As a school community we pride ourselves on the fact that our students are happy and enjoy the experience of learning with us in all kinds of ways. As an outstanding school we realise that achievement comes in many different forms and we are committed to ensuring that all students have every opportunity to flourish, grow in confidence and make the most of their individual gifts and talents.
We want students to feel that their accomplishments, both great and small, are recognised within the school community. Furthermore, whilst we do offer tangible rewards for students in recognition of their accomplishments, we also want to foster the attitude that ‘being good’ and working hard is, in itself, its own reward.
By recognising achievement in a variety of different ways, we as a school community aim to create a positive and motivated atmosphere, within which students can take pride in what they do. We believe that through formal recognition of achievement, positive attitude to learning or community mindedness, students will work harder and take more pride in themselves and their community during their ‘Journey’ through school.
Students can have their accomplishments recognised in a variety of different ways…
Merits
Merits are awarded by members of staff on ClassCharts, and students can receive merits for…
- Strong, positive contributions to lessons
- Effort which exceeds expectations in lessons
- Positive contributions to lessons, including participating in class discussions
- Homework which demonstrates excellent effort
Parents/guardians will be able to see when your child receives merits and what these have been awarded for by using the ClassCharts app. There will also be notifications sent through ClassChart when your child crosses a certain threshold of merits.
Formal recognition of merits
| Name | Merits Threshold |
|---|---|
| Bronze | 100 |
| Silver | 200 |
| Gold | 300 |
| Platinum | 450 |
| Special Commendation | 550 |
Students will receive each of these awards when they reach a certain threshold. These awards will be publicised in Acts of Collective Worship, in the school newsletter and a certificate and accompanying letter will be sent home to you as parents/guardian to celebrate their achievements.
There will also be a ‘Rewards Experience’ arranged for students at Christmas time that will be free of charge. In previous years, we have had an ice rink in school for students to use, and we have also had a roller disco event in the sports hall that students have very much enjoyed. We will be continuing this in the current academic year as a reward to recognise the hard work of students. Everyone will begin the year eligible for this event, and year teams will be in touch early on if a student will be unable to participate due to poor behaviour.
AHS Rewards Store
As of September 2022, we are launching the ‘AHS Rewards Store’ on ClassCharts. This is where students can ‘purchase’ items with their merits as a tangible reward for their efforts in school. Rewards on the store will include…
- Small toys (e.g. a Rubik’s cube)
- Gift cards
- Donations to charity in your name
- ‘Big-ticket’ items like a tablet
The Head of Year Award
The Head of Year Award is a separate award to merits. This is issued weekly to two students from each year group (Years 7-13). This is intended to recognise and reward excellent work and effort, and for meeting their stage of the ‘AHS Journey’. It is not given on academic achievement but effort and commitment. Each recipient of the “Head of Year Award” will receive a gift voucher. This will also be publicised on the new AHS Journey Hub in school, and in the school’s Newsletter.
Values Award
The Values Award, much like the Head of Year Award, will be based on nominations by staff. However, this will be awarded at the end of each academic year to those who have demonstrated a significant contribution to the core values of the school (Justice, Compassion, Forgiveness and Trust).
