A Derby secondary school has achieved better-than-average attendance after taking the time to listen to its pupils.
By listening to feedback gathered through its ‘Pupil Voice’ initiative – a scheme where pupils come together to make suggestions to teachers or share their views on school life – staff at The Bemrose School, in Uttoxeter Road, learned that pupils wanted more recognition for their efforts.
In response, the school enhanced its rewards system, recognising attendance, behaviour, attitude and achievement and has since seen attendance rise by one percent, keeping it above the national average.
As part of the changes, pupils were able to earn a range of incentives in the weeks leading up to Christmas, including exclusive use of a cinema screening, private hire of Rollerworld, a trip to Megazone or an educational visit to London’s Natural History Museum.
Headteacher Neil Wilkinson said: “At a time when attendance is struggling nationally, we are incredibly proud that our attendance remains above average.
“Within our school, 752 pupils have attendance of over 95 percent, and that is a real achievement.
“To do this, we make a conscious effort to create a space where pupils enjoy coming to school. We listen to them and understand that success looks different for each pupil. Some may achieve more academically, others may make progress through improved attendance, effort, or participation.
“We focus on recognising each pupil’s individual achievements and efforts and we don’t penalise anyone for genuine reasons, such as being off sick or finding something challenging. This holistic approach to school life ensures every pupil is supported to succeed in their own way.”
“While we have enhanced the scheme with rewards and experiences, we have found that it is often the praise itself that really drives pupils. They want to be seen, recognised and valued for trying hard and that matters most.
“This is a school with a strong community feel. Pupils enjoy spending time with their teachers just as much as their friends and they genuinely want to be here.”
Rewards are handed out throughout the year, with pupils able to take part in trips and special experiences twice a year, including the prospect of a visit to Alton Towers later in the academic year. In addition, twice a term, a ‘wheel of fortune’ is spun during a rewards assembly to select high-achieving pupils, with the winner receiving a £10 Amazon voucher.
Year 8 pupil Joy Mackinde, who has 100 percent attendance, said: “It was so much fun going to Rollerworld with all my friends, especially having it to ourselves.
“I love coming to school and I even attend after-school sessions called ‘Strive to Success’ to help me work towards my dream of becoming a lawyer.
“I enjoy being in school with my friends and the teachers really make it worthwhile. There’s also some friendly competition between the forms since the inter-form challenge was introduced, which includes a series of competitions between our classes. It’s made achieving feel fun.
“My favourite place in the school is the library. It’s such a great space and I love all the books we have access to.”
In the lead-up to Christmas, the school also treated pupils to films in class and a Christmas disco as further rewards. Alongside this, a non-uniform day was held to raise money for the Macmillan Ward, following the loss of a much-loved member of staff to cancer.
Raising more than £1,000, pupils and staff came together to celebrate the life of Kuldip Bhalay, a science teacher and former pupil of the school. His inspirational life and journey were shared with the school during the final assembly, alongside photographs illustrating what pupils can achieve for themselves.
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
