ST ALOYSIUS'
COLLEGE
SCHOOL HANDBOOK
RECOGNITION of ACHIEVEMENT
Many pupils at the College are heavily involved in a range of activities and interests beyond their classroom studies. The Senior School seeks to recognise and reward all kinds of achievement through a system of awards:
Each Senior School pupil is issued with a Record of Achievement folder in which s/he keeps merit and other award certificates. There is also space to record involvement and achievements in activities both within and outwith school. Pupils are encouraged to think about their personal aims, to set goals and review progress towards achieving them. Twice a year, time is set aside in tutor groups to review and update the Record of Achievement. Pupils are also asked to bring the Record of Achievement to the regular tutorials for review.
Prizes for academic achievement and effort, sport, arts and other activities are awarded each year at Prizegiving at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Founders' Day in September. Prizes won in external local and national competitions are also awarded at the annual Prizegiving.
Certificates of Academic Distinction are awarded in the Senior School for excellence in studies. They are awarded for outstanding academic achievement and a corresponding commitment to studies. These Certificates form part of a pupil's Record of Achievement.
Teachers may award merit points for work, behaviour or help that is out of the ordinary. Merit points are noted in pupils' planners.
Merit Certificates are awarded in the Senior School for achievement or effort worthy of particular commendation in studies, service to the school or community, sport or co-curricular activities. Merit Certificates form part of a pupil's Record of Achievement.
Junior Awards (a metal enamel lapel badge) are made in years S1-S3 for commitment and personal achievement in sports and co-curricular activities. There are three levels of award: green, yellow and red. A special Captain's Award may also made to those who have shown significant leadership skills in captaining a team or leading an activity group.
Intermediate Awards (a metal enamel lapel badge) are made in years S3-S5 for commitment and personal achievement in sports and co-curricular activities.
Half-Colours and Full-Colours are awarded to pupils in S5 and S6 (and very occasionally in S4) who have achieved outstanding performance and commitment in the major sports and activities of the College including hockey, rugby and athletics (including cross-country), music, drama, and debating. This will usually mean having been a member of a team or activity for a number of years and, in S5/6, having reached the first team, or playing a leading role in a major school activity. Occasionally Colours are awarded in recognition of an exceptional achievement in an activity outwith school teams. Colours are indicated by gold braiding and letters on the blazer.
Academic Colours are awarded to pupils who achieve five grade A passes at Higher in one sitting. Academic Colours are indicated by red braid on the blazer pocket.
A key feature of Jesuit education is education in the service of others - encouraging pupils to put their time, talents and energies at the service of other people, particularly the less fortunate. Generosity, teamwork, initiative and leadership are qualities that pupils are expected to develop in the pursuit of service of others. A special Honours tie is awarded to pupils in S5 and S6 who have shown outstanding commitment to the College's goal of service to others. This award is regarded as the highest award the College makes.