Prize-giving

At the end of each school year, there is a prize-giving ceremony to which students and their parents are invited.  Prizes are awarded for academic achievement, sporting excellence, musical achievement and services to the school and the community.  Consistent hard work and effort are also recognised. 

Merit certificates are awarded to the top 10% in the year group academically.

·         In S3 and above this is determined by results of exams/ class tests.

·         In S1 and S2, depending on which method is most appropriate for teaching methods within that department:

Option (a) the top 2 students from each class

Option (b) collation of test scores / practical scores from throughout the year then awards to top 10% of year group

Commendations  are awarded to up to 10% of the year group. These awards are given to pupils who teaching staff feel should be recognised for continued hard work and effort over the course of the school year.

Each year the criterion for being invited to Prize-giving is decided according to the overall number of pupils who are nominated for awards. For example, the criteria might be:

·         S1 and S2 – pupils receiving 5 or more awards

·         S3 and S4 - pupils receiving 3 or more awards

·         S5 and S6 - pupils receiving 2 or more awards

We take into consideration that as pupils move up the school they do fewer subjects, therefore the cut-off point for receiving an invitation to Prize-giving must be adjusted accordingly.

Pupils who are not invited to Prize-giving have their achievements recognised at Year Group assemblies, where their certificates are awarded. Explanations are given at these assemblies as to why it is not possible to invite everyone to Prize-giving, and explanations are also given regarding the differences between merit and commendation awards.

B.A.R.T. (Behaviour and Reward Tracking)

BART runs throughout the year. This is a system whereby points are awarded or deducted for positive and negative behaviour.

Points are gained for good timekeeping, being in school dress, good work and good attendance. Equally points are deducted for bad behaviour, lack of homework, poor attendance and timekeeping.

At the end of term an awards ceremony is held for pupils to receive Gold, Silver or Bronze awards.

Praise Postcards

Praise postcards are issued to pupils who have done well. This may be because they have achieved good test marks, handed in excellent homework, worked well, helped other pupils or have exhibited good behaviour. Receiving a praise postcard will add to a pupil's BART points.

Assemblies

Assemblies for each year group take place most weeks, and include opportunities to celebrate the success of students.