Every student and member of staff join one of The Priory Witham Academy's five houses – Bronte, Johnson, Owens, Turner or Attenborough.

There are many varied competitions throughout the year, including at least one sporting event and one art's event per module.

Students are rewarded House Points for many different reasons, including any extra-curricular work they may participate in.

‘Believe and Achieve – The Witham Values Programme’ was launched in January 2018, and celebrates all aspects of life that our students participate in. The House system is intrinsically linked to this through celebrating sporting, academic, artistic and community events. 

        

Charlotte Brontë was a renowned English novelist and poet, best known for her classic novel "Jayne Eyre" published in 1847 under the pseudonym "Currer Bell." Born in 1816 in Thornton, Yorkshire, she was the eldest of the Brontë sisters, which included Emily and Anne. Charlotte's work often explores themes of social criticism and the quest for personal identity, reflecting her own struggles as a woman in a patriarchal society, making it a pioneering work in feminist literature. The character of Jane Eyre is often seen as a strong, complex female protagonist who defies the limitations imposed by society.

Charlotte's life was marked by tragedy, with the early deaths of her siblings and mother, experiences which profoundly influenced her writing, infusing her works with themes of loss, isolation, and the quest for identity. Her writing style combined vivid imagery with deep psychological insight, earning her a place among the great literary figures of her time, ensuring legacy endures as a foundational figure in English literature. She passed away in 1855, age 38, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

 Charlotte's contributions to literature and her exploration of themes such as individuality, morality, and the complexities of human relationships resonate with our school’s values of courage, wisdom, and curiosity. Charlotte Brontë’s story inspires pupils to embrace their unique voices and challenge societal norms, making her a fitting namesake for one of our houses.

 

James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens was an iconic American track and field athlete whose remarkable achievements made history in the 1936 Berlin Olympics by winning four gold medals - 100 metres, 200 metres, long jump, and 4x100 metre relay. His extraordinary performance not only showcased his incredible speed and skill but also defied Adolf Hitler's propaganda of Aryan supremacy, making Owens a symbol of hope and resilience for many, challenging racial stereotypes and making a profound impact on the world of sports.

Born on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama, Owens showed exceptional athletic talent from a young age, excelling in various sports during his high school years and gained national attention while attending Ohio State University, where he set multiple world records and won numerous titles. Owens received numerous accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognising his contributions to sports and society.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Owens faced significant challenges due to the racial discrimination prevalent in the United States during his lifetime. Owens's achievements challenged prevailing racial stereotypes and made a significant impact on the civil rights movement. After his athletic career, he faced racial discrimination and struggled financially, but he remained an inspirational figure, businessman and motivational speaker, promoting sports and education and inspiring future generations to overcome adversity.

Jesse Owens passed away on March 31, 1980. His legacy inspires triumph over adversity, embodying the spirit of determination and resilience that we seek to instil in our pupils, and acts as a reminder of the power of sports to transcend boundaries. His story resonates with our school’s values of courage, passion, and generosity, inspiring pupils to strive for excellence and advocate for equality in their own lives. 

 

Joseph Mallord William Turner was a British painter and one of the most significant figures in the history of art. Turner is celebrated for his innovative approach to landscape painting, particularly his ability to capture the effects of light and atmosphere. His works often depicted dramatic natural scenes, from turbulent seas to serene sunsets, and he is known for his masterful use of colour and texture. Notable paintings such as "The Fighting Temeraire" (1839) and "Rain, Steam and Speed" (1844) exemplify his unique style and his ability to evoke emotion through nature. He was a key figure in the Romantic movement, and his later works foreshadowed the Impressionist style that would emerge in the late 19th century. His innovative techniques and visionary approach to art have had a lasting impact on generations of artists.

J. M. W. Turner, contemporarily known as William Turner, was a child prodigy, became a member of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1789 age 14 and began exhibiting his paintings age 21. He earned a steady income from commissions and sales, which due to his troubled, contrary nature, were often begrudgingly accepted. He opened his own gallery in 1804 and became professor of perspective at the Academy in 1807, where he lectured until 1828, although he was viewed as profoundly inarticulate. He travelled to Europe from 1802, typically returning with voluminous sketchbooks.

Born on April 23, 1775, in Covent Garden, London to a modest lower middle-class family, Turner famously retained his Cockney accent and lived in London all his life, assiduously avoiding the trappings of success and fame.

Turner was deeply interested in the relationship between humanity and nature, often reflecting themes of change and the sublime in his work. His dedication to capturing the beauty and power of the natural world aligns closely with our school’s values of curiosity, wisdom, and passion. Turner passed away on December 19, 1851, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike. His contributions to the world of art and his exploration of the natural environment make him a fitting namesake for one of our houses, embodying the spirit of creativity and exploration that we encourage in our pupils.

 

Amy Johnson was a pioneering British aviator and a trailblazer in the field of aviation. Born on July 1, 1903, in Kingston upon Hull, England, she developed a fascination with flying at a young age. After earning her degree in economics from the University of Sheffield, she took to the skies and became the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930, a remarkable feat that captured the public's imagination and established her as a national hero.

Johnson's historic flight covered over 11,000 miles and took her 19 days to complete, demonstrating her exceptional skill and determination in a time when aviation was still in its infancy. Her journey not only showcased her courage but also challenged societal norms regarding women's roles in aviation and other male-dominated fields.

Throughout her career, Johnson continued to break records and inspire others. She flew various aircraft, participated in air races, and worked as a pilot for the Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II, where she played a crucial role in ferrying aircraft for the Royal Air Force.

Tragically, Amy Johnson's life was cut short when she died in a plane crash on January 5, 1941, while on a mission during the war. However, her legacy endures as a symbol of bravery, perseverance, and the spirit of adventure.

Her contributions to aviation and her role as a pioneer for women in the field resonate with our school’s values of courage, passion, and curiosity. Amy Johnson's story continues to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and break barriers, making her an inspirational namesake for one of our houses.

 

Sir David Attenborough is a renowned British broadcaster, natural historian, and documentary filmmaker whose work has profoundly influenced the way we understand and appreciate the natural world. Born on May 8, 1926, in London, he developed a passion for nature from an early age, often exploring the countryside and collecting specimens.

Attenborough began his career in broadcasting in the 1950s with the BBC, where he initially worked as a producer and presenter. His breakthrough came with the landmark series "The Trials of Life" (1990), which showcased the intricate behaviours of animals in their natural habitats. He is best known for his role as the narrator of the acclaimed "The Blue Planet" (2001) and "Planet Earth" (2006) series, which brought stunning visuals and compelling storytelling to audiences worldwide, raising awareness about environmental issues.

Throughout his illustrious career, Attenborough has received numerous awards, including multiple BAFTAs and an Emmy. He was knighted in 1985 for his services to broadcasting and conservation. His commitment to environmental advocacy has inspired generations to appreciate and protect the planet's biodiversity.

Attenborough's legacy extends beyond his television work; he has authored several books and continues to be a passionate voice for conservation, urging individuals and governments to take action against climate change and habitat destruction. His unwavering curiosity and dedication to the natural world exemplify the values of courage, wisdom, and curiosity that our school embodies.

Sir David Attenborough remains a beloved figure, not only for his contributions to broadcasting but also for his tireless efforts to inspire a deeper connection between humanity and the natural world.

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