Rewards and House System
Rewards
At Valley Park, we have cultivated a robust rewards culture that seeks to celebrate not only academic achievement but also students' embodiment of our ARK Values: Ambitious, Respectful, and Kind. This ethos is fundamental to creating a holistic educational environment where all aspects of student development are recognised and valued.
Positive house points serve as a direct link to our ARK Values, encouraging students to engage actively both individually and collaboratively. House points can be earned through various avenues, including individual or group work, as well as participation in wider school initiatives through the futures programmes. This inclusive approach allows for the recognition of student efforts in diverse contexts, thereby reinforcing the importance of our school values.
As students accumulate positive house points, they are recognised through a tiered award system, which includes Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, Emerald, and Platinum awards. Each of these levels corresponds to specific thresholds of house points, ultimately leading to a range of exciting awards, experiences, and unique opportunities throughout the year. Notably, all students who achieve a Silver award are invited to participate in a celebration during the summer term, with additional recognitions for those who have excelled beyond expectations and silver awards. At the end of each term, each year group hosts a rewards assembly by where individual certificates are handed out, positives from the term are shared, prizes given and the top house per year and across the school is shared. Ending the term on a positive message and acknowledging the students hard work and commitment.
In Term 2, each year, we proudly host an awards celebration for students from the previous academic year who have consistently exemplified our school values across all subjects and year groups. Awards have been carefully tailored for each key stage, ensuring that every student receives appropriate recognition and understands the significance of positive reinforcement for their diligent efforts. Awards during this evening are:
- The Rider Cup For courage and determination to succeed
- The Grant Cup For Academic Progress - YEAR 11 (Just finished year 10)
- The Paul Carter Most diligent student in Key Stage 3
- KS4 Academic Achievement
- KS5 Academic Achievement
- The ARK Award For the student who represents the spirit of Valley Park
- Headteachers Award
The ARK Award
This award is to recognise the students who are going over and above in all aspects of their school experience. They are embodying our schools values and truly are an ARK student. They have taken part and completed their futures passport and are supporting others, they have achieved the highest accolades for positive points and they support the wider school community when they can. This award Is recognised and celebrated when a student’s meets specific milestone by where a golden horse is embroidered onto their blazer, this award will be introduced in the academic year 24 – 25 and aims to join the schools house system, values, rewards and futures programme together an authentic way to support the students into become the best possible versions of themselves they can be and so that we can also celebrate their hard work and commitment to the school, year on year.
House System
To support our rewards culture, Valley Park School introduced a new House System in 2023, following a democratic process in which students voted for the names of the houses.
Officially implemented during Sports Day 2023, this system has quickly become an integral motivator for our students. It is woven throughout key events, opportunities within our curricula, and our Futures Programme. Each week in their Futures sessions, students discuss their houses and the points accrued, fostering a sense of pride and community. Their successes are celebrated in rewards assemblies at the end of each term during year assemblies.
The houses at Valley Park School are:
These names represent significant landmarks across Kent, serving to bridge the gap between year groups while instilling a sense of local heritage. Throughout their time at Valley Park, students are actively encouraged to visit these historical sites. Our commitment to these experiences encompasses four whole year group trips designed to enrich students' understanding of cultural contexts, allow them to engage in first-hand research closely linked to their curriculum, and celebrate their dedication and hard work. Furthermore, these trips provide invaluable opportunities for students to bond with their peers, cultivating a robust sense of community within their respective houses.
The house system serves as a vehicle for our school values, promoting healthy competition and collaboration across all key stages at Valley Park School. By encouraging teamwork and individual achievement, we aim to cultivate a stimulating educational environment that prepares our students for future challenges while celebrating their personal and collective successes.