Our House System
At OIS, we want to develop the leadership potential of our students and to foster a friendly spirit of challenge and competition. House competitions give students an opportunity for both leadership (Captains and Vice-captains) and a way to challenge other students in an organized environment.
On joining OIS, all families are assigned to one of our four Houses – Kingfisher, Phantom, João Baptista or Vulpes. During the school year, there are numerous House competitions in which students gain points for their Houses. We offer a mixture of sporting, artistic, academic and many other competitions. At the end of the year, the highly-prized House Trophy is awarded.
Which House will you be in?
Kingfisher
Fast, flashy and a little bit magical! Our local kingfishers are rare, but our red-shirted house members are everywhere. They keep their eyes peeled, colours flying and the points coming!
Vulpes
Meet fantastic Mr Fox! Clever, quick-witted and always trying to stay one step ahead. Vulpes is Latin for fox, and just like their furry namesake, our blue-shirted students are sharp, cunning and full of clever plans. Outfox them if you can!
João Baptista
Tax collector or pirate? Nobody really knows! João Baptista Sinel de Cordes came to Portugal from Flanders during the reign of Filipe III, and his story is full of mystery. His house emblem is a caravela, a ship from Portugal’s golden age. The yellow shirts aim to rule the school – and they’re not afraid to let everyone know it!
Phantom
Whoooo goes there? Our 17th-century palace in the Quinta might have a ghost or two lurking in its corridors. Is it a knight? A lady? Nobody knows! Our white-shirted Phantoms are mysterious, full of spirit and always ready to haunt the competition. Boo!
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