1. Aberdeen Grammar School November 2017
Review of AGS Colours
Aberdeen Grammar School
November 2017

2. What is the current school colours system?
School colours can be awarded in the senior phase and is one of the ways AGS recognises achievement in school activities.
There are 3 levels of colours; junior, half and full colours
Colours are displayed as part of our school uniforms
Junior Colours
Half Colours
Full Colours
S4 only
S5 or S6
S6 only

3. Why have we reviewed the current system?
The system has been in place for the last 2 years
We have received feedback from groups of pupils who have gone through the current system
Feedback told us the system could be improved
We want to best possible Colours system to recognise the achievements of our pupils in school based activities

4. What negatives have pupils told us about the current system?
Pupils are unsure which round to self nominate themselves, resulting in a lot of pupils being deferred and left disappointed after applying in round 1
Unless you are performing at a high level, you are not awarded colours. Lots of extremely committed pupils are missing out
Only competitive activities or activities where there is a performance element are eligible to receive colours
Pupils who join an activity late, or start school late can never progress through the colours awards
‘Junior’ Colours is awarded in the senior phase
Junior pupils do not get recognised by Colours

5. Changes to the Colours System (from December 2017)
The colours committee have responded to the feedback and consulted with pupils on the following changes, which we feel improve the current system.
Colours remains a means of celebrating achievements in activities where pupils are representing Aberdeen Grammar School. For Junior, Half and Full colours this will require a competitive element (i.e competing against other schools in sport) or a performance element (i.e member of the school choir regularly performing at school events.
Overview of the new model
Junior/Senior Phase
Year
Arts and Culture, and Sport Colours
Citizenship Colours
Junior Phase Colours S3
Junior Colours
N/A
Senior Phase Colours S4 S5
Half Colours S6
Full Colours

6. Changes to the Colours System (from December 2017) continued
The main changes being implemented are -
Junior Colours will be issued at the end of S3 (end of the junior phase)
Junior Colours will require a minimum of 2 years participation and a high level of performance
Half and Full Colours will be judged by your participation during the senior phase only, meaning pupils new to an activity in S4 will be considered
Half Colours will be awarded predominantly to recognise excellent commitment and dedication for at least 2 years in the senior phase, with less emphasis on high level performance
Full Colours will continue to require pupils to display a very high level of performance and commitment from S4 to S6
Each year group will now be allocated a round to self-nominate

7. Citizenship Colours (NEW!)
Citizenship colours have been created to recognise the pupils in our school who, through a school based activity are having a significant positive impact on others
Teachers or activity leaders will nominate pupils for this award from S4-S6, during any colours round (from Round 2 - March 2018 onwards)
In order to receive this award, pupils must meet the following criteria:
Outstanding contribution to a group within our school community
Instrumental in efforts which have had a significantly positive impact on members of our school and/or community
Excellent commitment shown to group or activity

8. Colours Self-Nomination Timeline
Round 1 – December
Round 2 – March
Round 3 - June
S6 Full and Half Colours only
S5 Half Colours only
S3 Junior Colours only
Notes
Self nominations will not be considered outwith these periods unless the colours committee feel there is a valid reason
Any pupil deferred due to not meeting the general criteria will be given the opportunity to address this and automatically considered in the next round.

9. Further information
S4 Pupils will be eligible for Junior colours this year to ensure they don’t miss out. A notice will be put to S4s advising you when to apply.
A more detailed Colours Criteria will be issued and will be going on the school website
Junior, Half and Full Colours still require the self-nomination form on the school website to be completed
Self Nominations from S6 Pupils for Full or Half Colours are now being accepted (December 2017)