Norris
In becoming the tenth Housemaster of Norris House in September 2004, I was delighted to have been given the opportunity to take on the responsibility of what I consider to be my ‘dream job’. Born and bred in Kent, I attended Dover College before reading Sports Sciences at Brunel University, where I played a great deal of rugby and cricket. I started my teaching career at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School in Kent before joining The Oratory School community in September 2000. I married Sarah, who teaches at The Abbey School in the summer of 2002 and we have a lovely daughter, Anna who is at The Oratory Preparatory School as well as a younger son called James.
Norris House, named after Father John Norris, who was Head Master of the school for over thirty years, is situated at the heart of The Oratory School. It is home to over 90 boys with a lovely blend of boarding and day boys between the ages of 13 - 18. As well as academic progress, sport and drama are also major features in the boys’ lives and many of them excel and represent the school in the top teams as well as others who represent at their own individual level. The boys are also encouraged to take up a musical instrument, to sing in the Schola Cantorum or to involve themselves with the various drama productions. To this end, there are over forty societies which the boys are encouraged to become involved with, in order to complement their academic studies. I am very keen for all boys to take full advantage of the opportunities that a school like ours has to offer.
The House has two common rooms which are equipped with DVD machines, a pool table as well as a number of kitchenettes. The junior boys (Years 3 – 5) have shared rooms and by the sixth form, all boys have individual studies. There is networked ICT provision for all of the boys’ rooms where they are able to access their school accounts from their studies as well as the main computer rooms around the school. As well as the Housemaster, there are also two residential Assistant Housemasters and our Housemother (Mrs Blount) who help in the day to day running of the house.
The Norris House Motto, Honorem Servate Pueri which translates as ‘Maintain honour, boys’ encapsulates all that is expected from members of the House. It is our responsibility to strive to be our best in all things and to overcome adversity with energy and purpose. Boarding Houses only run smoothly and efficiently when everyone in the House does as they are expected to do and consciously works towards creating an atmosphere of care and consideration for others. Harmony exists when everybody understands that they are obligated to respect the rights of others, fulfil their responsibilities to both the House and the School and to engender a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood. The tenet in Norris House has always emphasised the importance of the individual with the emphasis on all round education. My philosophy is based on the education of mind, body and spirit and to achieve these ends via focus on “Passion, Enthusiasm and Purpose.”
Norris House, established in 1951, has a fine history of tradition, which must be maintained, cherished and enhanced by all who have the privilege to pass through its doors. I try to foster these ideals by promoting mutual respect for all who live and work within the house; fellow boys, house staff, cleaners and the maintenance department are all part of the same Oratory family. The boys have a right to be able to work, play and relax free from abuse, intimidation, harassment, teasing or bullying. There should be an equality of opportunities and respect for all pupils, regardless of ethnicity, culture or disability so that there are perfect conditions for all boys to extend their intellectual growth in an atmosphere of positive encouragement and in surroundings that are conducive to work. Despite the often great distance separating boarders from their families, links with parents are seen as an essential and indispensable part of the support and development of boarders within the house.
Please do arrange an appointment to meet me and discuss your son personally. I would be delighted to see you and will offer you a very warm welcome.
Andrew J. Wilson
Office: 01491 683660
Mobile: 07786 396117
Email: a.wilson@oratory.co.uk
