As you may already know, in the Secondary we are re-thinking how we reward our students. This academic year students are being awarded House Points for actions and behaviours that are aligned with our core values of respect, trust and ambition for all. I am hoping that many of you have already received emails notifying you of your child’s positive contributions to school life. As our students accumulate more House Points, they will be awarded bronze, silver, gold and, eventually, platinum certificates and badges to acknowledge their successes. So why the change? 

In our journey towards creating a positive and nurturing school environment, it is important to utilize the powerful impact of positive reinforcement on student wellbeing. Research consistently highlights the transformative effects of positive reinforcement and rewards in shaping a conducive learning atmosphere.

Positive reinforcement, a cornerstone of effective teaching, contributes significantly to student motivation and engagement (Skinner, 1953). Acknowledging and rewarding positive behavior fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-worth among students (Maag, 2001). As we celebrate achievements, both big and small, we cultivate a positive school culture that fuels motivation and resilience at GIS.

Numerous studies emphasize the role of positive reinforcement in building strong teacher-student relationships (Emmer & Sabornie, 2015), something at the heart of our whole-school priority as we endeavor to ‘keep a big school small.’  By recognizing and rewarding desirable behavior, we not only create a supportive learning environment but also enhance emotional wellbeing. This, in turn, contributes to a more cohesive and harmonious school community.

By embracing the power of positive reinforcement and rewards, we are setting our students up for academic success and also catering for the overall wellbeing of our students. As a community, we can create an environment where every achievement is celebrated, and every individual feels valued.

Warmest regards,

Mr. Lewis Griffiths and Ms. Alisha Muir

Heads of Student Wellbeing