Harrow School
Harrow School, commonly known simply as Harrow, is an English boarding school for boys. It is situated in Harrow, in North West London, England. Harrow School was officially founded by John Lyon, under a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, in 1572.
Harrow School has always been famous for its exclusive education. Many famous British people, including Sir Winston Churchill, studied there. Among other notable graduates are poets and writers such as Byron, Sheridan and Richard Curtis.
The school currently has approximately 850 pupils spread across 12 houses, all of them are full-time boarders. The houses each have their own gardens and necessary facilities. Each house holds around 70 boys who live and study at Harrow.
Every new boy who enters the school is given a two week period of time called ‘grace’ to get acquainted with the school rules and traditions. A student in a year above called a ‘Shepherd’ helps him. When this period of time ends the boy takes the ‘new boys' test’ which checks general knowledge of the school’s traditions. Some time later all new boys sing a solo in front of their house. This ritual officially ends their time as a new boy.
Harrow has many traditions, which include wearing school uniform. Everyday uniform includes the Harrow hat which is made of varnished straw with a dark blue strip. All boys are required to wear their hats when going to or from lessons and to ‘cap’ all teachers who pass them. The student has to raise his forefinger to the edge of his hat. Those who do not follow these rules are punished.
Sport is important at Harrow. Through sports games the students learn how to work in team situations. Harrow has two major sporting traditions, the first is Harrow Football. It is played with a large leather ball and is something of a cross between rugby and football. The game can be violent, as there are no restrictions as in rugby. As a result, injuries often occur, despite the game being played on the muddiest and softest pitches. No other British schools play this unique game. The competitions are held between Harrow school teams. Additionally, teams of Old Harrovians often return to play a game of unique football.
The second famous sport tradition is the annual Eton versus Harrow cricket match. The first match between the two famous English schools for boys was played in 1805. It should be mentioned that more often the cricket match has been won by Eton. Though some years were fortunate for Harrow players too.
Harrow School is also known for its custom of singing School Songs. Some of the songs were written by school teachers about Harrow life in the 19th century. New songs are occasionally written, but most students, teachers and graduates think that ‘the old ones are the best’! The School celebrates Songs once or twice a term, and Songs are sung with a similar frequency at a house level. |