Our values are at the heart of all our rewards and recognition. We believe in celebrating and rewarding the achievements and successes of the individuals within our school as well as the school community as a whole. We encourage our young people to aim high and believe that no goal is out of reach. Our weekly celebration assembly is an important way for us to celebrate excellence and spotlight pupils who have shown effort.
Dojo Points System
Our Dojo Points system is designed to celebrate and encourage positive behaviours and excellence across all aspects of school life. Pupils can earn Dojos from any adult in school for a variety of achievements, including:
- Demonstrating impressive learning behaviors
- Actively contributing to class discussions
- Showing politeness and good manners
- Exhibiting exceptional conduct
- Completing homework tasks
Points are tracked and shared with families through ClassDojo, fostering a strong connection between home and school.
To recognise their efforts, pupils receive certificates and pin-badge stars when they reach the following milestones:
Certificates
- Bronze Certificate: 50 points
- Silver Certificate: 150 points
- Gold Certificate: 250 points
Pin-Badge Stars
- Bronze Star: 100 points
- Silver Star: 200 points
- Gold Star: 300 points
This system not only motivates pupils to excel but also reinforces the values and behaviours that create a positive and respectful school environment.
Pupil of the Week Certificates
Every week, one child from each class is awarded a ‘Pupil of the Week’ certificate. Teachers and class staff select recipients based on individual goals or notable improvements in work, attitudes, or behaviours. Certificates are presented during our celebration assembly and shared with parents through a tweet, with pupil names also included in the weekly newsletter.
Headteacher’s Awards
The prestigious Headteacher’s award is awarded to pupils who demonstrate exemplary learning behaviors or achieve outstanding accomplishments. This award highlights exceptional dedication and success within our school community.
Postcards and Praise Calls
At the end of each half term or term, class teachers send home postcards to a selection of pupils, celebrating their hard work, achievements, and efforts throughout the term. Additionally, the headteacher personally makes a praise call to one pupil from each phase to recognise and celebrate significant progress or development, ensuring that pupils and families feel valued and encouraged.
Attendance Rewards
At Orchard Head, we understand the vital role that regular attendance plays in helping pupils achieve their full potential. To encourage and celebrate excellent attendance, we have implemented a variety of exciting rewards:
- Weekly Attendance Raffle: Pupils with 100% attendance for the week are entered into a draw. Winners select a prize from a range displayed in the hall, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of regular attendance.
- Reading Rewards: As reading is central to our ethos, pupils with 100% attendance for the week are also entered into a raffle. One winner from each phase can choose a book to keep from our fantastic book vending machine, which features titles selected with input from the School Council.
- Half-Termly and Termly Class Rewards: To promote teamwork and celebrate collective effort, the class with the highest and most improved attendance each half term or term is rewarded with special treats like pizza or doughnut celebration parties.
- Individual Attendance Recognition: Weekly raffle tickets earned for 100% attendance also go into a draw for individual awards. Every half term or term, pupils with the highest and most improved attendance are chosen to receive Amazon vouchers worth £10 and £20, respectively.
These rewards aim to motivate pupils and their families to prioritise attendance while reinforcing our school’s commitment to learning and community values.
Reading Rewards
At Orchard Head, reading is at the heart of everything we do, and it plays a central role in our rewards and celebration strategy. Through our reading program, Accelerated Reader, we accurately track and celebrate the number of words each pupil reads during the academic year.
- Millionaire Readers: Pupils who achieve the incredible milestone of reading one million words in a year are awarded a Millionaire Certificate to recognise their dedication and effort.
- Two-Million Readers: Pupils who go above and beyond, reaching two million words, are treated to a special reward. They are taken to a bookshop to select a book of their choice and enjoy a cozy celebration with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
These incentives not only foster a love for reading but also celebrate the hard work and achievement of our pupils in a meaningful and memorable way.
X (formerly Twitter) – Showcasing Excellence
At Orchard Head, we take pride in celebrating the achievements of our pupils and school community throughout the year on our X (formerly Twitter) account. From sharing exemplary pieces of work and sporting tournament victories to highlighting performances in school productions, Headteacher Award recipients, and successful fundraising events – the list is endless!
Stay connected and celebrate the successes of our wonderful school community by following us on X: @Orchard_Head. Do not miss out on the opportunity to see all the incredible activities and achievements happening at our school!
Reception Graduation
Our Reception Graduation is a joyful celebration marking the end of our youngest pupils’ journey in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Dressed in their graduation caps, children proudly celebrate their accomplishments and readiness to begin the exciting transition into Key Stage 1.
Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly
The Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly is a cherished tradition in our school calendar, celebrating the achievements of our oldest pupils as they prepare to move on to high school. Families are invited to share in this special moment, reflecting on the pupils’ time at our school and wishing them well for the future.
End-of-Year School Values Award Ceremony
The End-of-Year School Values Award Ceremony recognises pupils who have exemplified our school’s core values throughout the year. This uplifting event celebrates their efforts, contributions, and personal growth, inspiring the entire school community to embody these values in the year ahead.