prizes, awards

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PRIZES,

AWARDS and

COLOURS

From December 2016

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1. 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 and wider 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 as described below.

2. Prize Giving

The College Prize Giving ceremony is a major event in the life of the school and takes place annually towards the end of September, not long after the anniversary of foundation on the 14th of September. The venue is the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and al pupils from Primary 5 to Sixth Year attend along with staff, parents and governors. Prize Giving is a special occasion at which the academic and sporting excellence of pupils is publicly recognised and celebrated in formal surroundings. It is also an opportunity for College choristers and musicians to entertain and preform. Below, the main prizes given at prize Giving are explained.

2.1 Junior School Prizes

Subject Prizes The Junior School pupils receive a book token awarded to pupils from Primary 4 – Primary 7 according to the following criteria:

A prize is awarded in each subject to the pupil scoring the highest mark in the end of

year exams.

Should there be a tie between two or more pupils, the pupil with the highest average

score in Modular and weekly assessments wins.

Should there still be a tie this is discussed with the Head of the Junior School. The

children’s classwork, overall effort and commitment is then reviewed.

Joint prizes are only awarded when there is no fairer option.

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We have two awards acknowledging commitment to school and academic life: The Gonzaga Prize This is in the form of a book token and is awarded for outstanding contributions to Junior School life. The Ogilvie Prize This is in the form of a glass trophy and is awarded for all-round commitment to studies. Other Prizes Junior School pupils also receive prizes for Recital, Performing Arts, Schola and Sporting events chosen and selected by staff for commitment as well as achievement.

2.2 Senior School Prizes Subject Prizes These are book tokens. Generally, in each year group (S1-6) prizes are awarded as follows:

A prize is awarded in each subject to the pupil scoring the highest mark in the Year

or Public Examination. Should there be tie between two or more pupils, the pupil with the highest average

score in Module Tests wins. Should there still be a tie, the pupil with the highest average TMA grade wins. In S4-6 the winning pupil must achieve grade A. In the unlikely event that there should be a tie at this stage the Head of Department

will discuss with the AHM i/c whether to set a decisive test or award a joint prize. Joint prizes are discouraged and only awarded when there is no fairer option.

Gonzaga Prizes In each of S1-5 up to eight prizes are awarded for all-round effort and commitment, nominated by the Head of Year. Other Prizes A large number of other prizes are awarded for academic success, co-curricular commitment and sporting achievements.

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3. Certificates 3.1 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, termly, be asked by the AHM i/c Awards to submit names of pupils who should be recognised by Merit Certificates. 3.2 Certificates of Academic Distinction Certificates of Academic Distinction are awarded in the Senior School for excellence in studies and are primarily for academic achievement. In nominating pupils for certificates of academic distinction, teachers should be guided by the following criteria:

The pupil will have shown outstanding ability and produced work (whether written, orally, 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 and should typically be awarded to the top performing ten percent of a class in June, following Year Examinations. 3.3 The Fourth Year Academic Award Certificate A Special Award will be given to any pupil who gains nine A-grades at first sitting in the National Level Five Examinations, when in Fourth Year. This award is a certificate, which is presented at Assembly.

4. Junior Awards

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 (S1) Yellow (S2) Red (S3)

Junior Awards hey are issued according to the criteria indicated below.

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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


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


Junior Red


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


Junior Yellow


excellent personal performance and attitude



Junior Red


excellent personal performance and attitude

significant contribution to team



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Chess Choir Drama Debating Music Orchestra and

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


Service, Charitable & other activities

Junior Yellow

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



Junior Red

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



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4. Intermediate Awards

Intermediate Awards The Intermediate Award is a distinctive badge. Intermediate Awards are made in years S4 and S5 (exceptionally in S3). To gain this award, pupils must meet all of the following criteria

80% attendance at each of training or games sessions 80% attendance at all matches for which a player is selected Good attitude, conduct and behaviour Authorised absence is discounted if arranged in advance

5. Colours and Dates in 5th & 6th Year The Colours Committee meets each term to consider nominations for awards and from time to time to review criteria and other arrangements. Its members are appointed by the Head Master and the committee is chaired by the AHM responsible for awards and colours, Mr O’Duffin. The colours committee will:

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 and promote excellence in all areas of College life, within the context of human excellence, as well as reward achievement. The detailed criteria for awards are listed below.

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5.1 Sports Awards

Commitment Awards Commitment Awards are available to pupils in any recognised S5 or S6 activity and assume all of the

following:

80% attendance at each of training or games sessions 80% attendance at all matches, including inter-house, for which a player is selected Good attitude, conduct and behaviour Absence authorised by the member of staff i/c is discounted if arranged in advance

Colours Colours are awarded to those pupils in 5th or 6th Year meeting the Commitment Awards criteria and any one of the following:

Selected for 75% of matches in the Firsts Playing in a Scottish or British National Team Final Winning a medal in an individual sport in a Scottish or British National Final Representing the District or Region Representing Scotland or Great Britain

Exceptional Colours Awards Colours may be awarded exceptionally by the Colours Committee to

A Fifth or Sixth Year pupil taking part in a recognised sport not offered by the College, and satisfying one of the Colours criteria above.

A Fourth Year pupil selected for Scotland or Great Britain in a recognised sport A Fourth Year pupil who is a member of a winning team in a Scottish Cup Final

District Representation Awards A Junior (S1-3) and Senior (S4) Certificate will be awarded to any pupil selected to represent the district in a recognised sport if also satisfying the commitment criteria above.

Schedule

Date Commitment Award Colours Notes

S4 March Intermediate Badge

S4 June Intermediate Badge

S5 December Club Tie

S5 March Club Tie (If not already awarded) Dates & Lettering

Colours Tie All sports bar athletics

S5 June Club Tie Colours Tie Athletics only

S6 December Dates & Lettering or 2nd Season Dates

Colours Tie

Cumulative over S5/6 if not already awarded

2nd Season Colours If Colours already awarded

S6 March 2nd Season Dates If not already awarded

Colours Tie

Cumulative over S5/6 if not already awarded

2nd Season Colours If Colours already awarded

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5.2 Outdoor Education Awards


following:

80% attendance at training/practice sessions Attendance at the above twice a week 90% attendance at all competitions for which a pupil is selected Good attitude, conduct and behaviour Absence authorised by the Head of OE is discounted if arranged in advance


Representing the College at a minimum of six regional or national competitions Competing in a Scottish or British National Final with at least one podium place. Representing the District or Region Representing Scotland or Great Britain

Exceptional Colours Awards Colours may be awarded exceptionally by the Colours Committee to

A Fourth Year pupil selected for Scotland or Great Britain in climbing or kayaking if also satisfying the commitment criteria above.

Schedule




S5 June Club Tie (If not already awarded) Dates & Lettering

Colours Tie


Colours Tie Cumulative over S5/6 if not already awarded

S6 June 2nd Season Dates If not already awarded


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5.3 Music Awards


following:

90% attendance at rehearsals Excellent punctuality record for rehearsals Attendance at all public performances/liturgies Good attitude, conduct and behaviour Absence authorised by the Director of Music is discounted if arranged in advance


Reaching the Finals of the Annual Music Festival Achieving Grade 6 in the ABRSM Exams (or equivalent) Receiving the Royal School of Church Music Silver or Gold Award (RSCM) Representing the College in a WOSIS Ensemble Representing the College in The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) Playing a leading role in major College dramatic performance

Exceptional Colours Awards Colours may be awarded exceptionally by the Colours Committee to a pupil taking part in a

performance with an external theatre company or musical organisation at a suitable level (in the

view of the Colours Committee) if also satisfying the commitment criteria above.

Schedule





Colours Tie





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5.4 Drama Awards


following:

90% attendance at rehearsals Excellent punctuality record for rehearsals Attendance at all public performances Good attitude, conduct and behaviour Absence authorised by the Head of Music is discounted if arranged in advance


Playing a leading role in major College dramatic performance

Exceptional Colours Awards Colours may be awarded exceptionally by the Colours Committee to a pupil taking part in a

performance with an external theatre company or musical organisation at a suitable level (in the

view of the Colours Committee) if also satisfying the commitment criteria above.

Schedule





Colours Tie





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5.5 Public Speaking & Debating Awards

Criteria Commitment Awards are available to pupils in any recognised S5 or S6 activity and assume all of the

following:

90% attendance at weekly practice sessions Participation in competitions when selected Good attitude, conduct and behaviour Absence authorised by the Head of Drama is discounted if arranged in advance

Colours are awarded to those pupils in 5th or 6th Year meeting the Commitment Awards criteria and any one of the following:

Reaching the Finals of the Rotary/Glasgow Speakers Competition or equivalent Reaching the second round of the Law Society of Scotland Debating Competition or

equivalent

Colours may be awarded exceptionally by the Colours Committee to a pupil taking part in a recognised activity not offered by the College, and satisfying one of the Colours criteria above.

Schedule





Colours Tie





5.6 Art Awards

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Criteria Commitment Awards are available to pupils in any recognised S5 or S6 activity and assume all of the

following:

80% attendance at after-school portfolio classes Good attitude, conduct and behaviour Absence authorised by the Head of Art is discounted if arranged in advance

Colours are awarded to those pupils in 5th or 6th Year meeting the Commitment Awards criteria and any one of the following:

Top 5 (S5) or top 3 (S6) placing in portfolio submissions Top 3 placing in the annual Art Competition Placing in external competitions such as the Specialist Crafts Catalogue Cover or Fringe

Festival Poster competitions

Colours may be awarded exceptionally by the Colours Committee to a pupil taking part in a recognised artistic activity not offered by the College, and satisfying one of the Colours criteria above.

Schedule





Colours Tie





6. Enquiries or Complaints

6.1 Avoiding problems

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The College will do its very best to reward the achievements of all pupils appropriately and knows how important prizes and awards are. However, from time to time, a misunderstanding will occur or a mistake will be made. Most problems may be sorted easily if the pupil concerned simply speaks to the relevant member of staff. 6.2 Making an enquiry When contact becomes necessary, parents are encouraged to enquire before they complain. The most common issue relating to Colours (and sometime lower awards) is insufficient presence at practices, rehearsals matches or performances. All staff are asked to keep accurate registers, so disappointment on pupils’ parts may be avoided by attending as required and meeting the other criteria.

a) If you have a routine question about an award in a specific activity, please contact the member of staff in charge of that activity e.g. you think you should have been given an award and you are not listed.

b) If you have a general enquiry about Prizes, Awards or Colours contact Mr O’Duffin ([email protected])

6.3 Making a complaint If you are not satisfied after having contacted the member of staff in charge of an activity, or your parent/guardian considers it more appropriate, he or she should contact Mr O’Duffin ([email protected]) who will always take the complaint seriously and do everything possible to resolve the issue. M K O’Duffin Assistant Head Master

This policy was last updated in November 2016

It will be reviewed again in June 2017

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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