20/10/2006

The school believes in the importance of praise, whilst also expecting students to understand and benefit from constructive criticism.  Celebration of student’s achievements can take many forms, including:

• Teacher praise
• Display
• Publication
• Merit Certificates
• Awards
• Recognition Awards
• Prizes

Teacher Praise
Every teacher has their own way of praising students.  Students can expect to receive verbal encouragement for work that shows promise and in particular for good effort. 

Display
Students can expect to see regular displays of their work on classroom walls and around the school. 

Publication in Newsletter and Year Book
Work of a high standard may be submitted to the office for publication in a future newsletter, ideally with a picture and short explanation of the task. 

Merits
Merit Certificates are awarded by individual teachers for good work.  This may be a particularly well-researched piece of homework, a creative piece of class-work, a good test mark, a marked improvement in attitude, etc.  Merits will be awarded for:

Excellence:  A single piece of outstanding work.
Consistency:  A number of pieces of good work.
Improvement:  Work that demonstrates significant progress.
Effort:  Work that demonstrates consistent or significantly improved effort.

Students achieving many merit certificates will be recognised in assembly with awards as follows:

15 Merits        Bronze Award
30 Merits        Silver Award             
50 Merits        Gold Award  

• Students receiving merit certificates should take them to their tutor during breaks or study periods to be recorded
• When a student reaches 15 merits, teachers should let their coordinator know

Prizes and Special Awards
Prizes and Certificates may be awarded from time to time for special events and projects, at the discretion of the teachers concerned.  Prizes and certificates will be awarded during school assemblies.