REGULATIONS AND DISCIPLINE POLICY

Any school is a complex organisation and it is important to have an orderly community in which effective learning can take place, in which there is mutual respect between all members, and where there is proper concern for the environment.  A major objective of the pastoral system in school is the acquisition by pupils of a high level of self discipline and an acceptance of responsibility for their own actions.

Such objectives are best achieved in the framework of a pleasant atmosphere, in which pupils are able to give oftheir best.  This demands a positive policy of encouraging good attitudes and a system of rewards and praise where possible.

 The responsibility for a reasonable standard of behaviour at school, and on the journey to and from school, lies with the parent(s) or guardian(s).  The fact that a parent or guardian applies for and accepts a placement in Dunluce School is taken to show that the rules and regulations of the school and the discipline policy of theschool are acceptable and will be supported. However, parents seeking clarification of any aspect of the regulations should contact the Headmaster.  The school expects high standards in all aspects of its organisation, an attitude which is supported by Governors and parents. The school Code of Conduct is issued to each pupil and parents each year together with the Annual Reports in June.

The following arrangements are intended to clarify how pupils are expected to behave and the discipline measures which will be enforced.

1.      Coming to and going home from School

1.1    The same standard of behaviour is expected of pupils on the way to school or going home from school as is the case during their time on the school premises.  The school will discipline pupils who misbehave when travelling to or from school.  Sanctions may include suspension from the bus, for a period of time determined by the Headmaster.  In certain circumstances pupils may have their bus pass withdrawn permanently.

1.2    Pupils coming to school on buses must only alight from the bus and go directly into school.  In the afternoon pupils can only board the bus at the school gates.  Pupils must remain on the school premises unless permission is given by a senior member o fstaff. Pupils normally coming to and going home by bus may only accept a lift in a private car with the written permission of the parent or guardian.

1.3    Pupils are expected to arrive in school before 9.10am.  Anyone with a pattern of lateness will be placed on lunch or after school detention for one hour.  Any pupil arriving after 9.10am must sign the late book at the office and indicate the reason for lateness.

          Pupils will be supervised by Senior Teachers from 8.50am to 9.00am and by a Duty Team of teachers from 9.00am until 9.10am.

2.      Absence or leaving school premises

2.1    Absence should be kept to a minimum and parents are asked not to arrange holidays during term time.  If a pupil is absent for 1 day or more a written excuse from the parent or guardian must be brought to the Form Teacher on the first day back after the absence. It is not acceptable to wait until an absence note is requested.  Where absence will extend more than one or two days parents should contact the school to provide information about the possible length of absence and to arrange for work to be sent home.

2.2     Any pupil who wishes to leave the school premises during the school day must bring a note from the parent or guardian requesting permission to leave.  This should be given to the Vice-Principal, Mr Loughrey, one day in advance.  Parents are expected to make routine appointments with the dentist or doctor for their children after school.  Pupils leaving the school for any period of time must sign out at the office and sign in on their return.  This does not apply to a group of pupils leaving the premises on organised outings with a teacher.

2.3    Pupils may only leave the school premises at lunch time to return home for lunch.  A note requesting permission to do so must be given to the Vice-Principal.  Pupils who leave the school without permission may be suspended.

2.4    Once pupils leave the premises, whether with the parents’ permission or without anyone’s permission, they become the responsibility of the parent and the school cannot be responsible for their safety or behaviour.

2.5    Truancy will be regarded as a serious breach of school rules and will be dealt with in accordance with school procedures.  The telephone truancy call system will be operated in school. If a pupil is absent from school the automated telephone system will inform the parents immediately.

3.      General Behaviour

          Pupils are encouraged to work in aco-operative way with their teachers, prefects and other adults so that good order, safety and enjoyable learning can be the norm.  Teachers and other adults must be treated with respect.  Threatening behaviour orthe use of foul or abusive language will be dealt with in a severe manner.  Pupils who verbally abuse or threaten teachers will be suspended.

3.1    All reasonable instructions given by teachers, prefects, supervisory assistants or other adult members of staff mustbe carried out without delay.  Any pupil who feels that he or she has been unfairly treated should arrange to discuss the matter with their Form Teacher or Year Teacher.  If unhappy with the outcome a pupil should then talk to the appropriate Year Teacher or Vice-Principal.

3.2    Pupils are expected to treat each other with respect and consideration so that life in school can be pleasant.  Bullying, intimidation of any sort, or verbal abuse, is not allowed and will not be tolerated.  Fighting is strictly forbidden and any pupil involved will be treated severely.

3.3    If a pupil engages in an act of violence against the person or property of a member of the school staff, or to an immediate member of the member of staff’s family, at any time whether inside or outside school, disciplinary action will be taken against the pupil which will include consideration of the option to expel. Similar disciplinary action will be taken against pupils who wilfully damage school property inside or outside school hours.

3.4    While some noise is inevitable in school corridors, shouting or loud whistling is anti-social and will not be tolerated.

3.5    Running in school corridors or stairs is dangerous to pupils and others and is not permitted.  Pupils must walk, where possible on the LEFT hand side of corridors and stairs.

3.6    Pupils are not allowed to bring onto the school premises or possess cigarettes, alcohol, drugs or any items detrimental to health or well-being, or to consume these in school or on the way to and from school.  Offences of this nature will not be tolerated.  Any such item swill be confiscated and the police may be informed.

3.7    Items of a dangerous or offensive nature must not be brought to school and the school will confiscate them.  Should a pupil bring such items into schoo lthey will be punished and items confiscated. These may only be retrieved from the school office by parents.

3.8    Pupils should not bring personal stereos,cassette recorders, Ipods, MP3 players or computer games to school. 

3.9    The use of mobile phones is strictly not permitted in school.  Pupils who break this rule will have their phone confiscated and be placed on after school detention.  The school accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage to mobile phones brought to school.

3.10  Chewing gum in school is strictly forbidden.  Pupils who break this rule will be placed on detention.

4.      The School Premises

          The school prides itself on the condition of the school buildings and grounds and the way in which pupils care for their school.

4.1    All pupils should keep the interior of the school free from litter by placing all unwanted materials in the litter bins provided around the school.  A School Environment Team will assist teachers in ensuring this rule is adhered to at both break and lunch time.

4.2    Notice Boards form an attractive andinformative method of providing information. Walls, notice boards, notices, display etc. must not be defaced ordamaged in any way.  Anyone doing so willbe charged damage costs.

4.3    Accidental damage to the school premises,equipment or property must be reported to a teacher immediately.  Pupils or their parents will not be expected to pay for repairs when the damage is accidental but will be expected to make a contribution when the damage is caused through neglect, foolish ness or caused wilfully.  Damage caused through boisterous or silly behaviour will not be viewed as accidental.

4.4    In order to preserve the appearance of grass areas and protect their clothes, pupils should stay off grass areas following periods of wet weather.

4.5    Whether inside or outside the schoo lbuildings, pupils must stay in those areas which can be closely supervised by adults or prefects who are on supervision duty. The in-bound areas of the school buildings before school, at break,lunch time and after school are on the ground floor and defined by yellow lines on the floors.

          Outside, the in-bound areas vary according to the time of year and state of the grass areas.  Instruction will be given from time to time in assembly.

4.6    Pupils playing with footballs, rugby balls, etc.must stay well away from the school buildings to avoid damage to windows.

4.7    In the interest of personal safety pupils must not enter any laboratory, manufacturing room, kitchen, hall, gymnasium, computer rooms, library etc. unless a member of staff is present.  Pupils may only enter a regular classroom with a teacher’s permission.  Should a teacher have to leave a classroom in an emergency, pupils must remain seated and behave in an orderly and responsible manner.

5.      School Minibus or Hired Minibus

5.1     Pupils must have their seat belts securely fastened at all times.

5.2     The interior of a minibus must be kept free of all litter.

5.3     Pupils must not behave in any way which distracts the attention of the driver or is offensive to any other road user or pedestrian.

6.      Bicycles

6.1    Bicycles should be secured with a lockable chain and left in the area to the rear of the canteen. 

6.2    Only those pupils bringing a bicycle to school should be in the area where they are stored.

6.3    Motorbicycles or other vehicles may only be brought to school with the permission of the Headmaster.

7.      Uniform and Appearance

          A feature of the school is a high standard of uniform and appearance. Pupils will exclude themselves from school if the standard of uniform orappearance is contrary to the following guidelines:

7.1    All pupils must wear the correct uniform in school and coming to and going home from school.  Blazers must be worn in the school premises at all times except where permission is granted by a class teacher in the classroom.

7.2    Items of dress which should not be worn at any stage during the school day from leaving home to returning after school include:

          Overcoats other than plain black, navy blue or the official school fleece; denim or leather jackets; scarves or pullovers which are not school type; trainer or other cloth shoes; denim trousers; tracksuit trousers; baseball caps.

7.3    The only items of jewellery which can be worn are a watch, one plain signet ring, a single stud in the lower lobe of pierced ears.  All other face and body piercings are not permitted.  Additional items of jewellery worn by pupils will be confiscated and made available for collection at the end of the day.  Badges other than official school badges and recognised school charity badges are not permitted.

7.4    Extreme hair styles are not permitted,including partially or completely shaved or coloured in an extreme fashion, or other styles which in the opinion of the Headmaster and Senior Management Teamare considered extreme.

7.5    Make-up (including tinted moisturiser and coloured lip balm) must not be worn.  The wearing of long and/or false nails is not permitted.

7.6    School uniform will normally be worn by pupils when travelling to represent the school during the school day e.g.sports matches, exhibitions, presentations etc. Under certain circumstances e.g. fieldwork, work experience, pupils will be permitted to wear other appropriate clothes. If the activity takes only part of the school day, pupils will change from their uniform before leaving the premises.

8.      Care of School Resources

8.1    All books, equipment and stationery will be provided by the school on loan and free of charge.  Pupils must take care of all school property and return it after use in a state which shows only normal wear.  Parents will be expected to pay for the replacement of books (including Library Books) or equipment which has been lost, damaged or defaced while in the possession of the pupil.

9.      Lunchtime

9.1    Pupils must co-operate with the Supervisory Assistants or teachers on duty.  A pupil who causes disruption or danger to others at break or lunch time will be placed on Break and/or Lunch detention.

9.2    All food or drink bought in the canteen must be consumed in the canteen.  Pupils who bring a packed lunch will be directed to eat only in designated areas.  Bottles are not permitted to be carried out of the canteen or hall.  Bottles of drink are not allowed to be brought into school.

9.3    Food or drinks can only be purchased from the Canteen through the normal process at lunch time and no purchases can be made outside the lunch break.

9.4    Free lunch passes should have the name and form of the owner on the front.  Mislaid lunch passes will be replaced on payment of a small fee to cover the cost of the plastic cover.  A free lunch pass must only be used by the pupil who is entitled to the free meal.

9.5    Any arrangement between a pupil and the canteen staff concerning credit is entirely a matter between the two parties concerned.

9.6    During favourable weather pupils should be outside the school buildings except when consuming lunch.  Exceptions include pupils recovering from an accident or illness when permission should be sought; attending clubs, library,team meetings etc, during lunch time.

9.7    During poor weather pupils remaining indoors must behave in a restrained and reasonable manner avoiding loud or boisterous behaviour and trying to keep the school clean and tidy.

10.    Emergencies

10.1  A notice explaining the exit route is posted near the door of each classroom and teachers will explain the procedure to each class using a room.

10.2  A practice evacuation will be held at least once a year.  Pupils must adhere strictly to the procedure explained.

10.3  Fire alarms or fire fighting equipment must never be tampered with as this could seriously hamper any emergency action.

11.    Illness or injury

11.1  Parents should not send pupils to school who are obviously ill as the school has no facility for supervising these pupils during the school day.

11.2  For pupils who become ill during the day, the school will attempt to contact parents so that the child can be supervised at home.  Parents should arrange to collect sick pupils from school but if unable to do so pupils will be supervised in the sick bay on a regular basis by the school medical officer.

11.3  Teachers and other school employees have been instructed not to administer medicines in school.  Parents must make special arrangements withthe school for the administration of medicines or tablets.

11.4  Where possible, pupils who are injured during the school day will be transported by the school to the appropriate treatment centre, depending upon the perceived seriousness of the injury.  In cases of serious injury or where the school is unable to transport or supervise the pupil, parents will be contactedt hrough the emergency contact number supplied by the parents to the school.  Parents can then arrange to collect the pupil from hospital or school.

11.5  In cases where the injury is considered not to be serious, first aid will be applied and the pupil instructed to consult medical opinion if the condition persists.

12.    Homework and Coursework

12.1  Homework is an important and necessary part of each pupil’s school experience.  At Key Stage 3 pupils are issued with a whole school homework timetable which represents the minimum of work which pupils are required to complete at home.  At Key Stage 4 pupils are set homework tasks in relation to the requirements of their GCSE subjects.  It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that homework or coursework is completed on time and of an acceptable standard of presentation.

13.    Photographs

13.1  Pupils will have their photographs taken by a professional photographer at the start of Years 8 and 11 in order to update pupil files and school records.  Copies can be ordered by parents.

14.    Lost Property

14.1  Apart from money or valuables lodged with a teacher for safe keeping the school cannot be responsible for any items lost or stolen.  Pupils are responsible for their own property.

14.2  Pupils must have their names clearly marked on all items of their property including uniform, calculators, pencil cases etc.

14.3  Any item lost in school should be searched for immediately by retracing the steps of the pupil.

14.4  Any item of property found should be handed into the teacher in charge of lost property or to the PE teachers, if an item of PE or Games kit.

14.5  Money or other valuables must never be left unattended in changing rooms or classrooms.

14.6  Money brought to school in payment for visits,photographs etc. must be lodged with the appropriate teacher, as soon as possible in the school day, or left in the office for safe keeping.

15.    Behaviour on Out of School Visits

15.1  All pupils must behave in a reasonable manner while on out of school activities.  Only pupils whose behaviour can be guaranteed not to disrupt the group’s activities or cause a danger to the pupil or other pupils will be allowed to take part in such visits.

15.2  The school will not accept responsibility for any financial loss caused by withdrawal of a pupil from a school visit for disciplinary reasons.

15.3  If a pupil’s behaviour is such on are sidential visit that the pupil must be returned home, the parents will be liable for the cost of the journey home. A pupil will be returned home in the case of gross misconduct.

16.    Parental Access to Pupils, Teachers or School Premises

16.1  Only authorised parents or guardians may have access to a pupil during the school day. Similarly only such persons will have access to a pupil’s records or reports of any type.

16.2  In most circumstances parents will have access to the Headmaster or another teacher by appointment only.  Parents are encouraged to contact the school to discuss problems or a pupil’s progress with Form or Year Teachers.  All complaints by parents must be addressed in the first instance to the Headmaster and all complaints of a serious nature should be made in writing.

16.3  Parents must not subject any member of staf fto physical or verbal abuse or threat and such occurrences will be severely dealt with.

Discipline Measures

It must be emphasised that the ethos of the school is one where positive, responsible behaviour is encouraged and rewarded.  However should pupils not comply with the arrangements and regulations the school will use a range of disciplinary measures.  The measure used will depend upon the severity of the offence and the frequency with which the offence or other offences are committed. The vast majority of pupils go through their school years without any major discipline problem but for a small minority, more severe measures are required so that their behaviour will not be a danger to themselves or unacceptable to others.

Pupils whose effort in class and at home falls short of the expected level will be placed on report by the Year Teacher.  Teachers will comment on the effort and behaviour in class over a one or two week period.  Parents are informed in writing if a pupil’s effort level is unsatisfactory and they are expected to examine the report daily.

For most of the minor indiscretions in school the teacher, prefect or supervisory assistant will draw to the attention of the pupil that a mistake has been made and warn the pupil against a reoccurrence.  During class time any behaviour which disrupts the work of the class the teacher will discipline the pupil. Repetition of minor misdemeanours will result in discipline by the Head of Department. This may include break or lunch time detention, extra work or, in extreme cases, exclusion from the class to work in a supervised way in the classroom of the Year Teacher.  At break or lunch time, misbehaviour will result in the pupil being placed on break or lunch detention.

Where these methods do not produce an acceptable change in behaviour the school will invoke a Behaviour Management Programme and the pupil will be placed on a Register of Pupils with Behavioural Problems.  Parents will be expected to co-operate closely with the school in trying to regulate the pupil’s behaviour and attitude.  This programme will be organised by the pupil’s Year Teacher and SENCo at the first stage but will involve the Vice-Principal if progress to better self discipline is not evident.

For pupils at this stage of the behaviour programme or for pupils who persistently or intentionally break school rules Senior Teachers will use a range of discipline measures where appropriate including after school detention.  This detention lasts for one hour and parents will be informed in writing at least one day in advance as to the reason for the detention.  Failure to attend detention will be treated as a serious offence.  Parents are responsible for ensuring that transport home from detention is arranged.

In spite of the above measures being conscientiously pursued by the school management, pupils who persist in unacceptable behaviour or in committing acts of gross misconduct may besuspended for a period of up to five days with possible extension(s).  In cases of suspension the parent will beinformed immediately, in writing, as will the NEELB and the Chairman of the Board of Governors.  The NEELB guidelines for suspension will be applied.

With gross misconduct e.g. use of abusive or threatening behaviour to teachers; consumption or possession of cigarettes,alcohol, drugs or other damaging substances; use of or possession of dangerous implements; bullying or intimidation of other pupils; fighting; destruction of school property; refusal to comply with reasonable instructions of the Headmaster and teaching staff; theft; the pupil may be suspended without reference to previous conduct.

For pupils exhibiting recurring behavioural problems the school will liaise and co-operate with the School’s Pastoral Care Team or other external agencies.

Pupils will be considered for expulsion under the North Eastern Education & Library Board’s Guidelines.

Pupils who present themselves for school in a manner which is not in keeping with the regulations of the school will exclude themselves from attendance.  The Headmaster will decide when and in what circumstances the pupil has fulfilled the basic requirement for school attendance – this is especially in respect of uniform and appearance.