At Fleet Infant School we celebrate success in many different ways. We always look for the positive and praise children for effort as well as achievement and positive behaviour. Below are some of the ways that children's achievements are valued and celebrated at school.
Celebration Assembly is the children's favourite assembly as they wait to see who has earned a certificate that week from their teacher(s) for demonstrating our school values or excellent effort with their work. The children come out to the front to receive their certificate and occasionally show their work, whilst being applauded by the other children. It is always a pleasure to celebrate their achievements, however small, and it is the highlight of my week (Headteacher).
Each class uses their British Value of Democracy to select a child for 'Star of the Week' and the children talk about that child's efforts, achievements and character, for instance, celebrating that they have mastered a new skill or been a good friend. The winner is presented with a certificate in the celebration assembly.
Each class has their own marble jar in which they collect marbles for collective efforts and achievements to motivate and encourage classes to do their best. Once a child has 'filled' their jar (10 marbles in Year R, 15 in Year 1 and 20 in Year 2), they vote for a special class reward or treat to celebrate their success!
We have a session of Active Dance in Years 1 and 2 every afternoon where we learn dance routines to pop music. This is part of our PE entitlement, and it helps to keep us fit and active. Sometimes we are given Active Dance stickers when we take part sensibly and do all the movements with energy and enthusiasm!
Children in Year R can earn a 'wow' from any adult for learning to do something they couldn't do before that has really 'wowed' the adult. The children are told that not everyone can do the same things, so although some children may think a 'wow' has been earned easily, e.g. for writing their name, it is explained that we all find different things easy and hard.
Wow Stars at home: This follows the same guidelines – to reinforce the home-school link and to allow parents to contribute to their child's learning journey. A big 'wow' star is sent home once every half-term for parents to award a 'wow' to their own child for something that has been done well or for the first time. These are then shared with the class and celebrated through a special achievement circle time.
If any adult in school is really pleased with our work, we are sent to the Headteacher to show our work or tell them what we have been doing. We are usually rewarded with a Special Headteacher's Sticker! Children regularly receive these stickers for good news such as being asked to speak in assembly, writing thank you letters on behalf of the school, better concentration in class, knowing clever facts, improving behaviour effort, resilience and so on.
Want to see some of the things we’ve been celebrating? Visit our Celebration Corner to discover some of the achievements, experiences and special moments from across Fleet Infant School.