Good News Assemblies on a fortnightly basis

Name: Miss M T Stuart
School: Our Lady’s Primary School, perth
Council: Perth and Kinross
Email: headteacher@ourladys.pkc.sch.uk

Focus of Practice - Good News Assemblies on a fortnightly basis.

Short Description

A timetable which is available was drawn up to allow every class the opportunity to celebrate success in an aspect of work being carried out in class.
It was agreed by all that this was not to be “a performance”
At each Assembly, teachers nominate children as “Class Achievers” and the reason for nomination. Definitely not always for academic achievement
Children come and receive their star on which is written the reason for achievement and are subsequently taken to have it displayed in the front foyer so that pupils/parents/visitors can see the current achievers.
Stars are then removed to the “Wall of Success” in the school hall which will be built up over the year.

HT/DHT Award – every fortnight a challenge is offered to all e.g. the class who plays well and co-operates most fully in the playground, thereby involving support staff, the reward for which is an extra playtime or if the weather inclement, an extension of gold time.

Why Was It Successful?

The school had received from HMIE a very good report on school Ethos and Support for Pupils in April 2002.

There was a feeling from staff that this should be maintained and further developed. Hence the focus on Good News Assemblies to build a stronger community spirit, to engender a pride in the school and willingness for all to be associated acknowledging and applauding the celebration of success.

The positive atmosphere at these Assemblies is evident and pupils/staff subsequently encourage one another to go for Achievers’ Awards. The extra playtime/golden time is a big carrot! There are also other rewards e.g. class football tournaments for those who have behaved well and who have worked hard to the best of their abilities.

The standards which are set in Nursery require to be maintained throughout the school and this requires a whole staff commitment.