Gymnasia in Elluenuueq

Elw gymnasia students from the bailiwick of Echo, depicted in 1724 AN.

The Gymnasia system in Elluenuueq, a realm within the Benacian Union, is an educational institution that aims to prepare young people for technical and administrative roles in the realm. Established at the level of each bailiwick within the realm, the gymnasia receive children between the ages of twelve and fifteen (years six to eight), who are obliged to reside at an assigned barrack house for the entirety of each academic term, excluding holidays.

The gymnasia are operated by liveried companies chartered by the Benacian Academy. Under the charters granted, each gymnasia is controlled by a Board of Governors that supervises all matters. The board comprises thirteen members and is chaired by the cadre officer of the Nationalist and Humanist Party with seniority in the bailiwick. This ensures that the education provided by the gymnasia is aligned with the values and goals of the Harmonious Society, and that the students are prepared to contribute to the realm in a meaningful way.

At the intramural level, the School Council is responsible for legislating and discussing the individual policies of the specific gymnasia. Comprising the headmaster, heads of department, staff and student representatives from each house, the council serves as a forum for dialogue and decision-making. Every house holds a vote to send four student representatives to the council, which enables the students to have a say in the running of the school. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the students, and helps to develop their leadership skills.

Each house is run by a housemaster or a housemistress, along with a house captain and a team of prefects. The housemistress is assisted by a matron known as "The Dame", who provides pastoral care for pupils. Some students may take several weeks to adjust fully to life in a boarding school, particularly given the monastic lifestyle and strict routine. The homes of housemasters and house-mistress are adjacent or physically attached to their houses to enable close supervision and support. This ensures that the students are well-cared for and that any issues that arise can be dealt with promptly and effectively.

One senior boy serves as school captain, chosen by teachers and students at the start of the year by voting in a secret ballot. This student serves as a role model and leader for the other students, and is responsible for representing the school at official events and ceremonies. This system of student government helps to develop the leadership skills of the students, and prepares them for their future roles as meritorious subjects of the realm and the Union-State.