Rewarding Achievement
At Adwick Park, we used to give lots of certificates out—for almost everything. Until, that is, the children came and told us that we adults had got it wrong! The children do not want to be rewarded every time they do as we ask—this makes things meaningless, and the certificates given were not valued! Indeed, the children told us that a lot of the time, the certificates were just screwed up and thrown away. So, with the help of the children, in 2004 we revised all our
awards. Now, when a child is given an award, it means they really have worked very hard at whatever the aspect being rewarded is, and that it is well deserved. Our expectations (both adults and children’s) are much higher as a result of this.
Asset Dots
Dots are awarded in class for excellent work—that is work that is over and above the expectations the teacher had set for the particular child (so this does not mean only the children attaining the highest standards get a dot. A child who, after weeks of struggle, manages to get 5 out of 20 spellings correct, when they usually only get 1, may actually have worked harder than the child who always gets 20 out of 20).
Asset Certificates
These are small certificates awarded in assembly to children who have received 10 dots for their efforts in any aspect of school life. Teachers will always praise good work, and often send children to the Head with a piece of work—this gives additional praise and encouragement. The Head also makes regular visits to
each class, to praise and encourage.
Certificate Assembly
At the end of each year, in July, a certificate assembly will be held. At this time, certificates will be awarded to children for their achievements over the year, and may include:
- Good Citizen Certificate: Suggested by the children. Children and teachers work together to decide which members of the class have shown care and consideration, have worked hard, have tried to help whenever they
can, and have been an asset to the class. All children can achieve this. - 100% attendance: This speaks for itself—we do want to encourage attendance at school!
- Subject awards (various): For children who have either shown excellence within a subject area, OR who have shown a real improvement due to their efforts and attitude in lessons
- Reading awards: For children who have read a larger than average number of books, considering their age and ability.
- Participation awards: This will depend upon what has happened in any year—for instance, children who have taken part in a major performance, sporting activity etc may be included.
This is not an exhaustive list, and may well be added to, or some items
may change.
Golden Time
Golden time is a period of time during the week when the children are able to choose a ‘treat’ activity from a selection determined by the whole class (within limits set by the teacher—unfortunately, we cannot offer things that are not practical in the school situation or that cost a lot of money) Golden time is given to reward the majority of the children in the class—or all of them if this is the case—who have behaved well in all their lessons, on the playground, in assembly,
at lunch time and so on. A session of golden time may be from 30 to 45 minutes.
Occasionally, the golden time can also support the taught curriculum, and therefore an even longer treat may be given. We encourage whole class activities for golden time Golden time may not be given to children who have persistently misbehaved during the week. Any such child will have to ‘sit out’ during the golden time session.
Golden time is directly linked to behaviour, and does not depend upon the learning that a child has done. However, a child who has behaved well in their lessons will also have learned well at their own level—this is why we always encourage excellent behaviour at all times.
Some favourite golden time activities—sharing a video, using the computers, reading in the library, playing football, extra general play, craft activities.