MERIT AWARD SYSTEM

This scheme has a positive emphasis and attempts to enhance and improve our pupils’ self esteem to make them aware that they are capable of effort and achievement, that they can feel proud of the part they play as individuals in the everyday life of the school and that they can contribute actively to its reputation both at the school level and in the wider community.

Specific Objectives:
- to offer recognition of their achievements
- to reward progress and attitude of students in class (including behaviour)
- to elevate academic performance and sporting prowess
- make teachers and students aware of positive reinforcement to students’ progress, attitude and behaviour
- to have faculty heads, Year Advisers, House Coordinators and Sport Organisers seen as being involved in a positive reinforcement role
- to promote House spirit
- to develop students’ ability to receive praise and recognition for their success

The Aim of the Merit Award Scheme is to recognise, encourage and reward;
1. Those pupils who achieve high levels of excellence and
2. Those pupils who consistently strive to do their best in the many and varied fields of activity included in the school’s overall curriculum
The Merit Award Scheme is divided into four categories

Faculty Merit Cards (including Principal, Deputy Principal, Year Adviser, Sport Award and House Award cards):
These are presented for any effort made or service given regardless of the standard achieved which a teacher, Year Adviser, Deputy Principal or Principal considers worthy of recognition or encouragement. All faculty cards must be signed by a Head Teacher or 2 I/C.

School Merit Certificates
On receiving four Faculty Merit cards from four different subject areas a student is eligible for a School Merit Certificate, which could be presented at either a Year Assembly or a Special Assembly. An Assistant Student Adviser must sign each Faculty Merit Card and School Merit Certificate, then record the number of cards received by each student in the Access Database, in order to prevent students from presenting these more than once. Students in Years 11 and 12 receive a School Merit Card after having accumulated four Faculty Merit Cards from at least two different subject areas.

School Distinction Certificates
This is a prestigious award presented to students who have received four School Merit Certificates or who exhibit outstanding ability at State level or its equivalent. These Certificates are presented twice a year at Formal Assemblies by the House Coordinators.

School Medallion of Excellence
This is the highest award the school can bestow. A Bronze Medallion will be awarded to those students who receive six Distinction Certificates followed by a Silver – for 6 more Distinction Certificates, Gold – for 6 more Distinction Certificates.
These Medallions will be awarded at Formal Assemblies and Presentation Day with a Certificate of Attainment and appraisal of each recipient to be read out by presenter.


Guidelines for Students
All Junior Merit Certificates to be computer recorded on Access Database by Assistant Year Advisers by the end of Year 10. Junior Faculty Merit Certificates will not be counted towards the achievement of higher awards in Years 11 and 12