Rewards & Sanctions
We understand that good behaviour in school is central to a good education. It enables staff to provide a calm, safe and supportive environment where all students can learn, achieve and thrive.
Our school culture is built on positive, respectful and cooperative relationships between staff and students, and among students themselves.
Adults model the standards we expect, treating young people with fairness, dignity and good humour, while recognising that occasional mistakes are sometimes part of the learning process. Students are encouraged to understand their responsibilities within the school and local community, whether as friends, classmates or citizens, and to appreciate the impact their actions can have on both themselves and others
We have high expectations of all students and expect them to listen to and follow staff instructions. At the same time, we aim to be reasonable and proportionate in our approach. We are not a school that imposes rules for their own sake. Where rules exist, they are clear, well understood and designed to support a positive, orderly and respectful learning environment for everyone.
Positive behaviour is recognised and celebrated through a range of rewards and recognition systems that reinforce our values and expectations. Equally, a fair and effective behaviour system requires appropriate consequences when standards are not met. Sanctions exist to discourage poor behaviour, safeguard the learning and wellbeing of others, and help students reflect, learn and make better choices in the future.
House Points
Throughout the year, students can earn House Points for good behaviour, personal excellence and their contribution to school life.
These points count towards a variety of rewards, some based on cumulative totals across the entire year, while others are linked to shorter periods of time. This ensures that students who may have had a slower start to the year, or who have experienced periods of absence, still have opportunities to be recognised and rewarded.
We also stage half-termly events to celebrate those students from each Year group who've accrued the most House points in that timeframe. The reward varies, but has included luxury hot chocolates or a visit from an ice-cream van.
House Trophies & Awards
The House system offers a wide range of rewards, certificates and awards that recognise excellence in areas such as attendance, achievement, effort and service to the school community.
These recognitions build towards the award of Half Colours and Full Colours, which are among the school's highest student honours. In addition to their status within the school, these awards can strengthen future college, university, apprenticeship and employment applications by evidencing sustained commitment, achievement and positive contribution.
Attendance Rewards Events
There are regular rewards events recognising excellent - and also improved - attendance.
Because, happily, good attendance is more common than not, students with high levels of attendance are allocated reward events via a prize draw. Since it is equally important to incentivise and reward improved attendance, other participants are selected on the basis of meeting targets to reduce their absence.
Rewards events vary, but have included crazy golf, dodgems and fairground-style games.
Hot Chocolate with the Head
Each Head of House nominates one student each week to meet Mr Drury and get a luxury hot chocolate from the canteen. Whilst Heads of House have discretion over the award, students are usually selected for reasons such as being a good role model, personal excellence in and outside of school, making outstanding contribution to their House, and/or representing the school. With around 260 students in each House to choose from, being selected is a considerable honour, so there's also a personalised certificate for each student to take home to their family.
Prize Giving Evening
Finally, we stage our annual Prize-Giving Evening, which celebrates exceptional student achievement across a wide range of areas. Awards include Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 subject prizes, alongside recognition for accomplishments such as the Year 8 Character Award, charitable fundraising and student leadership.
The event takes place early in the academic year, providing an opportunity to recognise outstanding achievements from the previous year and reinforce the high standards and aspirations that underpin school life.
Since we believe that awards are most meaningful when they are earned, we aren't a school where everyone takes home a certificate or trophy. Recognition carries greater value when it reflects genuine commitment, effort and accomplishment, and this mirrors the expectations students will encounter beyond school. However, where there is excellence to celebrate, we do so enthusiastically, ensuring that students' achievements and contributions are recognised and valued.
Behaviour Interventions
At times, maintaining an effective behaviour system requires action when a student has not met the standards we expect. The response may be a simple reminder of expectations or verbal warning, but there are more formal consequences, depending on the nature and seriousness of the behaviour.
Since taking disciplinary action and providing appropriate support are not mutually exclusive actions, these may occur at the same time if necessary. (‘Behaviour in schools: Advice for headteachers and school staff’, DfE, February 2024)
We are committed to ensuring that any action taken is reasonable, proportionate and fair. While individual circumstances and needs are carefully considered, appropriate consequences remain an important part of setting clear boundaries, resolving issues and reinforcing the standards that enable all students to learn and thrive.
More information is detailed in our Behaviour Policy.
We expect parents and carers to engage with the school in a calm and constructive manner, recognising that managing more than 1,200 young people requires systems and decisions that reflect the needs of the whole school community, as well as those of individual students.
Ultimately, rewards and consequences are not simply about praising positive behaviour or responding to poor choices. Their purpose is to help shape character, resilience and personal responsibility, equipping young people with the attitudes and behaviours that will support their future success in education, employment and adult life.
For more information about all forms of rewards and sanctions, please contact Michelle Simpson, Assistant Headteacher, via office@friaryschool.co.uk.