build it: they test it, solve its problems and find out what it takes to make something from nothing.
Student initiatives
Students can propose, design and lead their own activities, projects and events.
In-person trips and visits
IWS creates in-person experiences too: trips, excursions and university visits.
What students have done with it
Initiative and leadership don’t look the same from one student to the next. Here are some of them.
Maksim B.
IWS Head Boy, first in the individual category at a national kendo championship, and now at the University of Bath.
Milos L.
Built an e-commerce brand while studying with IWS, and is now founding his own health company.
A warm welcome from day one
This is how a new student joins the school community.
Before placement
A new student takes the House Quiz, so they join the House that suits how they learn and what they care about.
From the first day
New students are welcomed by their House, their classmates and their teachers.
As they settle in
They’re guided through school life and included in clubs and events.
Every term
Their House takes on a single challenge, enough to build something together.
Come and join the community.
Book a consultation and ask us about Houses, clubs and how your child would settle in.