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Drug Policy

Introduction:

Caterham School is situated in a wooded valley at the southern edge of Caterham, and at the foot of the North Downs. Its semi-rural setting cannot mask the fact that it is within easy reach of London and is very close to Croydon. Caterham and its environs can be understood to be an extension of the South London suburbs. It would be surprising, given its geographical location, if Caterham was immune from the trade in illegal drugs which is so much a feature of certain sections of London youth sub-culture. It would be irresponsible of Caterham School not to be aware of the threats and dangers posed by the all too easy availability in Caterham, Croydon and London. Of equal concern is the impact and effect of socially acceptable drugs such as tobacco and alcohol on its pupils. With this in mind, the School Drugs Policy has been formulated.

Drugs:

Under the Misuses of Drugs Act 1971, it is generally illegal to possess or supply a drug covered by the Act, unless authorised (e.g. possessing drugs prescribed for personal medical use). Solvents are dangerous substances as well. Under the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1965, it is illegal for anyone to supply or offer to supply a substance if they know or believe that the substance being supplied will be inhaled by a person under 18 for the purpose of intoxication. Paradoxically it is not actually an offence to inhale solvents for the purpose of intoxication. However, the police are normally able to deal with such persons under public order provisions.

Aims:

  • to ensure that Caterham School is free from illegal drugs (and solvents)
  • to educate pupils on the effects of drugs (and solvents) on the mind and body
  • to provide opportunities for pupils to practice the personal and social skills and the strategies needed to deal with situations involving drugs
  • to promote the individual's self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth
  • to explain the legal situation with regard to the use and misuse of drugs
  • to enable young people to identify sources of appropriate personal support
  • to enable parents to acquire knowledge and support

Any pupil involved in illegal drugs when he/she is under the School's authority can expect to be expelled from school and the police will be informed. Being under the School's authority means:

  • throughout the School day, whether on or off the premises
  • whenever he/she is involved in any activity organised by the School
  • whenever he/she is identifiable as a member of the School
  • for a boarder, whenever he/she is under the direct responsibility of his/her Head of House

In addition, where it has been brought to the attention of the Headmaster that a pupil has been formally cautioned by the police for the possession of an illegal drug the school reserves the right to exclude him/her.

Tobacco:

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death and ill-health in our society. The school policy on smoking aims to give pupils the message that the habit creates health problems for smokers and non-smokers alike, that non-smoking represents the norm in society and that it receives support from the School and staff. Recent legislation has made it an offence for children under 18 years to be sold tobacco products.

Aims:

  • to ensure that cigarette smoking is not tolerated at the school
  • to educate pupils as to the immediate dangers of smoking
  • to encourage those pupils who do smoke to break free from the habit

Smoking, or being in possession of cigarettes or tobacco, is prohibited when a pupil is under the School's authority. The School's policy on drugs defines when a pupil is under the School's authority.

Pupils found smoking or in possession of cigarettes or tobacco can expect their parents to be informed and an appropriate punishment administered. Subsequent offences may result in suspension. For a persistent offender the Headmaster reserves the right to review the pupil's membership of the School community.

Alcohol:

Alcohol is a depressant drug, particularly when taken in large quantities. Even at low levels, the potential for serious accidents arises. The Licensing Act of 1964 makes it generally illegal for alcohol to be sold to anyone under the age of 18, or for a person under 18 to buy alcohol.

Aims:

  • to develop knowledge and understanding about alcohol as a drug and its effects on the body
  • to encourage sensible, appropriate and safe drinking behaviour
  • to practice personal and social skills and the strategies needed to deal with situations where alcohol is present
  • to educate the pupils as to the place of alcohol in the political, social and economic environment in which it exists.

Drinking, or being in possession of alcohol is prohibited:

  • in school buildings or grounds (exception formal occasions sanctioned by the Headmaster)
  • when under the authority of the school, in public houses and other licenced premises and whenever prohibited by law
  • whilst on school outings and trips (exception formal occasions sanctioned by the Headmaster)

Members of the boarding community in their Upper Sixth year may visit public houses with the express permission of their Head of House but may only consume alcohol if they have reached the legal age (18 years).

Pupils found in possession of alcohol or using it, whilst under the authority of the School (as outlined in the policy on drugs) can expect to be suspended.

Support for parents:

From time to time the school will arrange sessions in which information about illegal drugs and their use will be presented, as well as on tobacco and alcohol.

Educational programme:

The School has a pro-active policy concerning the use of illegal drugs and substances, alcohol and tobacco. This is expressed in assemblies, Tutor periods, science lessons and Religious, Personal and Social Education lessons.

In science lessons the School follows the National Curriculum Science Order concerning Drug Education. This is as follows:

Key Stage 3

  • How smoking affects lung structure and gas exchange
  • How abuse of alcohol, solvents and other drugs affect health

Key Stage 4

  • The effects of solvents, alcohol and tobacco on the body and functions

In RPSE through Tutor groups and assemblies, the following issues are addressed:

Key Stage 3

  • Recognising personal responsibility for decisions about substance use
  • Knowledge about the basic facts concerning substances including their effects and relevant legislation
  • Awareness of myths, misconceptions and stereotypes linked with substance abuse
  • The development of appropriate techniques for coping with situations in which substance abuse occurs

Key Stage 4

  • Understanding that Britain is a drug-using society and recognising different patterns of use and their effect
  • Recognising the impact of peer-group pressure on drug habits
  • Individuals are responsible for the choices they make about drug use
  • Being able to analyse safe levels of intake; e.g. tobacco is never safe, limited use of alcohol may be safe
  • Discussing the role of the media in influencing attitudes towards drugs, particularly smoking and alcohol

Possession of an illegal drug:

If any pupil is found in possession of a suspicious substance, it will be taken from him/her. The substance will then be taken immediately to the Deputy Head. The Headmaster will be informed straightaway. The pupil will then be interviewed by the Deputy Head. The police will be consulted concerning the nature of the substance. If it is an illegal drug, the pupil will be isolated immediately and his/her parents called to the school. The Headmaster will speak with them and the pupil can expect to be expelled. The illegal drug will be handed over to the police who may prosecute the pupil.

Drug Testing

Where there is concern about a pupil regarding the misuse of drugs, it is possible, with the consent of the relevant pupil and parents, for drug testing to take place.