Throughout life we come together to applaud and appreciate achievements – often focussed only on the few. Last month’s Emmy Awards or even more recent Ballon D’Or ceremonies are broadcast around the world to high acclaim and recipients carry that achievement forward with them to secure even more prestigious contracts and opportunities. Who doesn’t want to sign or play with the winner of the Ballon D’Or? What film studio would ignore the pitch of an award-winning director? Recognition opens doors but it also affirms beliefs for the individual and those surrounding them. That’s why it matters at school – but perhaps not for the reasons you would expect.
Young children have a desire to please and work to meet the expectations of the adults in their world. Praise is an incredible motivator and something we rely on to build success in school. At Elmhurst, Class Dojo is used consistently to reinforce good choices in behaviours for learning. Weekly merit assemblies and half-termly distinction events congratulate individuals for specific achievements through the week as well as celebrating our values – kindness, respect, bravery, determination and curiosity.
Hot Chocolate with the Head is a chance to ‘treat’ the children to a special meeting to reflect on their efforts in the term. Our all-round brilliant character celebrations were launched this year, and in assemblies this week it has been joyful to celebrate children who have been given badges to wear because of the displays of character they have shown.
The joy in watching these celebrations comes from the reaction and support given to winners by their peers. We work hard in school to help children appreciate that the success of another is success for all; that you may not be celebrated today but you can be confident that at some point in the future it will be your turn. Children are encouraged to be determined in their efforts and brave in their approach to enable them to progress. Our belief in them is unwavering, and that is why the collective celebration matters. It is an ongoing reminder that we care, that we notice and that each individual’s brilliance is important to us.
