The Merit System

The rationale for placing importance in the merit system at Nendrum College is to reward the positive behaviour, attitude and effort exhibited by our pupils in and outside the classroom.

Our aim is to value the contributions they make within the classroom and in the wider school community. It is hoped the merit system will encourage pupils to be motivated to take responsibility for their behaviour, take pride in their work and feel valued for their efforts. The merit system operates within every year group from Year 8 to Year 12.

The merit system is designed to have a positive approach and does not include “de-meriting” as inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with separately through the procedures outlined in the school’s Positive Behaviour Policy. The merit system is also connected to our newly established Core Values. Each student can receive additional merit points for displaying characteristics/dispositions aligned to each of our Core Values: Nurture, Commitment and Community.

All members of staff participate in the school Merit System by awarding points to pupils on a half-termly basis.  The awarding of points is at the discretion of each member of staff. 

Pupils gain subject merits by:

• Completing all homework to the best of their ability and handing it in on time
• Keeping their classwork books and files neat, tidy, and up to date
• Trying to make sure that their attitude and behaviour is of a high standard
• Bringing the correct equipment to class, e.g. books, pencil, pen, ruler, apron, P.E. kit
• Regularly attending an after-school activity
• Trying to keep my attendance to 100% each month
• Looking neat and tidy by wearing their school uniform correctly

The subject teacher should monitor the above criteria on a regular basis and award merits to each pupil at the end of each half-term.  Each half-term, pupils can score a maximum of 5 merits per subject.

Nurture, Commitment and Community

Nendrum College's three main values are Nurture, Commitment and Community.