The Animal System (Tigers, Yaks & Emus : TYE)

The House system at St. John’s is made up of three houses known as Animals, respectively: Tigers, Emus and Yaks. The boys are mixed evenly between the Animals regardless of form-group or boarding status; the Animal system chiefly governs the scoring of Tyes and Inter-Animal events. Tyes (an acronym of the three St. John’s Animals) are the points awarded for effort, achievement or commendable action. Each boy carries with him a Tye card on which his Tyes for work or helpfulness are recorded and collated at the end of the week in his Animal Meeting.

Each Animal has a chief boy and teacher who lead the Animal’s efforts in the Tye competition - a fiercely contested event conducted over the year, where all of an Animal’s Tyes are amassed and compared. Tyes are also gained for Inter-Animal events where boys are pitted against each other in contests ranging from Rugby or Tug of War to General Knowledge and Singing.

The Animal System is an important part of the Pastoral system at St. John’s. Every teacher is allocated to an Animal and helps the Animal leader monitor and encourage the progress of each boy. If a boy is finding a particular aspect of school life tricky, the Animal leader is an important figure whom they can turn to for support and advice - and congratulations as the situation improves. The boy who is the Animal Leader also has an important motivational role to play and helps link the top year of our school with the others.

Boarding

Pastoral Care

TYE Animal System

Handbooks

Catering