Student Recognition

Student Recognition @ Canberra

At Canberra Secondary School, our student recognition processes are integral to our mission of "Growing Minds, Glowing Hearts." We have developed a comprehensive range of internal and external awards designed to acknowledge both cognitive and character excellence. These processes aim to motivate our students, celebrate their achievements, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Internal Awards/Recognition

“Growing Minds” – Cognitive Excellence. These awards focus on academic achievements and intellectual growth:

1. Sticker Redemption: Students receive stickers from subject teachers for various accomplishments such as improvements in class tests, outstanding assignment submissions, and efforts in subject mastery. These stickers can be collected and redeemed for rewards at the end of each term.

1. End of Semester YH Recognition: At the end of each semester, during the Year Head (YH) Address, we recognize the top 3 students in each class for academic performance and overall academic progress.

2. Annual Awards Day: Held annually, this ceremony celebrates top academic performers, including the best in stream and subject across all levels (Secondary 1-3) and those who excelled in National Examinations (O & N Levels). Additionally, MOE Edusave Character (ECHA) Awards will be presented. Parents are invited to witness this prestigious event.

“Glowing Hearts” – Character Excellence. These awards emphasize the importance of character and values:

1. GRC GEMS of the Month: Each month, Class Coordinators (CCs) nominate one student per class for demonstrating the GRC GEMS Deliverable Outcomes: Going the Extra Mile, Effective in Teams, Modeling the Way, and being a Self-Directed Learner.

2. Jar of GRaCe: This monthly initiative involves teachers recognizing students who exemplify the school values by awarding them colored ice-cream sticks corresponding to the values of Gratitude (Green), Respect (Blue), and Compassion (Red). At the end of each month, students can redeem these sticks for ice cream.

External Awards/Recognition

Canberra Secondary School also participates in a variety of external competitions and awards that align with both academic and co-curricular excellence:

Academic Excellence:

• Subject-Based Competitions: Science Buskers Festival, Australian Mathematics Competition, NUS Geography Challenge, and more.

Co-Curricular Excellence:

• CCA Competitions: Sports events, Performing Arts/Singapore Youth Festival (SYF), and uniform group competitions.

Character and Leadership:

1. MOE Awards:

   • ECHA (Edusave Character Award): Recognizes students who consistently demonstrate good character and values, aligning with our GRC values.

   • EAGLES (Edusave Award for Achievement, Good Leadership, and Service): Awarded to students excelling in leadership, service, and non-academic activities.

   • LKY-ARE (Lee Kuan Yew Award for All-Round Excellence): A national-level award recognizing well-rounded students who excel in both academic and non-academic fields.

2. North West Outstanding All Rounder Student (OARS) Award: This award recognizes Secondary 4/5 students who have demonstrated community service, leadership, and academic excellence.

Through these recognition processes, Canberra Secondary School continues to nurture future-ready students who excel not only in academics but also in character. By acknowledging and celebrating our students' achievements across various domains, we reinforce our commitment to holistic education and inspire our students to embody our school values and vision.

Edusave Character Award (ECHA)

The Edusave Character Award (ECHA) was introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2012 to recognize students who exhibit exemplary character and outstanding personal qualities through their behavior and actions. This award is part of a broader initiative to foster an inclusive and stronger Singapore by celebrating and encouraging a wide range of positive qualities and achievements.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the ECHA, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Singapore Citizenship:
   The nominee must be a Singapore citizen.

2. Consistent Demonstration of Good Character:
   The nominee must consistently demonstrate good character and values, particularly the school values of Gratitude, Respect, and Compassion (GRC).

3. Exemplary Role Model:
   The nominee should possess qualities associated with outstanding character and be able to inspire others as a role model.

Nominations:
Nominations for ECHA are made by Class Character Coaches(CCCs), Year Heads (YHs), Subject Teachers (STs), or CCA Teachers. It is important to note that students cannot receive the ECHA in consecutive years.

Award:
A monetary award of $500 is given to the top 2% of students in the school.

Edusave Award for Achievement, Good Leadership, and Service (EAGLES)

The Edusave Award for Achievement, Good Leadership, and Service (EAGLES) honors students who have demonstrated leadership qualities, provided service to their community and school, excelled in non-academic activities, and maintained good conduct.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the EAGLES, students must meet specific selection criteria that reflect their school’s Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), Learning for Life Programme (LLP), and other non-academic school-based programs.

Nominations:
Nominations for EAGLES are made by Class Coordinators (CCs), Year Heads (YHs), Subject Teachers (STs), or CCA Teachers. Similar to ECHA, students are ineligible to receive the EAGLES in consecutive years.

Award:
A monetary award of $350 is presented to the top 10% of students in the school.

Lee Kuan Yew Award for All-Round Excellence (LKY-ARE)

The Lee Kuan Yew Award for All-Round Excellence (LKY-ARE) is a prestigious national-level award established in 2005 to recognize secondary school students who excel both academically and in non-academic areas. This award highlights students who exemplify the qualities articulated in Singapore’s desired outcomes of education.

Criteria for Nomination:

• Exemplary Character:
  Candidates must display exemplary conduct and serve as role models for their peers.

• Academic Excellence:
  Candidates should have strong academic performance, reflected in good results at National Examinations (O and N Levels).

• Non-Academic Excellence:
  Candidates must achieve an ‘Excellent’ grade for their CCA participation at the secondary level and demonstrate active involvement.

Nominations:
Schools can nominate up to one candidate from each course (Express, Normal [Academic], and Normal [Technical]) who are Singapore citizens and have completed Secondary 4 or its equivalent.

North West Outstanding All-Rounder Student (OARS) Award

The North West Outstanding All-Rounder Student (OARS) Award recognizes Sec 4/5 students who have demonstrated excellence in community service, leadership, and academic achievements. This award aims to inspire students to take ownership of their communities and unlock their potential as all-round achievers.

Objectives:

• Recognition:
  Recognize students who excel in community service, leadership, and academics.

• Inspiration:
  Encourage students to take up community ownership.

• Stimulation:
  Stimulate the potential of students toward all-rounder achievement.

Nominations:
Schools can nominate up to two students from the Sec 4/5 cohort.

Award:
Winners receive $300 in bookstore vouchers.

Information Required for Nomination:

• Community Service:
  Details of the student’s contributions to community service.

• Leadership Roles:
  Documentation of leadership roles in CCA, interest groups, or volunteering groups.

• Achievements in CCA:
  Records of achievements in CCA, interest groups, or volunteering groups.

• Academic Achievements:
  Academic records highlighting the student’s performance.

• Other Attributes:

  • Influence: Ability to positively influence peers through their actions.

  • Integrity: Upholds moral principles and standards, even in challenging situations.

  • Perseverance: Shows persistence and tenacity in achieving goals despite difficulties.

  • Responsibility: Commits to completing tasks and assumes ownership.

  • Initiative: Displays interest, enthusiasm, and the ability to take charge without being prompted.