Introduction

Achievement is recognised and celebrated in Balfron High School in many different ways.

• Regular verbal communication between teachers and pupils.
• During House Assemblies and announcements over the tannoy system, highlighting individual and team success.
• Information contained in a number of publications, including the Weekly Information Sheet, Headlines and the local press.

Aims

Achievement is celebrated in the following Annual Ceremonies

• Outstanding Commitment to Learning and Prize Winners Ceremony
• Commitment to Learning & Contribution Ceremonies for First to Fifth Years
• Sixth Year Graduation Ceremony

Practice

Outstanding Commitment to Learning and Prize Winners Ceremony 

This ceremony is in the evening near the end of the summer term. It takes place in the Theatre and is to recognise Outstanding Commitment to Learning and Prize Winners. Pupils who gain a nomination in every subject are invited to attend with their Parents/Carers. A nomination is gained when their class teacher awards them the best possible rating in their report for Effort and Behaviour. A Certificate of Distinction in Learning is awarded at this ceremony and a Balfron High embossed pen. Pupils achieving the best prelim grade in each subject will be awarded a prize.

The ceremony is scheduled to last no more than 2 hours, including the serving of refreshments following the formal ceremony.

Commitment to Learning & Contribution Ceremonies

There are five Commitment to Learning & Contribution Ceremonies. These are held during the school day. These ceremonies are in June lasting one period each.

Pupils, who gain a nomination in the majority of their subjects, but not all, will be awarded a Balfron High School embossed pen. A nomination is gained when their class teacher awards them the best possible rating for their Effort and Behaviour over the course of the previous year.

Staff will be asked to complete pupil ratings on Seemis at the end of April to determine whether a pupil merits a nomination for their subject for the year.

Contribution can be nominated by anyone who has contact with a pupil e.g. through clubs, Inter-House activities, competitions, Form Class etc.   The agreed categories are:

• Sporting
• Creative Arts
• Citizenship
• Any other activities

Pupils who have made a contribution to the Balfron Community will be recognised by having their name on the celebration boards for this ceremony and all pupils will have the opportunity to view these boards.

 

6th Year Graduation Ceremony

This event is in the evening, in May. Every member of S6, together with his or her parents, is invited to attend this ceremony.

Principal Teachers (Home Area) play a key role in this ceremony.  They read out a short profile for the Senior Prefect(s) in their area.  This can be based on

• the UCAS statement where applicable achievements
• involvement in inter-house events / school events
• the student’s plan for the future

The Senior Prefect(s) then reads out a similar profile for all S6 in their home area.

Leaving Certificates are presented to mark the end of the student’s school life. Other certificates may also be awarded, for example to recognise contribution.

Communication

Information about the criteria for the above ceremonies will be communicated to pupils, parents and staff each session. This will be explained to pupils through their Form Class Leader and to parents via email, ‘Headlines’ and via the website.

Evaluation and Review

A small committee will meet each session to review the policy.