The role of the 'A2L' system in improving behaviour and attendance

To analyse the new behaviour and attendance rewards system, Attitudes 2 Learning (A2L), currently being developed in Aylesford Sports College, Kent, and to evaluate its effectiveness in improving behaviour and attendance.

School profile

• A specialist sports college situated in Aylesford, Kent
• Mixed high school (807 on roll in Key Stage 3/4) within an 11+ grammar school system
• Key Stage 2 SATs points score is 24 (ie. 5 points below national average)
• Key Stage 4 special educational needs (SEN) – 28.5%
• Key Stage 3 SEN – 32.7%
• Over 30% of students are SA or SA+ (NB only 3% of schools nationally are higher)
• Index of multiple deprivations indicates that there are two wards within the catchment area which are in the lowest 25% nationally
• Key Stage 3 free school meals (FSM) – 5.2%
• Key Stage 4 FSM – 3.9%
• Key Stage 4 English as an additional language (EAL) – 1.7%
• Key Stage 3 EAL – .7%
• Key Stage 4 attendance (2005–06) – 86.3%
• Key Stage 3 attendance (2005–06) – 89.2%
• 5A*–C 2005–06 (including English and maths) – 23%