Newport Girls' High School

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Austen

The entire house system is an integral part of NGHS as it allows everyone to feel a sense of belonging within their team, whether that be Austen, Roddam or Seacole. This year, the Austen house team is comprised of myself, Louisa (Deputy), Niamh (Drama), Jess (Sports), Natasha (Music), Isabel (Charities) and Val (Communications) and we are all so excited to take on our roles within the house and we have many ambitions for Austen (a key priority being to keep the sports day 9-year winning streak alive!). As a team, we all understand the ethos of our house and we are determined to encourage all year groups to get involved in house events, have fun and showcase their talents. One thing I love about Austen is how supportive and encouraging the house is - as a member of Austen since year 7, I have always felt as though I was a part of something special thanks to the amazing Austen house captains throughout the years and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to give back and ensure all members of Austen feel the same support I did. Jane Austen, our house’s namesake, was a 18th/19th century English novelist famous for defying gender norms. Jane Austen’s passion for what she did drove her life, changed perspectives in English literature and inspired other women to do what they love. As a house, we can take great inspiration from Jane Austen and embody her strength, courage and passion within school life.

Lucy, House Captain (2023-24)

Lower School Austen House Team

Our Lower School Austen House Captain Team are shown below:
 

 Austen House Charity

Austen's house charity this year is The Kinamba Community Project, which focuses on ensuring that children and young adults are provided with the educational and life-skill opportunities that they deserve. Established in 2008 and based in Kigali, Rwanda, they work with the local community to improve education and learning for children and run workshops and courses for young adults. Following the 1984 genocide, where many of those impacted were unable to experience education, the Kinamba Project offers free training, teaching, and workshops for adults, to help develop important skills and support the community.

The Kinamba Project also supports education for children, from nursery to secondary school. They run a free-to-attend nursery, ensure smooth transitions to primary schools, and through sponsorships are able to help students to study at secondary schools. The Kinamba Project's values and aims are extremely important to Austen, and the whole school, as their work allows everyone involved to have a proper education, be taught valuable skills, and have the support to succeed.