The Byrchall Recognition Programme

 

At Byrchall High School, we are proud to launch the Byrchall Recognition Programme, a whole-school initiative designed to celebrate student achievement in a structured, meaningful, and inclusive way.

This programme is about more than rewards. It supports our school ethos:

“Live to Learn – Learn to Live”

By recognising a broad range of contributions and achievements, the programme encourages every student to grow into a confident, well-rounded individual ready for life beyond school.

Why It Matters

Academic results are important, but today’s world demands more. Employers and universities agree that young people also need key life skills such as teamwork, resilience, leadership and communication. The Byrchall Recognition Programme bridges this gap by helping students develop and celebrate these essential skills alongside their studies.

Skills We Value

Through the programme, students will be encouraged to:

  • Take initiative
  • Lead and inspire others
  • Contribute as part of a team
  • Persevere through setbacks
  • Show kindness and support to others
  • Reflect on their own growth

These skills are not only vital for future careers—they also help students thrive in everyday life.

 

Four Strands of Recognition

 

Students can be nominated for awards in four key areas:

  • Participation – Involvement in school life, clubs, competitions, and extracurricular activities.
  • Leadership – Taking responsibility, setting a positive example, leading teams or peers.
  • Excellence – Academic progress, personal bests, improved attendance, or outstanding effort.
  • Community – Acts of kindness, volunteering, and contributions to the wider school or local community.

Recognition Badges & Awards

Students will work towards bronze, silver, and gold badges in each strand.

  • Bronze – one achievement
  • Silver – two achievements
  • Gold – three achievements

In total, there are 12 badges to collect. Any student who earns all 12 will receive a Recognition Trophy at the end of the year.

Achievements are celebrated through:

  • Postcards home
  • Certificates and pin badges
  • Mentions in assemblies, newsletters, and school social media

Programme Timeline (2025–26)

The Recognition Scheme will re-launch in September 2025 through Year Team assemblies, with whole-school assemblies reinforcing the themes throughout the year. Each half term will highlight a specific strand:

  • HT1 (Sept): Re-launch Assembly – Introduction to the scheme
  • HT2 (Nov–Dec): Community
  • HT3 (Jan–Feb): Leadership
  • HT4 (Feb–Mar): Excellence
  • HT5 (Apr–May): Participation
  • HT6 (Jun–Jul): Community (Revisited)

Staff & Department Involvement

The programme is a whole-school commitment. Staff are encouraged to:

  • Nominate students each half term for each strand
  • Promote the scheme in lessons and activities
  • Celebrate achievements via departmental social media

By modelling Participation, Leadership, Excellence, and Community, staff help embed a culture where positive behaviours are consistently recognised.

Student & Staff Voice

  • Recognition Ambassadors – Students meet once a term to suggest ideas and improvements.
  • Staff Feedback – Surveys at Christmas and Easter ensure staff can help shape the programme’s growth.


Logging Achievements on Synergy Recognition

Students record their achievements on Synergy Recognition:

  • Years 7–9 – supported in Computing lessons each half term.
  • Years 10–11 – access during form time once per term, plus a weekly drop-in (Room 0-09, Thursdays).

Students are asked to explain their activity in full sentences, describe the skills developed, and—where possible add a photo.

 

Looking Ahead

The Byrchall Recognition Programme is more than an award system. It is about creating a school culture where effort, kindness, resilience, and leadership are valued just as highly as exam grades. Together, we will celebrate every student’s journey, ensuring that when they leave Byrchall, they take with them not only qualifications, but the life skills to succeed.