House Cross Country is a traditional event of Sutton Valence School in the UK and is one of the highlights of HIKSVS' House competitions. It is an individual sport which tests the resilience of students through long-distance running. It is also a competitive team sport. Students strive to contribute to the success of their Houses through individual efforts.
At HIKSVS, every student joins one of four Houses (Hever, Bodiam, Leeds & Rochester) to develop a sense of community and leadership. In the HIKSVS House Cross Country event, students wear the bright colours of their Houses and challenge themselves whilst racing against each other to fight for the honour of the Houses. On the track, the students persevered whilst running and felt supported by their teammates and friends. It was this strength that enabled the students to break through and finish the race. Hard work and perseverance in long-distance running lay a solid foundation for their growth.
HIKSVS adopts the House system which is not only a part of elite culture, but also an innovative attempt to promote the interaction, solidarity and healthy competition amongst students. The House system helps cultivate the leadership of students and enhance students’ sense of collective honour and teamwork.
Mr Hurst issued certificates to the top three girl and boy winners in each year group and each of the finalists accumulate "Super Points" which identify which House overall has the most points. Amidst the cheering of the staff and students, Rochester won first place and the Rochester Sport Captains held up the championship trophy of this years' House Cross Country.
Through the House enrichment activities, students understand the true meaning of team honour, the significance of contributing and giving to the team and not to complain when presented with challenges but overcome them. In HIKSVS, winning or losing is never the most important thing rather sharing experience and courage in the activity to achieve common growth. That is what HIKSVS’s community spirit is all about.