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Highgate’s infamous Charley Cup – the inter-house competition for pupils in Y9-13 – started in earnest this week with the eagerly anticipated House Vocal competition.

Senior School pupils gathered at St Michael’s Church, Highgate, for what is widely considered to be the centrepiece of the house calendar. The intensity of the challenge – to choose, arrange, rehearse and perform a song to their peers in just over a week – provides an added thrill to the event, as pupils rallied together for their house performance and cheered on their friends in return.

Adjudicated by professional musician and singer Birgitta Kenyon, the competition winners were Southgate house, followed by Eastgate in second and The Lodge in third.

Rebecca Golland, Deputy Head (Pastoral and Safeguarding) enthused: “Each and every House performed with energy, confidence and a sense of belonging. Congratulations to the winners, Southgate, but even bigger commendations to everyone who invested their time in rehearsals and brought their all to the final performance. A wonderful evening of music and laughter.”

Y13 pupil Sadie (pictured above), who led Southgate to the winning trophy, said: “As a house singing leader and new house captain it’s a push into the deep end trying to organise a whole house, but it really builds the sense of community. Today’s event was brilliant, the support for each house was phenomenal and truly heartwarming. The whole process is a stress and a struggle but really pays off when it comes to the pride you have in your work. I’m very sad to have finished my last house singing although we ended it on a high!”

As the first house event of the year, House Singing is a significant moment for pupils – not just for the musical talent that shines through, but as a fun team building exercise. From the Y13s who entirely arrange and lead the performance, right down to the new Y9s who are finding their feet, each member of the group palpably benefits from the joy of performing but also from that sense of belonging within their house.

Jack Kenmir, Head of Heathgate, explains: “Whether a pupil has created the arrangement, sang a solo, or merely been part of the chorus, I hope all of them have come away feeling a bit more like they belong in their house, and that they have achieved something significant.”

Sophie, Y13 House Captain for Eastgate, adds: “Throughout my time in the house, I have come to realise how important the first event of the year is, House Singing. By having such a harmonious collaboration between the years it invites the Year 9s into the house system and creates a competitive and fun atmosphere for everyone. I tried to make all the newcomers feel welcome and involved, reflecting on how integral it was for me when I was in Year 9.”

Storm, in Y9, shares his experience of the event, saying: “The House Singing event was a thrilling competition! I loved the supportive atmosphere and the feeling of community. Singing together is such an amazing experience and I feel it has brought me together with people in many different years whom I would have never met had it not been for this event.”

Jiya, Pupil Head of School and a member of the winning team, said: “Every time I watch House Singing, I’m reminded of its ability to bring together different groups and years within a house, which is what makes the event truly special.” 

Charles Martland, Senior Head of House concludes: “Whether you are new in Year 9 or an experienced Year 13 organising the arrangement, everyone plays their part in making it an amazing performance. There is community built between the year groups and the sense of belonging to your house, a unique place with its own memorable character.”

To find out more about Highgate’s House System, you can view our long read in the Highgate Journal magazine.