The annual International House event took place the last week in November. There is a different country each day and Houses earn points by answering questions about their country with a question for each year group and a lunchtime challenge where Houses gather as many participants as possible to take part. This year the chosen countries were Mexico, New Zealand, Italy, Japan. As is traditional St Andrew’s Day was represented by some of the countries of which St Andrew is patron saint including, of course, Scotland.

Mexico’s challenge involved line dancing to La Bamba whilst for New Zealand each House lined up to show their very own version of the Haka (lots of noise!). A large number of students from S1-S6 as well as staff gathered for a lively tarantella in the gym, two large circles of dancers easily filling the gym with some neat footwork. 75 students and staff (50% of the high school) squeezed themselves into the French room for some karaoke to represent Japan, each House had been asked to choose a song for the assembled company to sing. After a bit of Neil Diamond and ABBA to warm up the assembled “choir” belted out “Living on a Prayer” chosen by Iona House, danced their way Beyonce style as they sang “Single Ladies”, the choice of Ulva House, whilst all were encouraged to “Reach for the Stars” by Staffa House (actions included) and our 75 strong choir ended with Bohemain Rhapsody demonstrating some 75 part harmonies!

Friday’s lunchtime activity was to have been an Orcadian Strip the Willow but was postponed due to torrential rain but watch this space as our dancers will be taking to the floor again very soon!