What's Happening In Secondary

Recognising Growth and Contribution at DCS: The Secondary Awards System

At Devonport Christian School, we believe that recognition should reflect more than just academic achievement. Our Secondary Awards System is built to celebrate students who are growing in character, demonstrating consistency, and contributing meaningfully to our school community.

About the Awards

There are twelve award categories, each recognising a different form of contribution or development:

• Creative Arts – consistent creativity and a positive attitude in music, drama, art, or design

• Sport – active participation in school-based sport and team contribution

• Tech – going beyond what is required in classroom-based technology or practical work

• Leadership – stepping up to lead others with initiative, responsibility, and integrity

• Sportsmanship – showing fairness, encouragement, and respect in sporting settings

• Passion for Learning – engaging deeply in learning, asking questions, and going further

• Resilience – pushing through setbacks with a positive attitude and persistence

• Community Service – helping others and serving meaningfully within or beyond school

• Self-Advocacy – respectfully taking initiative for personal growth and learning needs

• Culture Carrier – consistently living out DCS Secondary values in word and action

• Academic Growth – demonstrating clear progress in academic work through effort

• Personal Growth – growing in social confidence, emotional maturity, or behaviour

How Awards Are Earned

To receive an award at the end of the year, a student must be nominated three times across Terms 1–4 in the same category. These nominations may come from different people over time and are meant to reflect genuine consistency and growth. Final awards are considered by staff and presented at the end-of-year celebration.

Who Can Nominate

Nominations can be made by:

• Teachers and staff, who regularly observe student conduct, participation, and leadership

• Peers, through a structured peer nomination form where they provide specific examples

• Students themselves, using the self-nomination form to reflect on their own growth

Staff read and review all peer and self-nominations and use their judgment to determine whether they align with observed behaviours. The goal is not just to count nominations but to ensure they reflect meaningful and visible action.

What Makes an Action Award-Worthy?

Awards are not given for simply being friendly or completing expected tasks. They are intended to recognise students who:

• Consistently go above and beyond

• Take responsibility for how they impact others

• Show real growth, resilience, or initiative

• Demonstrate values that help shape the DCS culture in a positive way

These awards are a key part of our desire to foster a school culture grounded in integrity, encouragement, effort, and growth. They also provide a way for students to reflect on the kind of people they are becoming.

If you would like to know more about the award criteria or how students can get involved in the nomination process, please feel free to get in touch.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent Teacher interviews will be held in Term 3 on Wednesday 30th July for both Primary and Secondary students.  Bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews are now open and can be made through Parent Lounge.   Please click here for further information.

ICAS Competition  Closing Soon

We are delighted to inform you that Devonport Christian School will be participating in the world-renowned ICAS Assessments again this year. 

Please click here for more information.

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