The Role of Acknowledgement in Developing Resilient and Confident Students

Recognition can be a powerful motivator. Acknowledgement reinforces positive behaviour, celebrates hard work, and encourages pupils to persevere through challenges. Throughout my 19-year teaching career, I learned firsthand how effective recognition can be in developing resilient and confident students. After all, as humans we all wished to be seen.

How Acknowledgement Build Resilience:

• Acknowledging Effort: Acknowledging pupils for participation or improvement encourages pupils to keep trying, even if they don’t "win". This reinforces the importance of effort and growth over perfection. During my time as Head of Design & Technology, I introduced the "Pupil of the Term" awards in my department. These awards celebrated not only the outcomes of student projects but also the persistence and creativity they demonstrated in tackling challenges as well as rewarding a commitment to their studies. Similarly, as a rugby coach, I created "End of Year Rugby Awards," which highlighted not just athletic success but also teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Each player would receive a custom made keyring that had the season's details on the front and their own personal stats on the back as timeless memento of their season and achievements.

• Fostering Confidence: Public recognition builds self-esteem and motivates pupils to step outside their comfort zones and tackle new challenges. As a Housemaster, I saw how acknowledging a pupil’s contributions—whether in sports, academics, or house activities—helped them grow in confidence and pride. Recognising these efforts publicly, whether through assemblies or smaller ceremonies such as house meetings, provided students with a sense of accomplishment that stayed with them long after the applause faded.

• Reinforcing Values: Awards for acts of kindness, teamwork, or creativity celebrate behaviours that may align with your school’s values, inspiring others to follow suit. By taking the time to know my pupils as individuals, I was able to tailor recognition to their unique strengths. For example, I often acknowledged them for outstanding attitude or effort or for creative problem solving, all of which was relative to them and where they came from in these regards. These small actions helped cultivate positive relationships with my pupils, many of which continue to this day.

Why Awards Matter in Building Relationships

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with students. Taking the time to see them, acknowledge their efforts, and treat them with respect created an environment where they felt valued. As Assistant Headteacher, I worked to ensure that our school culture prioritised recognition, not just for major achievements but also for the quieter, consistent efforts that might otherwise go unnoticed. By celebrating these small but significant contributions, this reinforced a sense of belonging and purpose among pupils.

The Role of Sustainability in Awards

In addition to fostering resilience and confidence, acknowledgements and awards can also serve as a teaching tool for broader values like environmental responsibility. Throughout my career, I made sustainable awards for my pupils, using wood and man-made boards to create keepsakes that were both meaningful and eco-friendly. Incorporating sustainability into recognition programs sends a powerful message to students about the importance of protecting our planet.

Schools today have the opportunity to align their recognition practices with their values by choosing sustainable awards. These awards not only celebrate achievements but also serve as tangible reminders of a school’s commitment to kindness, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

A Lasting Legacy

Reflecting on my time in education, I’m reminded of the lasting impact that recognition can have on students. Awards are more than just tokens; they are symbols of effort, resilience, and the belief that every individual has something valuable to contribute. By investing time in knowing your pupils and celebrating their successes, you create a positive culture that inspires them to achieve their best. At the end of the day the best outcome for teachers is always the positive relationship, this is all that really matters!