Introducing... Gertie the Slushie Machine!

A wave of excitement swept through MEA this term thanks to our newest (and already beloved) arrival: Gertie, the slushie machine. Gertie is the star of our refreshed attendance drive, serving up delicious rewards to the forms who show the strongest commitment to turning up, joining in, and building brilliant habits every day.

The machine, which offers four flavours—strawberry, raspberry, tropical, and lemon & lime—has already become a talking point among students. As part of the attendance drive, the top‑attending form in each year group will earn a round of slushies every week. The idea is simple: recognise the forms who consistently show up, work hard, and set the tone for excellent attendance across the school.

To add an extra layer of excitement, staff have also introduced daily “9am spot prizes.” Each morning, the form with the highest attendance at the start of the day will receive a surprise reward, keeping everyone on their toes and encouraging punctual starts. Early signs suggest the strategy is working, with students eagerly checking their form’s attendance figures and cheering one another on.

Teachers have noted a surge in friendly competition, with students rallying their classmates to be in school and on time. Many say the slushie flavours have become a source of lively debate—tropical currently has a strong fan base, though strawberry remains a classic favourite.

We aim to make attendance something students feel proud of, and the buzz around the slushie machine shows just how powerful a reward can be in building positive routines. As one student put it, “It’s fun, it’s tasty, and it makes everyone want to try their best.”