Lyra House

House Colour: Canary Yellow

Named after the Constellation of Lyra

Head of House - Mr G F Hammond

The lyre is one of the most ancient of musical instruments.

In Greek mythology, the lyre was invented by Hermes. When only a child, he pulled a cow-gut across a tortoise shell, and thereby created the lyre. Hermes gave this lyre to his half-brother Apollo (both were fathered by Zeus). As the god of music, Apollo became associated with the instrument and has now become the symbol of our new House logo.

Orpheus (musician of the Argonauts and son of Apollo) was given the instrument by his father when only a child and the Muses taught him to use it. They say that even Nature herself would stop to listen, enraptured by his musical charm. The name 'Lyra' is taken from this instrument 'the lyre' played by Orpheus.

There are several versions about the death of Orpheus. In the most widespread version Dionysus invades Thrace, home of Orpheus, and the female followers of Dionysus (the Maenads) tear Orpheus from limb to limb. His head is thrown into the river Hebrus, where it floats to Lesbos, singing the entire time.

The lyre of Orpheus is also thrown into the river, and it too floats to Lesbos, beached near the temple of Apollo. Apollo then convinces Zeus that the instrument should become a constellation. Zeus agrees, and places the lyre of Orpheus between Hercules and Cygnus.

Although we are not all musicians in Lyra House we understand about harmony in the sense that we all try to work together and support one-another in our wider community. We pride ourselves on our team spirit and the respect we have for each other. We understand the importance of taking time to listen to one other and value the views and ideas of our house members. To help in this we hold regular House Council meetings that discuss matters pertinent to our students. One member of this council is then elected to represent Lyra on the College Council; here students know they can bring about changes to the college.

The constellation Lyra is quite small but it contains the fifth brightest star in the sky. This is Vega and the temperature on its surface is twice that of our Sun, and that's pretty hot! We like to take inspiration from this in helping us realise that you do not have to be the biggest or the loudest to stand out. It is about the effort and sacrifice you can make to stand out above all others.

Lyra Endeavour Winners 2010-11

(left to right) Michael Avis, Sorrell Vanderweele, Leonie Leddy, Hollie MacDougal, Ryan Usher, Charlotte Perrin (Endeavour Shield Winner), Leah Coley, Charlotte Staniforthand James Wallace.

We have lots of stars in Lyra House and everyone is good at something. In particular Lyra students enjoy taking part in many events each year and this resulted once again in achieving a commendable 3rd place finish in the Interhouse Cup 2010-11, for the third year in a row! Lyra are reigning champions of Inter-House Netball, Attendance; for the third consecutive year and Business and Enterprise; for the third year also! We will be continuing to work hard to improve on these achievements in the 2011-12 year!

Interhouse Trophy Presentation

(left to right) Lucy Brydon (Business), Macaulay Reavill (Attendance) & Hollie Mackie (Netball)

The final assembly of 2010-11 saw the appointment of the new Form Prefects and Sports Captains for Lyra House. These roles allow prominent Lyra students to take an active role in the running of their house and we wish them all the success for the coming year.

Lyra Prefects with Mr Hammond

(left to right) Jordan Gregory, Melissa Kirke, Hayley Smith, Elizabeth Campbell, Robert Henderson, Mr Hammond, Jake Bates, Joseph Heinzman, Claire Rawlins and Denver Newton.

Lyra Sports Captains

Chloe Drury Ly11 & Andrew Pullen Ly6