Behaviour and Attitudes

We believe as a college that good discipline and behaviour is self-motivated and will be encouraged by praise and a positive system of recognition, in addition to consequences for behaviour choices.

At the core of our policy is.’ Respect’ – for ourselves and for others within our community. Respect means tolerance and acceptance for all in the community regardless of race, religion, sexuality, gender or disability.

We want to promote a purposeful atmosphere throughout the College which is conducive to effective teaching and learning. We encourage everybody in the College to be calm, courteous, considerate and respect everybody in the College. We encourage all students to be aware of the differences between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. We expect students to take responsibility for their actions and in doing so, develop self-esteem and self-discipline.

Our fundamental belief is that most of our college community behave well with care, respectfulness and consideration. Good discipline is the responsibility of all who are involved in the college and praise, positive reinforcement and the raising of self-esteem will help our students develop self-discipline.

Incidents of inappropriate behaviour should be seen as a learning situation for the student(s) concerned and that it is the behaviour we disapprove of and not the student(s).

We pride ourselves in fostering positive relationships with the parents/carers of the children who come to out college. This is built on a strong catholic ethos, community and the mutual respect and trust we build with families.

We have strong lines of communication with parents/carers through our platform Arbor, texts/emails or phone calls. Our mission is ‘Only the best will do’ and that is paramount in the culture of behaviour we are promoting alongside our parents/carers.

The commonality we share is wanting what is best for the child and wanting all our students to have respect, make the right choices, display good behaviour – which will all serve to be successful attributes in supporting their academic aspirations.

We politely ask that all parent/carers make appointments to speak to staff through student services and be mindful that you will receive communications back, but to allow up to and no longer than 24 hours to respond.

Each of these stages/badges can be achieved by any student once the indicated threshold is met throughout the academic year and the positive point total remains above that threshold (so negative incidents will impact a student’s ability to achieve a badge.) Badges will be awarded in assembly at the end of each half-term.

Our mantra within the College, is ‘Action, Consequence and Resolution.’ If a student does exhibit unacceptable behaviour or makes the wrong behaviour choices, it has to be followed by a sanction by the teacher/department where the incident happened or the Progress Manger. Resolutions will then follow with all parties who were involved in the initial action, so the issues can be resolved and the behaviours can change.

These are our non-negotiables for staff and students:

1. ‘Great schools don’t leave behaviour to chance.’ Behaviours are explicitly taught through clearly communicated and reinforced social norms and routines.
2. A culture exists whereby all staff understand they have collective responsibility for maintaining standards of student behaviour.
3. There is a promotion of positive behavioural norms through an effective rewards culture, not simply the prohibition of unacceptable behaviour through sanctions.
4. A strong Catholic ethos in which all staff ensure the school is a safe, calm, orderly and supportive environment where all students want to be.
5. Ensuring strong relationships exist between staff and students, where both feel valued and respected.

Students are expected:

• Arrive for the College Day punctually and be in form tutor rooms by 8.30am.  Be in the right place at the right time through the day.
• Full school uniform to be worn at all times and all students should have an appropriately sized bag with them at all times, black shoes not trainers and girls should not be wearing make-up or jewellery.
• Mobile phones and digital devices should all be switched off and inside bags, as they enter through student services of a morning.
• Exhibit the core values underpinned within out curriculum: Respectful, Confident, Positive, always give your best, Resilient and Motivated.
• Support a prompt start to lessons, aiding the learning of themselves and others.
• Be role models to all members of the college community.
• Attend all lessons with the correct equipment: 2 pens, a pencil, a ruler and a scientific calculator.
• Have the correct subject specific equipment e.g. PE Kit or ingredients.
• Have the appropriate aptitude and attitude to learning.
• ‘Only the best will do’ and that they should always be trying their best.
• Work independently and show resilience when undertaking more challenging activities and tasks.
• Expect to make ‘mistakes’ as part of their learning.
• Complete all homework set and hand it in on time.
• Adhere to uniform regulations. High expectations in uniform leads to positive learning experiences.