Rewards

At Erasmus Darwin Academy we believe in recognising and celebrating student successes. Rewards are issued through a merit and de-merit system. Students can earn merits in lessons and around the Academy for a range of positive behaviours. Sanctions result in de-merits of equivalent value (e.g., a Level 1 sanction equals 1 de-merit). Merits and de-merits combine to form a student’s net total. All rewards are available to students in Years 7–11.

In-Lesson Merits

(No limit)

Examples

(No limit)

Tutor Merits (1)

- Involvement in/Leading tutor activities

- Engagement in whole school community events

- Role model to others in tutor

Academic Success (1)

- Taking pride in School Work/Revision/Homework

- Showing resilience in learning

- Hard work in lessons

- Concentration on tasks

- Homework completion to a high standard

EDA Values in lessons (1)

- Supporting peers in challenging work

- Leadership in activities

- Being kind and helpful to others in lessons

- Listening to others ideas

Out of Lesson Merits (No limit)

Examples (No limit)

Extracurricular engagement (1)

- Attending a club

- Representing the school

- Leading at a club

EDA Values around Academy (1)

- Showing respect, kindness, honesty, or resilience

- Helping others

- Taking initiative without being asked

- Looking after school equipment or environment

- Making good choices even when challenged

House Award (2)

- Awarded by Heads of House for outstanding contribution to House

Automated Merits – Half Termly
100% Attendance (5)	0 Behaviour Points (5)	0 Late Marks (5)
0 Equipment/Uniform Logs (5)	Achieve all 4 categories in a half term (5)
Basic Expectations Award – Students who meet each of the following criteria at the end of a half term will receive 5 merits. Students who meet all four criteria by the end of a half term will receive an additional bonus of 5 merits: · 100% attendance · 0 behaviour points · 0 equipment or uniform logs · No lates

Automated Merits – Termly
Subject Award – Hard Work (10)	Subject Award – Academic Excellence (10)
Subject Achievement Awards – Subject Leaders nominate two students per term to receive either the Hard Work or Academic Excellence award. Each award is worth 10 merits, and recipients also receive a certificate to recognise their achievement.

** More may be added throughout the Academic Year to celebrate student success.

The rewards system operates on a ladder structure. As students reach specific net total thresholds, they move up the ladder and earn the corresponding reward. Each student can secure their position on the ladder once per term. The ladder structure is outlined below.

Reward	Net Total Threshold
Extended Fast Track Friday (Bring a Friend)	350
Fast Track Friday	300
EDA Badge (Bronze, Silver & Gold available for securing each term)	250
Fast Track Friday	200
EDA Stationery	150
Fast Track Friday	100
Sweet Treat	50
Fast Track Friday	25

Rewards Events

Fast Track Fridays – A weekly celebration for students who reach key merit milestones (25, 100, 200, 300, and 350 merits). Eligible students attend to recognise their ongoing success.
Drop Down Rewards Afternoon – On the final Thursday of each term, students who meet the required net‑total threshold can take part in a Drop Down Afternoon, featuring a range of activities led by EDA staff. Some activities may require a small contribution due to their nature; any costs will be communicated to families in advance. Students who do not meet the threshold will take part in a dedicated reflection session to review their behaviour and set goals for the next term.
Rewards Celebration – A range of special rewards, including food from the bakery and local restaurants, film events, canteen queue‑jump passes, vouchers, and more, will be awarded to the highest merit achieving students for the term, on the final day of term. This event is in addition to the Drop Down Afternoons, which take place on the penultimate day of each term.
Headteacher Brunch – Awarded to the top two students in each year group for progress and for significant improvement across the year. Families are invited to join the Headteacher in celebrating these achievements.
Summer Celebration Event – A formal end‑of‑year event recognising students’ outstanding achievements throughout the academic year.