Learning self-efficacy – with a color system

Responsibility instead of punishment

At the Kurpfalz boarding school, we shape school and boarding life as a living space. For successful coexistence, rules are necessary—but no punishments. Our aim is to provide students with guidance, make their development visible, and promote personal responsibility.

From this attitude, the color system was developed for the school year 2024/2025. It replaces traditional sanctions with a transparent point system. This makes individual behavior visible and shows how much structure, freedom, and support each student needs in daily life.

Every student starts off in the blue status. Through academic performance, social behavior, and personal commitment, students earn points that will determine their status in the next quarter. Points can be earned for good grades, participation in committees, taking on a position, or academic improvement compared to the last quarter. Points can be deducted for rule violations or lack of participation.

The respective color status is determined at the beginning of each new era and is applicable for one quarter. It is transparent for everyone and is based on clear, binding criteria.

What has changed

Since the introduction of the color system, everyday life in the boarding school has noticeably changed:

• The number of rule violations has decreased by more than 70 percent.
• More and more students are voluntarily taking on responsibility.
• The number of praise entries has tripled.
• Already 60 percent of all boarding school students are in the green status.

Particularly encouraging: Even adolescents with academic challenges regularly achieve the green status. This is because it’s not only about grades – but also attitude, effort, and development.