An Education for Life

Caterham School seeks to be one of the country’s finest co-educational schools, providing an education for life in a caring environment based upon Christian values.

The School strives to develop the whole person by:

fostering an environment in which all pupils are happy, secure, confident and valued
stimulating all pupils to achieve their academic potential
encouraging the development in each pupil of spiritual and moral values, self-discipline, responsibility, and respect for others and the environment
offering a wide range of enriching co-curricular activities
promoting independent thinking and lifelong learning through innovative educational practice
nurturing a positive relationship with parents, Old Caterhamians, and the wider community
supporting and developing enthusiastic, dedicated staff who feel committed to the School

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.

At Caterham we try to ensure that our insistence on high standards is based on the following principles:

It is built on the foundation of mutual respect;
It focuses on commending good behaviour rather than merely drawing attention to the bad;
It is consistent and fair;
It affirms the pupils’ value whilst acknowledging inappropriate behaviour;
It builds rather than crushes;
It encourages individuality rather than dull conformity.

Such discipline is an essential ingredient of effective pastoral care.

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 (e.g. 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:

1) 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. Anyone who continues to bully will have their membership of the School community reviewed by the Headmaster.

2) 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.

Chewing Gum: chewing gum is not permitted in school. Pupils who do chew gum can expect to be placed in detention.
Theft: those pupils who steal 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.

3) Respect for Self

As a school we want all our pupils to have respect for themselves. In consequence we strongly disapprove of:

Smoking: sanctions for those who offend will, in the first instance, be of a deterrent nature 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 any pupil involved in illegal drugs when he/she is under the School’s authority can expect to be expelled from the School and the police will be informed.

All members of the school should be familiar with the School’s 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 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. 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 must be clearly marked with your name. You are responsible for securing your sports kit.
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 before 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 should be displayed at all times. Permission to drive a car to school may be granted to members of the Upper Sixth 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.

THE 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

The 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 (other than water) or chewing gum will be allowed in class.
arrive and leave the class dressed as per the school uniform code.