Awards & Learning

At St Michael’s we look to foster positive habits for learning and behaviour through direct praise, merits and some special awards.

Merits

Merits contribute to collective House awards and to Individual awards.

Merits are awarded to children for effort with their school work and homework as well as for positive behaviours promoted throughout the school. Merits are awarded individually and children then place a merit token in their ‘house’ tube within their classrooms. Each Friday, in Celebration Assembly, all the house tubes are collected by our Year 6 House Captains, total scores are calculated and the Weekly House winners are announced. At the end of each Half Term, the House with the most merits earns a House Party (designed by House Captains) and the ribbons on the House Cup are changed to match the House colours.

At the same time merits awarded are recorded on an individual chart for each pupil. There are a series of awards that can be gained throughout their time in school.

Awards

Regular Awards include, ‘Lead Learner’, ‘Super Citizen’, Attendance and Headteacher Awards.

Lead Learner

This is set each week as part of Celebration Assembly (Friday). Children will be told that during the following week, staff will be looking to choose one person from each class who has demonstrated great efforts in a particular area of learning e.g writing, P.E or Art. They receive three merits towards their total.

Super Citizen

This is also set each week as part of Celebration Assembly (Friday). Children will be told that during the following week, staff will be looking to choose one person from each class who has demonstrated one of our 10 school values. They also receive three merits towards their total.

Attendance Award

As a school we aim to encourage attendance by celebrating those children who achieve 100% attendance each term and a special award for those children who have 100% attendance for the entire school year. We have also introduced a weekly class attendance scheme, where the class who has the highest attendance for the week, looks after the Attendance bear!​

Headteacher Award

These are awarded to pupils who have demonstrated an excellent work ethic or behaviour. They are nominated by their class teachers and receive a special certificate and their names are published in our newsletters. They also receive three merits towards their total.

House Colour's

Relaunching Our House Teams – A New Chapter Begins!

We are excited to announce the relaunch of our House Teams across the school—a refreshed and inspiring approach to student community, identity, and achievement.

After careful reflection and consultation, we have reduced the number of houses from five to four, making them more inclusive, accessible, and easier to resource. Each house is now themed around a distinct colour and named in honour of a prominent figure connected to the city of Peterborough, celebrating their legacy and aligning with our core FLAME Values: Friendship, Learning, Action, Manners, and Excellence.

 

🟡 Cornelius House (Yellow) – Inspired by Walter Cornelius 

A Latvian refugee who settled in Peterborough, Walter Cornelius became a local legend through his daring stunts, feats of strength, and tireless charity work. Known as the “Birdman of Peterborough,” he taught thousands to swim and raised funds through eccentric challenges. His story reflects Action and Excellence, showing how courage and determination can leave a lasting legacy.

🔵 Manji House (Blue) – Inspired by Fatima Manji

Born and raised in Peterborough, Fatima Manji made history as Britain’s first hijab-wearing newsreader. Her journalism career has been marked by integrity, resilience, and a commitment to truth. Fatima embodies Learning and Manners, standing as a role model for respectful dialogue and informed citizenship.

🔴 Smith House (Red) – Inspired by Louis Smith

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith, also from Peterborough, has won multiple medals across three Olympic Games. His journey from local talent to international champion showcases Excellence and Friendship, as he often speaks about the support of his community and the discipline that shaped his success.

🟢 Royce House (Green) – Inspired by Sir Henry Royce 

Born in Alwalton near Peterborough, Sir Henry Royce co-founded Rolls-Royce and revolutionised engineering and design. His pursuit of perfection and innovation reflects Learning and Action, reminding us that great ideas often begin in humble places.

                                                                              

We believe these new House identities will foster pride, unity, and aspiration among our students. Pupils will be introduced to their new Houses, take part in team-building activities, and begin contributing to their House’s legacy through competitions, events, and collaborative projects.

 

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter.