A MAJOR structural overhaul is to be made at Whitecross School, effectively creating four mini-schools, called colleges, replacing the current 'house' system.

Deputy head teacher, Craig Burns, says when students return in September they'll go into one of the four designated colleges – all named after NASA space shuttles.

Each college, he explained, will be made up of 250 students across all years, will be student-led but each with their own head of college and assistant head.

The structural change has meant taking on four new teaching staff and is described as "The most significant change to be introduced at Whitecross in the last 10 years."

One of the innovative changes, says Mr Burns, is that the colleges will have eight student leaders and there will also be a new 'points incentive' system replacing the current rewards system.

"The new points incentive is where students will be able to accrue points for a wide range of achievements. Non-academic and out of school activities will be recognised and students will be able to collect points not just for their college but also for personal reward.

"They will be able to redeem their points for a whole range of incentives, from a fast track lunch queue and stationery packs to a laptop or mountain bike.

"Parents will be kept informed every time a student logs their reward points, either via a new automated text service or by email, so achievements will be more noticeable at home," says Mr Burns.

"Parents should hear more about what's going on at Whitecross and we'll be more visible in the community as well."