Rewards

Every member of our community is important to us at Tallis. In this big school we want to praise young people who build up our common life with their energy and commitment. We have a system of recognition which helps us do this:
  1. academic achievement
  2. showing a positive attitude to learning
  3. displaying the Tallis Habits
  4. displaying Tallis Character
  5. excellent effort
  6. attending extra sessions
  7. using online resources
  8. contributing to extracurricular and community activities
Research evidence, together with staff and student consultation, clearly suggests that extrinsic rewards are not necessarily valued or effective. Our approach to rewards is based on developing students' self-motivation and intrinsic desire to do well. We therefore have a rewards system that is accessible for all students. This is part of encouraging a growth mindset in our students so that they see the value of purposeful effort and responding to teachers' advice and feel that they are often recognised for doing so. The system takes for granted that students will often be praised in lessons and around the school, but provides different levels of recognition for students as they go through a year at Thomas Tallis school.​

Reward points & comments

All students can be proud of their reward points and comments, sharing these with their parents through Bromcom/MCAS.We believe that recognising purposeful effort is the most important kind of reward.

Postcards home

Formal recognition when you are trying hard is important for everyone. Students receive postcards when they exhibit excellent effort towards the Tallis Habits and Tallis Character.

Lunch with the Headteacher

We believe it is important to celebrate effort and achievement. The most rewarded student in the form each term will be invited to a formal celebratory lunch event with the headteacher and head of year. They will also be accompanied by one student from each form, nominated by their tutor, for making the most improvement that term.

Year group prize giving

Twice per year, at Christmas and Summer, the year group comes together to celebrate. Certificates are awarded by tutors, subject leaders, Heads of Year and the Headteacher. These are lovely occasions, featuring musical performances alongside the award giving. In year 11 and 13, we also have an additional celebration with parents to mark the end of Key Stages 4 and 5 respectively.