The commendation and distinction systems exist to reward good work and behaviour and are used when it is felt appropriate to go beyond verbal praise or praise written in a pupil’s exercise book. Assembly is also used as a way of recognising and praising achievement.

a) The Distinction System
The distinction system is a way of formally recognising distinguished work by a pupil. It is only used to recognise distinction in regard to the highest standards applicable to a year group.

The boy or boys in question show their work to the Headteacher and sign the Distinction Book. They also receive an automatic Commendation.

b) The Commendation System
The system offers rewards to achievements across the whole range. Commendations can be awarded for good work or effort or for any action worthy of special recognition: good support or effort in school teams or the choir or drama, good progress in music lessons, helping out a member of staff or another pupil, etc. The list of possibilities is very long as the idea is to reward as many facets of pupils achievements as we are aware of.

As a motivating force, the commendations accumulate to lead to various further awards.

Once a pupil has reached ten commendations within a school year, he qualifies for a Bronze Certificate which is issued by the Form Teacher.

Twenty-five commendations within the year qualify for a Silver Certificate which is issued by the Head of Key Stage.

Fifty commendations within the year qualify for a Gold Certificate issued by the Head.

One hundred commendations within the year qualify for a Platinum Certificate.

The boys with the highest number of commendations are awarded prizes. These and the Platinum Certificates are presented at Junior Prize Giving at the end of the Summer Term.