Living Our Values: Fostering a Culture Where Learning Thrives

At Dixie, we believe that learning should be enjoyed, not endured.

Our commitment to fostering a positive environment and a values-based culture ensures that every pupil thrives, develops a love of learning, and reaches their full potential.

Through collaboration, inclusive research, and listening to our whole school community, we have defined the core values that make Dixie unique: Respect, Resilience, Courage, Commitment, and Care. These values are not just words on banners; they shape our reward system, guide our interactions, and drive academic, personal, and community excellence.

Transforming Our Approach to Rewards:

We have reimagined our rewards system to celebrate values-driven behaviour, replacing the traditional approach with one that inspires and reinforces positive actions more effectively:

  • House Points now recognise and reward positive behaviour, moving away from the old system of credits and misdemeanours (often misheard by younger pupils as *”Mr Meaners”!”).
  • A dynamic rewards shop for senior pupils offers exciting incentives—from fun stationery, yoyos, and Snow Leopard hot water bottles to speedy lunch passes and even breakfast with the Headmaster.
  • Real-time feedback via the Epraise app enables pupils and parents to track progress and celebrate achievements, fostering engagement and motivation.

This reimagined approach ensures that positive contributions are consistently acknowledged, empowering pupils to embrace our core values in all aspects of school life.

The Results Speak for Themselves:

  • 113,000 House Points awarded in the Senior School, with just 1,100 demerits—demonstrating a 100:1 ratio of positive reinforcement to negative.
  • A 49% reduction in pastoral incidents across the entire school, fostering a more supportive and respectful environment.
  • Pupils actively embracing the language of our values—from “caring hands” in the Junior School to Sixth Formers demonstrating resilience and courage.
  • Record levels of pupil-led charity work, strengthening our commitment to the wider community and reinforcing respect and care for others.
  • Real-time feedback available through the Epraise app for Senior School students, allowing parents and pupils to track rewards and celebrate achievements.

The impact is undeniable—our culture has evolved into one where positivity thrives, values are lived, and learning is truly valued.

By defining and strengthening our culture, we have not redefined Dixie—we have elevated what makes it special. Through this approach, we instill in our pupils the attributes they need to develop a lifelong love of learning, achieve their full potential, and become successful, well-rounded individuals.

At Dixie, we love learning for life—because learning should be enjoyed, not endured!