House system
When students come to Mandeville in Year 7 they are placed in one of five Houses that are named after famous local landmarks: Chequers, Hartwell, Rothschild, Verney and Windsor. The colours are green, blue, yellow, purple and red respectively.
The different House colours are shown in coloured stripes on the school tie and in planners. The school badge and PE kit place great store on the House colours at Mandeville.
We place high store on ‘belonging’ to a House and this plays a key role in school competitions and fund raising activities in school throughout the year. Every member of staff apart from the Headteacher belongs to a House which enhances both a sense of identity yet competitive spirit across the school community.
Chequers
Chequers, or Chequers Court, is the country house retreat of the Prime Minister. The residence is located near Ellesborough, to the south of Aylesbury. It has been the private retreat of the Prime Minister since 1921.
Hartwell
Hartwell House is a National Trust country house in the village of Hartwell, located on the south west side of Aylesbury. It was constructed in the early 17th century. It used to be a private residence but is now an hotel. Its proximity to Chequers means that it has frequently been the host of international and Government summits and meetings.
Rothschild
The Rothschild family began to acquire or build large estates in or around Buckinghamshire in the 1840s. The family seat was established at Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury, and the Rothschilds also purchased the historic King’s Head Inn in Aylesbury (donated to the National Trust in 1925).
Verney
Verney is the name of an English family that traces back approximately eight centuries. It first settled at Fleetmarston in Buckinghamshire and then at Pendley in Hertfordshire. Finally it settled at Middle Claydon, a country house in Aylesbury Vale, which the family purchased in the 1460s and where descendants of the Verney family still live. This is another property that is now managed by the National Trust.
Windsor
Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor, less than an hour from Aylesbury. The castle is notable for its long association with the British Royal Family and also for its architecture. The original castle was built in the 11th century making it the longest-occupied palace in Europe. More than five hundred people live and work in Windsor Castle.
