Behaviour Policy
The maintenance of good discipline is of paramount importance for the growth, welfare and development of pupils. Pupils should be given clear expectations, effective pastoral support and opportunities to build good social relationships. These aims are backed up by a system of rewards and where necessary appropriate sanctions.
School Policies and Standards
The school exists for the benefit of its pupils. All pupils, staff, parents and others associated with the school are required to work together in a spirit of co-operation and understanding. Pupils are actively encouraged to fulfil their potential academically, in sport, music or drama or any of the other school activities. Pupils are expected to relate well and to behave considerately towards others. We live in a society where social skills are vital to our well being, and learning to interact with others is therefore a critical part of education. Pupils are reminded of the importance of respecting others, whether inside or outside school. Selfish actions are therefore to be discouraged, whether these actions are of a minor nature (e.g. dropping litter or pushing in the lunch queue) or of a major nature (eg fighting, bullying, vandalism or theft).
It is the duty of all associated with the school to have high expectations and to strive to uphold our reputation.
The specific rules of the school are dictated by common sense and are published in the School Code. In addition we have well-defined policies towards particular areas of behaviour. The following guidelines are not exhaustive. Sanctions will be at a level that reflects the severity of the offence, the possible influence on others and the maturity of the pupil.
The school places the highest possible premium on three broad values:
Respect for Others
This is fundamental to all that goes on at Caterham. Any actions, words or attitudes which show a lack of respect for others will be taken very seriously. In particular:
- Disruption: which shows a lack of respect for both the teacher and other pupils will be dealt with firmly.
- Relationships: Public displays of intimacy are not acceptable within the school as they can be embarrassing and draw unnecessary attention to those involved. Pupils engaging in sexual activity on school premises can expect to be expelled.
- Bullying: We seek to nurture a culture in which all pupils are valued as people. Any instances of bullying will be dealt with firmly and sensitively. We have an agreed anti-bullying policy. Our aim is to prevent bullying in any form. This requires pupils to avoid any deliberate unkindness to another member of the community. It also requires anyone made aware of any such behaviour to report it. The School is prepared to offer help and support to any pupil but bullying will not be tolerated. Anyone who continues to bully will have their membership of the school community reviewed by the Headmaster.
Respect for Property
We are concerned to engender a culture in which the property of others is respected by all. Pupils should do all they can to minimise the possibility of theft and vandalism by not bringing valuables or significant amounts of money to school. If it is ever necessary to do so, they should be handed into the Tutor for safe-keeping. All clothing and equipment should be clearly marked and care should be taken to lock away valuable equipment.
- Theft: If theft is detected pupils must expect to be either suspended or expelled.
- Vandalism: Any damage (which includes graffiti) to someone else's property be it a fellow pupil's, a teacher's or the school's property will be taken very seriously. Not only will the damage have to be paid for, but a vandal must expect to be suspended or expelled.
Respect for Self
As a school we want all our pupils to have respect for themselves. In consequence we strongly disapprove of:
- Smoking: In accordance with legislation, Caterham School is a no smoking environment. Sanctions for those who offend will, in the first instance, be a fine and a Saturday Detention and for repeated offences the School reserves the right to suspend pupils concerned.
- Alcohol: In inexperienced hands alcohol is far more immediately dangerous than tobacco. Sanctions against those who have possession of or who use alcohol in school would include suspension.
- Drugs: Drug or solvent abuse (including the possession of illegal drugs) will be regarded very seriously. The severity of the offence is of paramount importance, particularly in regard to its possible influence on others. We will act strongly and expulsion will be likely for actions involving the school.
THE SCHOOL
Caterham is your School; respect it and be proud of it. Do all you can to make the School one in which all are treated courteously and are happy; where hard work is honoured, fair play in sport is valued and artistic endeavour promoted. Remember that if you act in ways which harm the reputation of Caterham School, you harm yourself, your friends and all members of the School community.
All members of the School should be familiar with the School Policies and Standards in which guidelines on Disruption, Relationships, Bullying, Theft, Vandalism, Smoking, Drinking and Drug Abuse are outlined. In addition the following are specified as a practical expression for others, and are intended to make life easier for everyone.
- Be polite and show respect to all members of the School community and to visitors to the School.
- Move about the school in a quiet and orderly manner and walk, not run, in corridors and on staircases, and keep to the left.
- Make every effort to keep the premises and locality tidy. Litter must not be dropped in the grounds, buildings or on the way to and from school.
- Make yourself aware of the bounds of the school as specified on the map of the school posted on noticeboards. No pupil may go outside the boundary of the school, during the school day, without the permission of their Year Head or Head of Lower School for members of First and Second Years. They must sign out in the School Office, and sign in again when they return to the School.
- School prefects are permitted to leave the School premises without permission but must sign in and out in the usual way.
- Ensure that all clothing, sports kit and personal possessions are clearly marked with your name.
- Use only your allocated locker and be responsible for making it secure. Under no circumstances are you to use or tamper with anyone else's locker.
- Wear your School uniform (as specified in the uniform regulations) smartly each day, including on the journey to and from school. You may not go home in your sports kit until after 5:30pm.
- Remember that food provided in the Refectory should be eaten there and not removed elsewhere. Food and drink should be consumed only in the Year Areas or designated play areas. Food and drink should not be carried around the corridors and through-routes of the school and should not be consumed outside the front of the school. The chewing of gum is not permitted.
- Pupils in First – Fifth Years must not bring personal music players to School and must keep mobile phones in lockers from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Pupils in the Sixth Form may bring these items to School but may only use them in the Sixth Form Centre.
- Arrive promptly in School for the formal start of the day at 8.30am.
- If you have permission to drive a car to school a permit specifying the names of the driver and permitted passengers should be displayed at all times. Permission to drive a car to school may be granted to members of the Upper Sixth form by the Deputy Head upon written request from the parents. You may not be driven by another pupil without the written consent of parents of both parties.
- Use the front door only if you are a school prefect or are accompanied by staff or a parent. At the end of the school day you must be collected from the driveway at the front of school. You must not wait in Harestone Valley Road to be collected nor on the pavement immediately in front of the main door.
Please remember that your behaviour out of school reflects on us all. Show courtesy to others, for instance by making way on the pavement. Avoid eating, drinking, noisiness or thoughtless behaviour in public. Wear your uniform properly, and with pride.
CLASSROOM CODE OF CONDUCT
We have the right to learn
This means that everybody should:
- arrive on time
- listen to instructions
- bring the proper equipment
- not disrupt lessons
- not interfere with the work of others
- not interrupt when others are speaking
- work quietly
- do his or her homework
We all have the right to be treated fairly
This means that everybody should:
- be considerate
- not make racist or sexist comments
- not swear or name call
- respect each others belongings
- not fight or bully
We all have the right to work in a clean and attractive environment
This means that everybody should:
- not drop litter
- not chew in the classroom
- not vandalise
- wear the correct uniform
We all have the right to be safe.
This means that everybody should:
- use equipment properly
- not run or push
- not act dangerously
CLASSROOM CODE
ALL STUDENTS MUST/WILL:
- arrive on time and organise yourselves in the classroom in an appropriate manner (i.e. no running or rushing for particular desks/seats.
- arrive with all textbooks, exercise books and other equipment that is relevant and expected.
- listen carefully to instructions.
- complete all tasks that the teacher has set in an orderly and appropriate way. The instructions for the activity must always be followed carefully.
- listen in silence and be attentive whenever the teacher is instructing/explaining/talking. The School will not tolerate any interruption of the teacher.
- listen in silence and be attentive whenever a fellow pupil has been asked to contribute/make an observation/explain something. We will all follow common courtesy and listen to each other.
- seek the teacher's permission to contribute to class discussion by raising his/her hand.
- complete all homework by the given date. No late work will be accepted unless an acceptable explanation has been given to the teacher or where previous arrangements have been made.
- note that swearing will not be tolerated.
- ensure that all classrooms must be left neat and tidy at the end of every lesson. All classes will need to check the state of the room at the end of each lesson.
- note that no eating, drinking or chewing gum will be allowed in class.
- arrive and leave the class dressed as per the school uniform code.
CYCLING TO, FROM AND AROUND SCHOOL
In the interests of safety the following shall apply :
1) All students cycling to, from or around the school must wear a protective helmet.
2) In conditions of poor visibility and always after dark suitable lighting must be displayed. The school strongly recommends that a reflector strip is worn.
3) Any bicycles brought to school should be left securely locked in the bicycle rack opposite the Davey Building. The school cannot accept any responsibility for damage or theft.
4) Cyclists crossing the Harestone Valley Road should dismount and walk across.
5) During the times 8:15am to 4:15pm there should be no cycling anywhere within the school grounds. All cyclists should dismount and walk their bikes to the appropriate place.
REWARDS AND SANCTIONS
It is the responsibility of all teaching staff to ensure that the school's policies and code of conduct are applied fairly and consistently, without regard to race, gender or seniority and should be consistent from person to person and from occasion to occasion as far as is possible given that each case is reviewed on its merits.
It cannot be over-stressed that the best way to ensure the highest standards in both behaviour and work is to create a positive ethos where the self-confidence and self-esteem of pupils is promoted by regular praise, congratulation and affirmation. A school culture which is dominated by a mutual respect between pupils and between staff and pupils will lead not only to harmonious relationships but also to the fulfilment of the pupils potential both academically and socially.
REWARDS SHOULD OUTNUMBER SANCTIONS
Rewards
Verbal and Written Praise Merits (Lower School)
Commendations (Third Year) High Grades on Geists and Reports
House Colours (Junior and Senior) School Colours
Challenge Certificates Speech Day Prizes
THE MERIT SYSTEM (LOWER SCHOOL)
Aims:
- to encourage every pupil to work to his/her best ability across the curriculum
- to reward a consistently good effort or outstanding piece of work
- to raise academic standards in the school by conspicuously valuing outstanding effort and achievement
IMPLEMENTATION IN THE LOWER SCHOOL
- For each year group, each subject discipline will be able to award Subject Merits, via staff teaching in the department.
- A Subject Merit would be awarded for
- an outstanding major piece of work
- a consistently good achievement over a number of pieces of work
- significant progress made over a period of time
- a consistently good effort over a period of time
- These latter two categories are envisaged specifically to reward the pupil who would not normally be seen as academically strong.
- On awarding a Subject Merit, the teacher writes in the prep diary the subject and a brief commendation, then signs it. The pupil should also inform the Tutor, who will enter it on to their record of achievement.
- Tutors should monitor the award of subject merits and endeavour to encourage pupils who seem not to be gaining recognition. In the event of notable omissions in the award of certain subject merits, the Tutor should notify the Head of Year.
- On the completion of any four of the six Subject Merit categories on the card, the pupil gains a House Merit. The prep diary should be taken to the Head of House for commendation. The Head of House signs and dates it. The Tutor should also be informed by the pupil.
- On gaining three House Merits, a School Merit is achieved. The prep diary should be taken to the Head of Year for Commendation. The Tutor is responsible for keeping a record of all merits received.
Third and Fourth Year Commendations
Commendations should be awarded to Third Years for work or behaviour which is very good for that particular pupil.
The subject teacher should write on the pupil's book or file paper that a commendation has been awarded and initial it. The Tutor should record all commendations.
There will be a commendation competition in the Third Year. The pupils that gain the highest number of commendations will be rewarded.
SANCTIONS
Whilst promotion of good behaviour is our goal it will be sometimes be necessary to employ sanctions in order to enforce school rules, to reflect the seriousness of a misdemeanour, to deter individuals from repeating the behaviour and to deter others from committing the same offence. In cases of bullying or other types of unkind or thoughtless behaviour sanctions are necessary to allow victims and those who speak up to see that they have been listened to and valued.
All Staff are encouraged to use the following informal sanctions, before applying one of the official school sanctions :
- Verbal Reprimand
- Repeat Inadequate work
- Report back for work at break or lunch-time
- A phone call home to parents
Official Sanctions (All of which must be recorded on 'Caged' the computerized detention system.)
Gating: For minor behavioural offences which can be given by all staff and prefects.
It takes place on a Wednesday (1:15pm to 1:45pm) and a Friday lunchtime (1:00 - 1:30pm) supervised by Prefects and will normally involve a litter pick or some other practical chore.
Pupils may postpone until the next Gating due to House/School commitments only with the agreement of the Deputy Head. Non-attenders will be given a detention by the Deputy Head.
Detention: For more serious academic or behavioural offences which can be given by all staff. However for misbehaviour in class or failure to produce work in class a member of staff may not put more than three pupils in at a time without consulting with his/her Head of Department first.
To take place on a Wednesday and Friday after school (4:15 - 5:30pm) supervised by the Teacher on Duty.
The teacher who gives the detention is responsible for ensuring that the pupil and the parents are informed at least 24 hours in advance by means of a standard letter which should be handed to the Receptionist for posting. If the pupil fails to return the signed detention slip to the Tutor on the morning of their detention, another detention will be given by the Tutor.
The teacher giving the detention should set their own work.
Pupils may not change the time once entered in the detention file.
Non-attenders will be chased up by the Deputy Head via Tutors and will serve an additional detention.
Tutors should keep a record of all detentions given these will always be published by the Deputy Head and circulated to Tutors.
Saturday Detention: For very serious academic or behavioural offences or a series of normal detentions (three in a half-term). These can only be given by Heads of Year, Heads of Department or Heads of House.
The Tutor is responsible for informing the Head of Year if three detentions are received.
They take place on a Saturday morning from 10:30am - 12:00pm and will be supervised by the teacher on duty. They take priority over any other event.
A standard letter home should be sent by the Head of Year, Head of Department or Head of House. Suitable work (of either an academic or practical nature) should be set by the Head of Year, Head of Department or Head of House.
Daily Report
These should not necessarily be seen as sanctions, but rather as a way of providing more constant monitoring of a pupil who is not performing at their best academically. They are issued by Tutors or Heads of Year and signed each period by the member of staff teaching the lesson. They should also be signed each night by parents or the Head of the Boarding House. They must be checked daily by Tutors. The length of time any pupil is on report is determined by his/her progress and motivation.
Exclusion from Class
It is only ever appropriate to exclude a pupil from your class if their behaviour is seriously damaging the discipline of the classroom. On these occasions the pupil concerned should be sent immediately to either the Head of Department or the Deputy Head. They should have their work with them. Pupils should never be left simply standing outside a room.
Lines
The use of repetitive or mindless punishments such as writing out lines is not permitted.
Formal Warnings
The Deputy Head, The Head of Boarding or The Headmaster may occasionally want to formalise the telling off that a pupil has received. The pupil will be warned that unless they show a specific improvement in attitude and behaviour they will be likely to receive more serious punishment in the future. Parents will be made aware of the warning by letter. In the case of involvement in behaviour that constitutes bullying this will usually happen.