The Power of Positive Praise

Recognition and Rewards at The Bulmershe School

When people think about school standards, they often think about rules and consequences. While those are important for a calm environment, what really makes a caring secondary school thrive is what we choose to celebrate. At The Bulmershe School, we have discovered that positive recognition transforms not just behaviour, but the entire school culture.

A year ago, Lucy T became the first student to choose "Cake with the Headteacher" as her ClassCharts reward. We sat down with a Victoria Sponge for a chat, and a new Bulmershe tradition was born. One year on, I have shared cake with 13 students and consumed approximately 6,500 calories in the name of student recognition. It is a sacrifice I am entirely willing to make.

What is ClassCharts?

For families researching secondary schools, understanding how a school motivates students matters. ClassCharts is our online points-based recognition system that teachers use throughout the school day. Students earn points for everything from exceptional work to acts of kindness in the corridor, and these points can be exchanged in our Rewards Shop for prizes of their choosing.

The idea is simple: Reward points mean prizes. But more importantly, those points represent the thousands of small, positive choices our students make every single day.

Cake, Cookies and Fidget Toys

What always fascinates me is seeing what students choose to spend their hard-earned points on. As an adult, I might be tempted by a queue jump pass for the canteen or a fresh cookie. However, our students often have different priorities.

The most popular item in our Rewards Shop is the humble black pen, chosen 1,268 times this year, followed by fidget toys and foam balls. Seventy-five students saved up 1,000 points for a £10 Amazon voucher, six opted for leather footballs, and two incredibly patient individuals reached the 2,000-point mark for an Xbox voucher.

Whether it is a small toy or a big prize, the excitement of "buying" something with points they have earned through hard work is a brilliant way to build self-esteem.

Focus on the Positive

So far this academic year, Bulmershe students have earned 596,037 achievement points compared to just 42,459 behaviour points. That means 93% of the feedback our students receive is positive.

In a world that can often focus on what is going wrong, we make a deliberate effort at our diverse and inclusive school to focus on what is going right. We find that recognising the "little things" like being kind in the corridor or helping a peer makes a huge difference to student wellbeing and the feel of the school.

Going Above and Beyond

The most common reason for awarding points this year has been "Exceptional working above and beyond", accounting for 14% of all points given. This shows us that our students are not just doing what is expected in lessons. They are pushing themselves further, taking pride in their work and genuinely invested in their learning.

We have also given out our Headteacher Award 603 times this year. This special 25-point award recognises students who act as ambassadors for the school, maybe giving up their evening to guide prospective families around our school, or those who have been nominated by their teachers for doing something out of the ordinary.

Why Positive Praise Matters

For parents considering secondary school options, understanding a school's approach to pastoral care is crucial. At Bulmershe, we believe that building self-esteem and recognising the little things students do each day makes a genuine difference to how young people see themselves and their potential.

When a teacher takes a moment to acknowledge a student who has helped a classmate, worked particularly hard on a challenging task or shown resilience when things were difficult, it sends a powerful message: "I see you. What you do matters. You are valued here."

This is about more than points on a screen. It is about creating a positive school environment where students feel seen and valued. When a teacher recognises a student's effort, it builds the confidence they need to take risks in their learning and grow as individuals.

Building Culture Through Recognition

ClassCharts has become far more than a behaviour tracking system. It is now woven into the fabric of our school culture. Students check their points regularly and make deliberate choices about whether to spend or save. Parents can log in to see their child's achievements in real time, opening up valuable conversations at home about the school day.

For me, the best part remains those cake sessions with students. Sitting down with a young person who has worked hard enough to earn 650 points and hearing about their experiences gives me a window into what we are getting right and where we can do even better.

We are proud of the recognition culture at Bulmershe. It helps our students stay engaged, stay motivated and most importantly, stay positive about their school journey. And if that means I need to eat a few more slices of Victoria Sponge along the way, I think we can all agree it is a price worth paying.

Amanda Woodfin is Headteacher at The Bulmershe School in Woodley, a caring and inclusive secondary school serving families in Reading, Wokingham and the surrounding areas.