Inspiring Excellence and Faith Through ASPIRE Rewards
At Cardinal Newman Catholic School, we believe every student is “Made for Greatness” and we use positive reinforcement to inspire and motivate students so that they commit to fully embracing all aspects of school life. Our rewards system is aligned with our behaviour systems and underpinned by our core ASPIRE values: Achievement, Service, Peace, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence. Guided by our Catholic mission and the words of St John Henry Newman, “God is love…” and we are all “links in a chain”. We strive to create a community where each student’s talents are recognised, nurtured, and celebrated.
Our rewards system places a strong emphasis on academic achievement, recognising the effort, perseverance, and progress that lead to excellence in learning. By celebrating success in the classroom, whether through outstanding results, steady improvement, or commitment to study, we affirm that hard work and dedication are vital parts of personal growth so that students can flourish both in school and beyond.
Rewarding Academic Achievement and Behaviour for Learning
To recognise students’ commitment to their studies, we reward good behaviour and positive learning attitudes in every lesson. Students can earn ASPIRE points, through Class Charts, for academic achievement, progress, behaviour, attendance, and wider contributions to school life. ASPIRE praise points may be awarded for (but are not limited to):
When students achieve certain thresholds with their ‘ASPIRE Points’ they are eligible for particular rewards, which include:
The Rewards Pod
Students have the opportunity to use the Reward Pod to exchange their ASPIRE points for prizes.
These might include items such as stationery or sporting equipment, increasing to larger prizes like a cinema afternoon or skip the queue passes in the canteen. In line with our core values, students also have the opportunity to swap their ASPIRE points for donations to charity.
End of term Celebration Award Assemblies
At the end of each term, we hold Celebration Award Assemblies to recognise and reward the many ways our students live out the ASPIRE values. ASPIRE points are reviewed regularly, and year teams come together to celebrate excellent behaviour, effort, and contribution in year group assemblies.
Alongside these achievements, students can also earn subject awards for sustained effort, high-quality work, or significant progress in their learning. We also celebrate excellence in wider areas that reflect our Catholic mission and whole-school ethos, including:
These assemblies highlight the breadth of our students’ talents and character, ensuring every young person has the chance to be celebrated for their hard work, dedication, and the unique contribution they bring to our school community.
End of Year Celebration Awards Evening
We’re proud to honour the achievements of our students at our End of Year Celebration Awards Evening. From academic excellence to ASPIRE values, attendance, home learning, and personal growth, this special event brings together students, families, and staff to celebrate hard work, dedication, and success.