Character Pledges
Character Pledges
Over the last two years, we have been delighted with the response to our Character Pledges and the way so many families have been in touch to share achievements outside of school. As such, we’re thrilled to be continuing the Pledges this year, though with a new, streamlined format!
Last year we introduced our School Values which underpin our behaviour policy and show the values and characteristics we are proud to see in our pupils. Children demonstrate these on a daily basis and are rewarded as a class and as individuals using Dojo points. This already gives the children the chance to show the characteristics celebrated in school, so this year, we are using our pledges to celebrate achievements outside of school.
We are also proud to be a Unicef ‘Rights Respecting’ School. This means we actively encourage children to be conscious of the rights of themselves and others and consider how their own actions can benefit those around us. The new pledges we have introduced this year link closely to the Unicef children’s rights, something the children revisit in school regularly.
This year, we have developed just three key challenges that can be completed in any order throughout the school year. Details children's acheivements can then be shared with class teachers so that they can be celebrated in school.
The pledges are:
Pledge 1
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Demonstrate a sustained effort to develop a new skill, hobby or interest outside of school. This could be demonstrated by sharing news of achievements within a new hobby (eg, certificates, awards, belts achieved, concerts or shows performed in) attendance at key events or sharing pictures of a new skill conquered. This shows – courage, determination, perseverance, patience, effort and conscientiousness! |
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Linked Unicef articles Article 15 Every child has the right to meet with other children and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights. Article 31- Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Pledge 2 |
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Help in your community in a sustained and meaningful way. We don’t mean just taking your neighbour’s bin in one week, but really trying to make a difference! This can be as part of an organised event or scheme or regularly helping a friend, relative or neighbour. This shows – kindness, patience, respect, compassion and generosity! |
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Linked Unicef articles Article 29- Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
Pledge 3 |
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Raise money for or support a charity that is important to you. This could be a national or local charity. You could save up your pocket money or take part in a sponsored event. Anything to make a difference! This shows – kindness, patience, respect, compassion and generosity! |
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Linked Unicef articles Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. |
Rather than celebrating a different pledge for each half term, there will be just these three, important pledges to celebrate the positive values and characteristics children show outside of school. They can be completed in any order across the school year. Once your child has completed a pledge, share this exciting news with your child’s class teacher. If they agree that it has met the criteria, this will be celebrated in assembly.
Upon achieving one pledge, your child will receive a bronze badge in assembly and be celebrated in the newsletter. If they achieve a second pledge during the school year, they will receive a silver badge and if all three pledges are achieved within an academic year, they will get a gold badge to wear with pride around school!
We are incredibly proud of the wonderful, kind, compassionate and creative children we have here at Whitby Heath Primary School. We love celebrating this in school through Dojos and we really hope that parents and carers will continue to share all the ways that your children impress at home too.