Behaviour

The importance of good behaviour

At Connaught we believe that good behaviour is of the utmost importance.Good behaviour leads to academic and social success at school and prepares pupils for the demanding environment of higher education and work.We expect good behaviour from all students at all times. This is for the student's own benefit and to ensure that the education of other students is not disrupted.

At Connaught, sanctions are used when a student's behaviour goes against the ethos, aims and rules of the school.

• Behaviour Policy

A summary of good behaviour

We expect students to:

• Be attentive and sensible in the classroom, tutor room and assemblies
• Move around the school quietly, sensibly and safely
• Be respectful of school premises and property
• Be sensible in the playground
• Show respect for each other, teachers, support staff and visitors, at all times
• Complete homework to the best of their ability and meet deadlines as set
• See the teacher for help when necessary
• Attend school regularly and punctually
• Wear the correct school uniform and wear it correctly

The majority of students do meet our expectations. However, on occasion, some students need support and guidance to maintain good behaviour.We have a graduated system of sanctions aimed at helping studentsto get back on track.

Misbehaviour will be dealt with in the following ways:

• A message in the diary from the teacher for parents to sign.
• A student may be referred to the Head of Department who may contact parents.
• A student may be referred to her form tutor and then Head of Year who will often contact parents.
• A student may be referred to a Deputy Headteacher and parents will be informed

Detentions

• Detentions are one of the most widely used sanctions and a student may receive detentions from any member of staff, usually to be completed after school.
• Students may be kept behind after school for up to 15 minutes without prior notice.
• Detentions are noted in the diary giving 24 hours notice and are for a maximum of 30 minutes once the student has arrived in the detention room.
• Lateness detentions are given in the upper school without 24 hours notice, as they are given on the same evening as the lateness occurs. Parents are informed of this by letter when this scheme starts in the last half term of Year 9.

Serious incidents

If a teacher calls for the “on call” teacher, there has been a serious incident in the classroom which means that the lesson cannot continue until the student has been removed from the teaching group. The student who has disrupted the lesson may be excluded from lessons until the incident is resolved. In this case the “on call” teacher,who will be an Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or the Headteacher, will sign the diary so that parents are aware of the “on call” incident.

Exclusions

An exclusion from school is ur most severe sanction. The decision to exclude is taken by the Headteacher or, in her absence, a Deputy Headteacher.Such incidents include:

• fighting with another student
• possession of a weapon
• extreme rudeness or defiance to a member of staff
• theft of another student's property
• having illegal substances on school premises
• deliberately damaging school property

The length of exclusion is linked to the severity of the incident. Most exclusions are for one or two school days. However, if a student repeats an offence the exclusion may be longer.Parents are notified that a serious incident is being investigated and that it may lead to exclusion. After a full investigation has taken place, the parents are contacted again about the exclusion. School work should be completed during the exclusion period.An exclusion letter is given to the student to take home and a second copy is posted home. Parents have a right to appeal against exclusion if they feel there have been grounds for unfair treatment. Such appeal procedures are included in the letter. A return-to-school interview occurs at the end of the exclusion.