Chestnut Motto

Our motto is ‘Determination today leads to success tomorrow.’ This motto is the very building blocks on which we all start out. Determination to succeed in everything we put our minds to. Success is measured by determination, and sometimes, this means trying harder or trying again.  Remember that with determination, success will follow.

How success is measured in Chestnut House

Achievement points are awarded to all pupils who have shown they are hardworking, helpful and kind to others.  These fall under three categories: Resilience, Aspiration and Respect. Teachers and staff can issue these throughout the school day, either in lessons or outside of lessons during break and lunch. There are plenty of other ways to clock up the achievement points – taking part in the many after school clubs we have on offer, becoming a member of the House Voice, taking part in sports events…the possibilities are endless.

How do we celebrate the winners?

At the end of each big term (Christmas, Easter and Summer), awards are given to the students who have accrued enough points to gain either: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum awards. Alongside a certificate, Amazon vouchers are also awarded to students who have received the threshold amount of Achievement points. So it’s a win-win situation…the more achievement points, the more our house takes pole position and the more vouchers for you to spend! There is also a chance to be entered into a ‘Golden Ticket’ prize draw at the end of the year, which could mean you get an additional Amazon voucher. The award is decided by your class teacher and they have five of these to hand out. It could be you…!

House Voice

House Voice is your chance to work collectively as a team of students who want to make positive changes to the school. House Voice is run by students and is for students. Every second week, members from all the houses, meet to discuss the wants and needs of the students at TDS. Once a term, the House Voice meets with Mr Strickland to discuss anything that has arisen from these meetings. This is a fabulous opportunity to get your voice heard through this team…