Code of Conduct

The School has a code of conduct which outlines the School’s expectation of all its pupils in terms of their behaviour. This information is also included in your pupil planners. It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the code of conduct.

Smoking

You are not allowed to smoke on the school premises, on your way to and from school or on any school-organised activity. Possession of cigarettes, matches or lighters is not permitted.

Alcohol

You are not allowed to drink or to be in possession of alcohol on school premises, or on your way to and from school or on any organised school activity.

Illegal Drugs and Other Substances

Any instances of possession, use or supply of illegal drugs on school premises will be regarded with the utmost seriousness. The Head will consider any incident individually. You should be aware that this may lead to permanent exclusion.

Chewing Gum

There is a complete ban on chewing gum in school.

Mobile Phones

Your parents will receive an information pack before the start of the term containing a mobile phone application form. This form must be completed and returned to your Form Tutor if it is necessary for you to bring your phone into school.

Internet Use

The Internet is provided for you to conduct research and to broaden learning opportunities. Parents’ permission is required before access is allowed. Access represents a privilege, not a right, and with that comes a personal responsibility. You must comply with school standards and honour the agreements signed. Computer storage areas and disks will be treated like school lockers. Staff may review files and communications to ensure that you are using the system responsibly. You should not expect that files stored on servers or disks would always be private. In school, the following are not permitted:

• Accessing the Internet without specific permission
• Receiving, sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures 
• Using obscene language 
• Harassing, insulting or attacking others 
• Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks, either physically or by system interference or abuse
• Violating copyright laws
• Using others’ passwords
• Trespassing in others’ folders, work or files 
• Deliberately accessing sites/resources unconnected to lesson topic
• Attempting to download or print any information without specific permission
• Maliciously interfering with any aspect of system operation

Sanctions

1. Violations of the above rules will result in a temporary or permanent Internet ban
2. Additional disciplinary action may be added in line with existing practice on inappropriate language or behaviour
3. When applicable, the Head of ICT and/or the Principal may take further action

Care of Property and Valuables

All personal property and school uniform should be clearly marked with your name. Items of clothing should not be borrowed from lockers or the cloakrooms at any time.
You are not advised to bring expensive personal items into school. The school cannot be held responsible for any losses or damage incurred.

Bullying

Bullying is the wilful intention to hurt threaten or frighten someone. Bullying can be physical, verbal or social. We want a school in which bullying of any kind is not accepted by any member of the school community. We have a clear anti-bullying policy and every one has a responsibility to uphold it.

Uniform and appearance

You should look tidy and smart in your uniform at all times. Blouses and shirts must be tucked in and top buttons done up. Girls should wear sensible low-heeled shoes with a maximum heel height of 50mm or 2inches. You should be encouraged to keep your shoes polished.

Hair

In the interest of health and safety your hair should be kept clean and tidy and should not hang over your face. If you have long hair it should be tied back securely for practical lessons. It should be of an acceptable style with no extremes of fashion e.g. not razored short and for boys, not too long. Brightly bleached or coloured hair is also not acceptable in school. Hair bands and slides if worn should be in one of the school colours—navy blue or maroon. Elaborate hair slides, braids and bands are not allowed.

Jewellery

Girls are allowed to wear one pair of plain gold or silver studs in pierced ear lobes. No other facial piercings are allowed. Boys are not allowed to wear earrings in school. Watches may be worn but no other jewellery is permitted.

Make-up

Make-up or nail varnish should not be worn for school.