ST ALOYSIUS’ COLLEGE STAFF HANDBOOK

Section 8

Recognition of Achievement

 

 

 

 

 

Promoting a culture of achievement

 

The College seeks to promote a culture of achievement by recognising and rewarding excellence in academic work and commitment to co-curricular activities, the service of others, and to the life of the school community. 

 

The promotion of high expectations and the celebration of excellence should be a more significant feature of pupils’ lives than the punishment of misdemeanours, and staff should take steps to ensure that this is so.

 

As well as good marks, written comments in jotters and on reports, and verbal commendation in the classroom, at assemblies and informally, the College recognises achievement in a number of formal ways described below.

 

 

 

Colours committee

 

The Colours committee meets each term to consider nominations for awards.  Its members are appointed by the Head Master and the committee is chaired by the AHM responsible for awards and colours.

 

The colours committee should:

 

  • use its judgement to weigh up teacher nominations

 

  • include other names which may have been overlooked or which have been brought to the committee’s attention informally

 

  • consider in a positive and creative way exceptional circumstances where standards have been met in a way that does not exactly match the normal criteria

 

In making awards, the colours committee is always to bear in mind that the fundamental purpose of the awards system is to recognise pupil achievement and, by doing so, to promote excellence in the school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certificates of academic distinction

 

Certificates of Academic Distinction are awarded in the Senior School for excellence in studies. 

 

In nominating pupils for certificates of academic distinction, teachers should be guided by the following criteria:

 

  • the pupil will have shown outstanding ability (this is not an award for effort – it reflects actual academic achievement) and produced work (whether written, by verbal contribution, in performance, or otherwise) which is of an excellent standard for his/her age

 

  • the pupil will have shown significantly more than average commitment to studies in the subject

 

  • this achievement and commitment has been sustained over a period of at least two terms

 

Certificates of academic distinction should be relatively uncommon. 

 

Certificate of academic distinction are awarded by the colours committee upon teacher recommendation.

 

 

 

Merit certificates

 

Merit certificates are awarded throughout the school for achievement or effort worthy of particular commendation, in studies, service to the school or community, sport or co-curricular activities.  Staff will routinely be asked by the AHM to submit names of pupils who might be recognised by merit certificates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards

 

Awards, Colours and Honours are given in recognition of outstanding commitment and personal achievement in studies, service, sport and co-curricular activities.

 

Awards can be made in any school activity.  Where an activity is not listed below, the colours committee will consider nominations and set a standard equivalent to awards in listed activities.

 

In all awards staff should be able to provide evidence that a nominated pupil has achieved at least a 90% attendance (75% in S1-S3) record at practices in order for them to be eligible for an award.

 

All awards are made by the colours committee upon teacher recommendation.

 

 

Junior Awards

 

Junior Awards are made in years S1-S3.

 

The Junior Award is a metal enamel lapel badge bearing the name of the sport or activity for which it is awarded (or the word “merit” if there is no specific badge available).

 

There are three levels of Junior Award:

 

·         Green Award

generally awarded in S1 or S2

·         Yellow Award

generally awarded in S2 or S3

·         Red Award

generally awarded in S3 or S4

 

 

Activity

Award

Criteria for Award

Rugby

Hockey

Junior

Green

·      10 or more appearances  for school teams (A, B or C) in S1, S2 or S3,

·      positive attitude

·      a high level of commitment to training (at least 75% attendance)

·      participation in House competition

 

 

Junior Yellow

·      20 or more appearances  for school teams (A, B or C) in S1, S2 or S3,

·      significant contribution to team performance and attitude towards the game and training

·      participation in House competition

 

 

Junior

Red

·      30 or more appearances for school teams (A, B or C) in S1, S2 or S3,

·      excellent contribution to team performance and attitude towards the game and training

·      participation in House competition (if appropriate)

 

Cross Country

Athletics

Junior

Green

·      participation in (90%) or more races/events representing the school in S1, S2 or S3,

·      regular commitment to training

·      participation in House competition

 

 

Junior Yellow

·      participation in (90%) or more races/events representing the school in S1, S2 or S3,

·      excellent personal performance and attitude

·      regular commitment to training

·      participation in House competition

 

 

Junior

Red

·      participation in (90%) or more races/events representing the school in S1, S2 or S3,

·      excellent personal performance and attitude

·      significant contribution to team

·      regular commitment to training

·      participation in House competition

 

Chess

Choir

Drama

Debating

Music

Orchestra

 

Junior

Green

·      commitment to the activity over at least one school year (S1-S3) involving regular attendance, preparation and participation

·      participation in public, external or competitive events

·      participation in House competition (if appropriate)

Service

Charity

& other activities

Junior Yellow

·      commitment to the activity over at least two school years (S1-S3) involving regular attendance, preparation and participation

·      participation in public, external or competitive events

·      participation in House competition (if appropriate)

 

 

Junior

Red

·         commitment to the activity over three school years (S1-S3) involving regular attendance, preparation and participation

·         participation in public, external or competitive events

·         participation in House competition (if appropriate)

 

 

 

 

Intermediate Awards

 

Intermediate Awards are made in years S4 and S5 (and exceptionally in S3). 

 

The Intermediate Award is a badge.

 

 

Colours

 

Half-Colours and Colours are awarded in years S5 and S6 (and exceptionally in S4).  The following criteria should be used when awarding colours:

Athletics

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

Full year’s commitment including 90% attendance at training sessions

Full season and District/International representation

Not applicable

S5 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

S5 March

Award of athletics/cross country dates for full seasons training and commitment

90% of all available events, which must include high standard of performance at GS & SS championships.

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

90% of all available events which must include outstanding performance at GS & SS championships and previously been awarded Half Colours

S6 November

Not Applicable

3rd Season of Senior athletics/cross country and 90% training and competing record.

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

90% of all available events which must include outstanding performance at GS & SS championships and previously been awarded Half Colours.  Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

S6 March

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

90% of all available events which must include GS & SS championships and previously been awarded Half Colours.  Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

 

 

Basketball

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

Full season for U16 team demonstrating commitment to training.

Full season for U16 team and selection to Scottish Schools team or West of Scotland Schools team.

Not applicable

S5 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

S5 March

Full season for U18 team demonstrating commitment to training. Dates are available for those who have previously achieved the intermediate award.

75 % matches for U18 team

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

90% matches for U18 team

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

S6 November

Full season for U18 team demonstrating commitment to training. Dates are available for those who have previously achieved the intermediate award.

4th season of U16/U18 team training; a 90% training record and at least 8 matches for U18 team. (can be achieved over more than one season)

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

15 matches for U18 team(can be achieved over more than one season)

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

S6 March

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

15 matches for U18 team(can be achieved over more than one season)

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

 

 

 

Debating

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

 

- 90% attendance at New Blood society.

- Improving skill, taking part in New Blood debate at least once a month.

- Participation in at least one competition.

 

 

Not applicable

 

 

Not applicable

S5 November

 

Not applicable

 

 

Not applicable

 

 

Not applicable

S5 March

 

-Award of Debating dates for 2 full years of debating including 90% attendance at New Blood society.

 

- 90% attendance at New Blood society.

- Improved skill from S4-S5, taking part in New Blood debate at least twice a month.

- Participation in at least two of the Senior Competitions - ESU, Law Society, Oxford.

 

 

-90% attendance at New Blood society.

- Improved skill from S4-S5, taking part in New Blood debate at least twice a month.

- Participation in all of the Senior Competitions - ESU, Law Society, Oxford.

 

S6 November

 

Not applicable

 

-3rd season of senior debating with 90% attendance at New Blood Society.

- Improved skill from S4-S5, taking part in New Blood debate at least twice a month. 

Dates for those who have previously achieved Half Colours

 

 

-Dates for those who have previously achieved Full Colours

S6 March

 

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

 

- Chairing New Blood debates and/or

Helping to organise weekly meetings.

- Improved skill from S5-S6, taking part in New Blood debate at least twice a month.

- Participation in all of the Senior Competitions -ESU, Law Society, Oxford.

 

 

Drama

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

Actor or part of theatre arts team: attendance at 90% rehearsals or meetings when required for two productions which could include Summer Arts in S3. Or assistant leader of S1 Drama Group for a year.

Not applicable

Not applicable

S5 November

Not applicable

Actor with main role or leader of theatre arts team: attendance at 90% rehearsals or meetings when required for two productions which could include Summer Arts in S4. Or assistant leader of S1 Drama Group for two years.

Not applicable

S5 March

Drama dates - Actor or part of theatre arts team: attendance at 90% rehearsals or meetings when required for two productions which could include Summer Arts in S4.

Actor or part of theatre arts team: attendance at 90% rehearsals or meetings when required for two productions since receiving Intermediate award. Or main acting role or leader of theatre arts team for a production since receiving Intermediate award

Or assistant leader of S1 Drama Group for two years.

Main acting role or leader of theatre arts team for a production since receiving half colours.

S6 November

Not Applicable

Two years continuous commitment to drama club and actor or part of theatre arts team: attendance at 90% rehearsals or meetings when required for two productions since receiving Intermediate award.

 

Main acting role or leader of theatre arts team for one production since receiving half colours. Or actor or part of theatre arts team: attendance at 90% rehearsals or meetings when required for two productions since receiving half colours. Or assistant leader of S1 Drama Group for a third year.

S6 March

Not Applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Football

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

S5 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

S5 March

Full season in football squad including 90% attendance at training

Not applicable

 

 

90% of games for 1st  XI and SIS representation

 

S6 November

Award of football dates for full season in football squad including 90% attendance at training

2nd Season of Senior football including 7 games for 1stXI and 90% training record.

 

12 games for 1st XI (can be attained over more than one season)

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

S6 March

Not Applicable

2nd Season of Senior football including 7 games for 1stXI and 90% training record.

 

15 games for 1st XI

(can be attained over more than one season)

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

 

 

Hockey

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

Full season for 2nd 3rd or 4th XI

Full Season in 1st XI and District representation

Full Season in 1st XI and International representation

S5 November

Not applicable

80% of games for 1st XI

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

80% of games for 1st XI and Half Colours from previous season

 

S5 March

Award of Hockey dates for full season for 2nd 3rd or 4th XI

50% of games for 1st  XI

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

90% of games for 1st XI

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

S6 November

Not Applicable

3rd Season of Senior Hockey and 90% training and playing record.

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

25 games for 1st XI

(Can be achieved over more than one season).  Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

S6 March

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

25 games for 1st XI

(Can be achieved over more than one season).  Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

 

MUSIC

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

90% rehearsals & concert

NYOS, NYSOS,

NYCOS and Intermediate Award criteria

Not applicable

S5 November

New members

90% rehearsals & concert

90% rehearsals and all concerts for 2 years

Not applicable

S5 March

New members

90% rehearsals & concert

90% rehearsals for one term and all concerts for 2 years

June only

90% rehearsals and all concerts for 2 years

S6 November

New members

90% rehearsals & concert

90% rehearsals and all concerts for 2 years

90% rehearsals and all concerts for 2 years

S6 March

New members

90% rehearsals & concert

Occasionally available for outstanding service to Music over a number of years

Occasionally available for outstanding service to Music over a number of years

 

Outdoor Education

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

1 year commitment to after school climbing or canoe clubs & D of E Silver award

2 year commitment and Coaching either discipline to juniors

D of E Silver

District/International representation

 

Not applicable

S5 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

D of E Silver/Gold award

3 year commitment to after school climbing or canoe clubs and Half Colours from previous season

Climbing or Kayak team

Coaching either discipline to juniors

Climbing/Kayak specific training commitment outside of school time District/International representation

 

 

S5 March

Award of OE dates for 1 year after school climbing or canoe clubs & D of E Silver award

2 year commitment to after school climbing or canoe clubs

D of E Silver/Gold

Climbing / Kayak team

Climbing/Kayak specific training commitment outside of school time

D of E Silver/Gold award

3 year commitment to after school climbing or canoe clubs Climbing or Kayak team

Coaching either discipline to juniors

Climbing/Kayak specific training commitment outside of school time and Half Colours from previous year

 

S6 November

Not Applicable

D of E Silver/Gold award

3 year commitment to after school climbing or canoe clubs Climbing or Kayak team

Coaching either discipline to juniors

Climbing/Kayak specific training commitment outside of school time.

 

D of E Silver/Gold award

4 year commitment to after school climbing or canoe clubs Climbing or Kayak team

Coaching either discipline to juniors

Climbing/Kayak specific training commitment outside of school time and Half Colours from previous year

 

S6 March

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

D of E Silver/Gold award

4 year commitment to after school climbing or canoe clubs Climbing or Kayak team

Coaching either discipline to juniors

Climbing/Kayak specific training commitment outside of school time and Half Colours from previous year

 

 

Public Speaking

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

90% annual weekly attendance, participation in Glasgow Speech and Drama Festival, one Rotary competition

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S5 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

S5 March

Award of Public Speaking dates for 2 years participation in Public Speaking

90% annual weekly attendance, participation in Glasgow Speech and Drama Festival, three Rotary competitions

Not applicable

S6 November

Not Applicable

3rd year of Senior Public Speaking, 90% annual weekly attendance.

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

90% annual weekly attendance, participation in Glasgow Speech and Drama Festival, four Rotary competitions

S6 March

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Winners of club, Scottish, National competitions may be awarded Half/Full Colours out with standard year group award in recognition of outstanding achievement

 

 

 

 

Rugby

Intermediate Award

Half Colours

Full Colours

S4 November

Not applicable

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

S4 March

Full season for U16 XV

Full season for under16 XV and District representation

Full season for under16 XV and International representation

S5 November

Not applicable

80% of games for 1st XV

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

80% of games for 1st XV and Half Colours from previous season

 

S5 March

Award of rugby dates for full season for 2nd XV

50% of games for 1st  XV

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

90% of games for 1st XV

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

S6 November

Not Applicable

3rd Season of Senior rugby and 90% training and playing record.

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Half Colours

15 games for 1st XV (can be attained over more than one season)

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

S6 March

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

15 games for 1st XV

Dates also available to those who have previously achieved Full Colours

 

 

Any other requests for colours will be made at the discretion of the colours committee, in discussion with and after weighing up the evidence from the teacher in charge.

 

 

Honours for service to others

 

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 are encouraged in the pursuit of service of others.  These activities comprise the Childrens’ Fund, Starter Packs, Lourdes Pilgrimage, Fair Trade, Pro Life, service to St Aloysius’ Church (Altar Serving and choir) and other activities deemed suitable by the Colours Committee.

 

A special Honours tie, in College green with the Jerusalem cross (a silver cross surrounded by four gold crosses) from the Gonzaga coat of arms, is awarded to pupils in S5 and S6 (and exceptionally in S4) who have shown outstanding commitment to the College’s goal of service to others in one or more College charitable or service activities, over a period of at least two school years.

 

Academic Colours

 

Academic colours are awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in Fifth Year.  Pupils wear red edging on the blazer badge pocket.

 

Academic colours are awarded to pupils who achieve at least five A grades  at Higher  in one sitting.  Grades awarded on appeal are included.

 

 

 

 

 

Staff Handbook

Section 8 Recognition of Achievement

Revised November 2009