“Pupils’ well-being is at the heart of your work”
Ofsted January 2018

“Blue Coat is a ‘welcoming school’. Pupils enjoy school. Staff are proud of the school. They believe that there is a culture that encourages calm and orderly conduct and is aspirational for all pupils.  Ofsted January 2018

“The staff make every possible effort to improve the life chances of students.”
SIAMS September 2015

We consider the care, guidance and support of our pupils to be of central importance if their time at Blue Coat is to be successful.

Form tutors work with students and parents/carers to manage every child’s progress and welfare throughout their time in the Academy . The form tutor is the most important contact between home and the Academy.
We encourage all parents/carers to become actively involved in their child’s education and to support the Academy by:

  • Monitoring homework using Show My Homework
  • Attending the yearly Parents’ Evenings

In return we will:

  • Inform you on three occasions a year about how your child is progressing against their targets for the year
  • Meet with you formally at least once a year at Parents’ Evening
  • Recognise and publicise the best achievements of individual students and form groups
  • Maintain high standards of learning in a positive and supportive environment

Rewards

Reward plans

The rewards system at Blue Coat Church of England Academy is designed to recognise and reward positive behaviour and academic achievement in all aspects of the academy for all students. The rewards system focuses around the five core school values of Wisdom, Endurance, Service, Kindness and Hope. In both the classroom and around the academy, students will be issued with points for meeting the school values. As a Rights Respecting School we understand the Right of young people to rest, play culture and arts. The rewards system at Blue Coat Academy gives the students the opportunity to experience visits to enhance their cultural capital and experience celebrating with their peers and members of staff.

The issuing of rewards is an effective means of building up positive relationships with students. They are a fundamental part of recognising and celebrating a positive culture in school.

Building consistency is vital in making the most of the rewards system. Staff should recognise those students who are engaging in the Means of Participation Metacognition strategies. Students who have made progress over a series of lessons should be awarded with points that recognise their success. Students should be able to articulate what rewards are on offer, how they can be rewarded and explain why they have been given the points.

 

Christian Ethos and UNICEF

Parables of the talents (Matthew 25:29)

29For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.

The Parable of the talents teaches us that we should understand our talents and what makes us an amazing individual, the rewards system understands this and celebrates the application of these talents. We align the rewards system with the values of our school and its community: Wisdom, Endurance, Service, Kindness and Hope, and celebrate the use of these talents both in lesson and in our community.

 

Rewards on offer:

  • Rewards recorded on Arbor
  • Weekly lunch queue jump passes for the student with the highest number of points in their form family.
  • Weekly Sips of Success with the principal to reward classwork and homework.
  • Autumn term trip to the Light Theatre, Walsall Friday 11th December
  • Spring term trip to Laser Tag and Bowling at Tenpin Walsall Tuesday 16th
  • Summer term trip to Ninja Warrior, Walsall Wednesday 21st July
  • Sports Day Rewards – Inflatables Day Wednesday 30th June
  • Bronze (50), Silver (100), Gold (150), Platinum (200) for Wisdom, Endurance, Service, Kindness and Hope Positive Points
  • Bronze (250), Silver (500), Gold (750), Platinum (1000) for Total points awarded.
  • Badges upon receipt of Gold Awards.
  • Student Progress Awards (Termly)
  • Autumn Progress Prize Evening Thursday 26th November
  • Summer Progress Prize Evening Thursday 15th July
  • Positive phone calls home
  • Students of the Week announced in Church Assembly
  • Half termly reward parent/carer emails

 

Processes:

  • All points are recorded on Arbor and must have a reason attributed to them.
  • Heads of Department and Pastoral Teams can award 5 points for outstanding contributions in the classroom and around school. This can be delegated and given using professional judgement.
  • Reasons for Points (List is not exhaustive and professional judgement can be used to award points appropriately and consistently):
  • Wisdom: Students displaying an excellent work ethic in lesson or independent study. Taking initiative by asking questions to develop their knowledge and/or skills
  • Endurance: Completing homework to a good standard. Attempting Homework multiple times to try to improve.
  • Service: Making contributions to lessons through the Means of Participation (Stop and Jot, Turn and Talk, Volunteers, Cold Calling, Show Me). Making contributions to the school by representation at events with external providers. Contributions to whole school events such as assemblies.
  • Kindness: Acts of Kindness both in lesson (e.g. Lending equipment) and outside of the classroom (e.g. going out of their way to help another member of the Blue Coat community).
  • Hope: Making progress in lesson or over a series of lessons. This could be in regard to behaviour or in academic studies.

The reward trips that are run on a termly basis are nominated for on the following basis:

  1. Head of Year nomination x1
  2. Senior Leadership Team Link nomination x1
  3. Progress Leader nomination x3
  4. Form tutor nomination x6
  5. Top 5 Positive Points x5 (this is reset each term)

 

Impact:

Being acknowledged for success, progress or improvement helps our students feel valued and capable. This can increase their confidence, encourage resilience, and develop a positive attitude towards learning and school.

When our students receive recognition for their effort, attitude or achievements, they are more likely to stay motivated and actively participate in lessons. Rewards help reinforce positive behaviours and encourage students to continue making good choices.

Rewards recognise effort and achievement, helping our students feel valued, boosts their confidence, and strengthens their sense of belonging within Blue Coat community.