Tutor Groups

Senior girls are divided into groups of 6 or 7 and are allocated a tutor. Each group meets once a week.

These groups discuss a variety of topics so that values may be enhanced and positive attitudes developed.

St Peter's Programme for Individual Growth (SPIG)

The SPIG programme was introduced a number of years ago in order to:

• Acknowledge all-round progress in Grade 6 and 7
• Motivate as many pupils as possible to focus on achieving their potential

This was adapted from a similar programme originating from Gordonstoun School, Scotland. A great deal of thought has been devoted to the compilation of the programme and the methods of assessing the various categories.

CATEGORIES FOR ASSESSMENT

1. ACADEMIC EFFORT

The effort devoted to academics is acknowledged by points gained in the Mark Order. In order for pupils to qualify for recognition in this field, they must attain the following number of points calculated over 14 subjects for Grade 6 and 13 for Grade 7:

GRADE 6

Junior Level: 42 points                                          

Intermediate Level: 43 points

GRADE 7 

Senior Level: 42 Points                          

KEYS Level: 43 Points

If the number of points between levels declines by 4 points or more, despite attaining the required minimum, the boy will not be promoted.          

The points are linked to the effort symbols found on the Mark Schedules.

1. Weak effort
2. Inconsistent effort
3. Competent effort
4. Strong effort
5. Exceptional effort

The system acknowledges that different boys have different abilities and recognises that some individuals will achieve 40% with maximum application, while others will achieve 80% effortlessly. Effort is evaluated on the quality of work, participation in class, timeous submission of homework/assignments, enthusiasm, and not solely on the percentage achieved.

2. EXTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES

Recognition will depend on each pupils regular participation and consistent effort in school sport and extramural activities at any level. Consideration will be given to attitude, dress, conduct, loyalty, perseverance and attendance at practices.

3. PRESENTATION OF WORK AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Pupils will be assessed on their personal appearance, uniform, attendance at school functions and tidiness in and out of the classroom. Presentation of work will also be a criterion in this category.

4. CONDUCT AND ADHERANCE TO THE ST PETER’S ETHOS AND VALUES

Pupils will be assessed on their general conduct and adherence to St Peter’s values, including:-

• Honesty
• Respect for the rights and property of others
• Concern for others
• Courtesy
• Self-discipline
• Responsibility
• Tolerance
• Initiative
• Loyalty

Successive awards of demerit slips are likely to result in retarding the promotion. Promotion will be delayed in the event of more serious misdemeanours such as dishonesty, insubordination, insolence, etc.

5. SERVICE (GRADE 7 ONLY)

All pupils are expected to perform some form of service within the school or community. A points system has been developed for this category and a list of “service tasks” has been drawn up to assist pupils in selecting performance areas.

Commitment and attitude are important criteria in this area and service should be seen to be genuine and sustained and not simply to qualify for this category.

LEVELS

There are four levels, graded from simple to more difficult.

Level 1:         JUNIOR LEVEL (receive a Certificate in Grade 6)
Level 2:         INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (receive a Certificate in Grade 6)
Level 3:         SENIOR LEVEL (receive a Certificate in Grade 7)
Level 4:         KEYS AWARD (Tie awarded in Grade 7)

KEYS Award recipients should be sound leaders in all spheres of school life. They are expected to show a high standard of personal example, display initiative and have a more mature appreciation of their responsibilities. Pupils at this level are expected to lead by example.

All staff involved with the pupils contribute to the assessment and their appraisal forms part of each decision which is taken by the Housemasters, Chaplain, Director of Pastoral Care and the Deputy Headmaster.

Housemasters will counsel pupils individually with regards to their success or failure in attaining specific categories. While the programme sets out to motivate pupils by setting goals and acknowledging achievement, it will also fulfil a disciplinary function in that pupils who exhibit poor conduct, lack of commitment, sloppiness, etc., will have their progress to the next level temporarily retarded. Serious breaches may result in demotion to a previous level.