Rewards
Our emphasis is on the use of rewards as a means of raising levels of attainment, encouraging good behaviour, increasing student’s self-esteem and creating a positive learning environment.
Reward System
Commendations
Commendations can be awarded to pupils in Yrs 7-13. A commendation may be awarded when a pupil provides assistance or makes a commitment above and beyond the expected call of duty, and are available to students in all years. (It is expected that all pupils' behaviour conforms to normal standards and that they will be prepared to assist in a range of activities as a matter of course.)
Examples which fall into this area would include:
- Help on Open Days.
- Extended help to non-teaching staff, librarian, technicians and caretakers.
- Conducting tours of school.
- Membership of school teams for a season without the award of colours.
It is left to the professional judgement of all staff, both teaching and support, to judge the worth of the task.
A Prefect Commendation may be awarded to pupils who show support for the work of School Prefects. Each is worth 1 Merit
In addition to a normal commendation, pupils may also be awarded a ‘Headteacher’s Commendation’ at the discretion of the Headteacher. This is worth 10 merits.
Recording commendations
a) Commendations are recorded using a Commendation Slip - these are available from the Receptionist. The slip should be given to the appropriate Pastoral Supporter who will ensure the Commendation is issued and recorded using the sticker system.
b) Heads of Year will maintain a record of Commendations for the purposes of school reports.
c) Each commendation is worth 3 merits and so will contribute towards the House competition.
Merits
Merits can be awarded to pupils in Years 7 to 11. Staff are especially encouraged to give merits in Year 11. A merit may be awarded when:
a) A pupil's written work (classwork or homework) is of outstanding academic order.
N.B. A piece of work awarded full marks need not automatically qualify for a merit. Evidence would need to be presented to show that the work contained something extra.
b) A pupil’s practical work is of outstanding quality.
c) The standard of written/practical work demonstrates that the pupil has made an exceptional effort.
Recording Merits
A subject teacher awards a merit by using an appropriate departmental sticker, which will be recorded by the pupil.
Achievement Certificates Years 7 - 11
These are awarded three times a year on the basis of information recorded on Termly School Reports. Each Report contains the following categories: current level/anticipated grade, standard of work, attitude to learning and behaviour.
Gold and Silver – average points in current level/anticipated grade, standard of work, attitude to learning and behaviour.
Bronze – average points for attitude to learning and behaviour.
Improvers – based on the largest improvement in average points awarded for all categories.
Progress – based on the largest improvement in average points awarded for current level/anticipated grade.
Achievement Certificates Years 12 & 13
Reports are issued twice a year for senior students, once in December and again in May. An anticipated grade is given, along with indications of effort, participation, deadlines and homework per subject. Information in these reports will be used for the award of: Top Achievers, On Target, Straight 1 and Straight A prediction certificates.
In addition, each department will be required to nominate a student for a Subject Award to recognise those who have made a particular contribution or outstanding progress.
Certificates to recognise success in external examinations will be awarded when appropriate – usually in September and May.
An Attendance Award will be made at the end of each year to those students who have maintained 100% attendance throughout the year.
Student Reviews
These are undertaken three times a year (in addition to termly school reports) and are part of the school’s internal monitoring and tracking process. Staff are able to highlight a concern and give an indication of the current level of work. This information is analysed by Heads of Year and appropriate strategies used where concerns or progress give cause for concern.
Prizes
At the end of each academic year two students from each form group will be awarded prizes based on academic ability and effort. This will be measured by information drawn from Termly School Reports.
At the end of each academic year three students from each year group (excluding 11 & 13) will be nominated for prizes:
One prize will be awarded to the Student of the Year. A second prize will be awarded for Service to the Community and will be determined on the basis of the number of commendations accumulated. A third prize will be for the Sportsman of the Year.
The awards will be made at the Annual Prize Giving Ceremony. Where there is a tie the Deputy Headteacher will act as final arbiter.
At the time of completion of the End of Year Report the number of merits and commendations awarded to each pupil is recorded. For the purposes of the House Competition, collection ends one week before the end of the Summer term.
School Colours
School Colours may be awarded to students in Years 12 and 13 who have competed for the school at a sporting activity or music if they have satisfied the following conditions:-
a) Above average ability.
b) Commitment during matches and training.
c) Regular attendance at training or practice.
d) Sportsman-like behaviour both on and off the field of play.
Year 12 and 13 students qualify if they satisfy b), c) and d) above.
Half colours may be awarded to Year 11 if they have exceptional ability, having satisfied the above conditions.
Service Ties
Service Ties are awarded to pupils in Year 10 and above for outstanding contribution to extra-curricular activities. Awards are made twice a year by the Assistant Headteacher (Achievement) who seeks nominations from relevant Heads of Department and other staff where relevant. It is normal practice for relevant staff to publish details of their awarding criteria to pupils.