BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE

Anti-Bullying Policy
Behaviour Policy

We believe an ordered, disciplined atmosphere is the best environment for learning. All our school rules are based upon the simple principles of self-discipline and mutual respect. We place great emphasis on the positive aspects of behaviour by rewarding pupils with praise in lessons, merit certificates, letters of commendation and prizes for effort and attainment in all subjects. We also promote good attendance by presenting prizes and certificates to pupils achieving 100%.

We hold an annual Awards' Evening when pupils are presented with their prizes. This is always an enjoyable evening encompassing the musical and cultural talents of pupils which are shared with parents / carers and the community.

Regrettably there will be occasions when strategies need to be introduced for certain pupils in order to assist them in meeting agreed acceptable standards of conduct. The use of appropriate sanctions will be viewed positively in that they provide a further opportunity for pupils to demonstrate their ability to behave in an appropriate manner. Punishments will be applied fairly and consistently but allow for flexibility to take account of individual circumstances and there will be a distinction between minor and serious offences. When disciplinary problems do arise parents / carers will be involved at an early stage. Sanctions include verbal reprimands, detention and internal and external exclusions.

A copy of our school rules is supplied on request and available to all parents / carers before pupils join us. The support of parents / carers in seeing that these school rules are observed is vital. Such support is the best guarantee of the disciplined and ordered working environment which all good schools must guarantee to their pupils. In order to promote this partnership between home and school, for the past nine years parents / carers and pupils have had "The Woodchurch Agreement". This has recently been updated following consultation with all parents / carers and pupils. A copy is included in the Information Section.

As a school, we would stress the need for parents / carers to read the Agreement, particularly the reference to the behaviour of their children outside school hours. We will not allow the poor behaviour of some pupils outside school to ruin the excellent reputation we now have in the community. Pupils misbehaving outside school may be excluded.
There is, in addition, a separate anti-bullying policy, which clearly states that any form of bullying will not be tolerated, and that any allegation will be investigated and dealt with promptly. Parental responsibilities are also highlighted. Parents / carers have a duty to watch for any possible symptoms of bullying and report their concerns immediately.

Misbehaviour in classrooms or around the school will not be tolerated. It is made very clear to pupils that, "Choices lead to consequences". We expect all pupils to enable teachers to teach and other pupils to learn.

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The Woodchurch Agreement

At Woodchurch we have always emphasised the importance of both School and Parents working together in Partnership.  We believe that, to provide the best service for your child, a joint commitment to this Home School partnership is essential if each young person is to achieve their full potential.

The Curriculum

As a school we offer all our pupils a broad balanced, relevant and realistic curriculum. To ensure all students are able to access this curriculum we use a variety of strategies. There is a mixture of setting and mixed ability teaching, with pupils who have additional needs being taught in small groups for Maths, English and Science.

The school works closely with our Primary colleagues.  We are thankful that these close relationships ensure the transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 is as smooth and stress free as possible. Similarly, we work closely with post 16 institutions and Training providers and encourage all our pupils to see education as a life long learning process.  Our intention is to provide all our pupils with the integrity, necessary skills and knowledge they will need to take their place as responsible caring adults in the world of work.  An essential part of this process is the need to regularly set appropriate homework as an integral part of the courses on offer.

Communication

It is essential, if we are to work together in partnership, that there is trust between home and school.  As a school, we believe in keeping parents fully informed about their child’s progress, welfare and behaviour.  Throughout the year parents receive a full progress report and a full written report and are invited to attend both a form tutor evening and a full Parents’ Evening. It is seen as essential that all parents take advantage of these opportunities.  Other communications will include regular newsletters and end of term letters, plus letters of commendations when a pupil’s progress or behaviour has given us cause for celebration.  Similarly parents will be informed at the earliest opportunity when a child is giving us just cause for concern.  Parents are encouraged to contact school with any concerns regarding their child’s educational progress.  We trust that this working partnership ensures that the service we provide is strengthened by our work with home.

Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance is important and has a significant positive effect on examination results and potential earning capacity in the future.  All students are registered electronically twice a day and during each lesson.  Students who are absent for lessons will disadvantage themselves as they will miss out on important learning opportunities.

Please think about illness.  Who makes the decision for your child not to attend school – you as an adult or your child?  Please ensure that students only stay off school when it is really necessary. They need to learn good attendance patterns ready for the world of higher education or work.  Pupils’ attendance places them in attendance bands and pupils should strive for 97% (Gold) attendance.  Anything less than this risks harming their academic progress.

Pupils need to develop resilience when it comes to illness and understand that every day and every lesson counts.  Pupils need to endure minor illnesses and trust in the compassion of staff to support them in remaining in school and learning.

Holidays should not be taken during term time in any year group as the students will miss out on the teaching.  Although they may be able to complete missed work, they will miss the teaching of key learning concepts.  Leave can only be granted by the Headteacher, and only in exceptional circumstances.  Parents can be fined for taking their child on holiday during term time without consent from the school.  We trust you will support us in only arranging holidays outside of term time.

Under no circumstances should holidays be taken by students in Key Stage 4 during term time.  These will, at all times, be classed as unauthorised.

Any student absence will require a note from home explaining the reason for absence.  Any medical appointments should be proven by a copy of the letter or doctor’s practice appointment card.  Students are expected to arrive on time to the Academy and to all lessons.

Behaviour and Discipline

Good behaviour is essential if the school is to function as an orderly community and if pupils are to be able to take advantage of the high quality education provided.  The school is committed to developing trusting, working relationships with parents and pupils to maintain good behaviour and developing positive attitudes towards school life in general.

The School's Commitment

We are a compassionate school and strive to have a positive, caring atmosphere where pupils are free to work, learn and make progress. 
Governors, Headteacher and Staff are committed to serving pupils to ensure that they all receive a quality education in a compassionate environment which develops a strong sense of social, cultural, moral and spiritual values amongst the pupils by:

• Providing the highest standards of teaching using a variety of teaching strategies.
• Developing pupils thinking, reasoning and problem solving skills required for adult and working life.
• Encouraging attitudes and behaviour which develop compassionate, thankful, trustworthy young people who respect themselves, staff, each other, their community and property; acting with integrity at all times.
• Developing the personal qualities, values and talents possessed by our pupils.
• Providing and promoting equality of opportunity regardless of gender, race, disability, creed or sexuality.
• Promote the school’s Christian values, instilling good morals and values in the pupils.
• Building trusting partnerships with parents and the community.
• Informing parents regularly regarding the progress of our pupils.
• Setting appropriate homework on a regular basis to assist pupils' learning and to raise standards.
• Working with outside agencies for the benefit of our pupils' academic and pastoral welfare and supporting our pupils who may be experiencing problems.
• Developing pupils’ behaviour for learning skills equipping them to be positive, resilient, successful, independent learners.

Parents' Commitment

For our school to be successful we require you, our parents, to demonstrate your trust and support by ensuring your commitment to:

• Supporting the school’s disciplinary procedures by giving full cooperation to all staff within the school and ensuring your child abides by all the school’s rules, including various policies relating to conduct inside and outside the school environment. 
• Ensuring that your child is punctual for school and attends regularly (97% of the time), informing school about any unavoidable absence as soon as possible and endeavouring not to take holidays during term time.
• Providing the necessary uniform and equipment in line with school requirements, ensuring your child is appropriately dressed and ready to learn.
• Supporting the school by ensuring that pupils show integrity, displaying the highest standards of behaviour at all times both inside and outside school and not allowing them to become involved in any anti-social behaviour.
• Ensuring your child does not lack integrity by behaving at any time in a manner which will bring the good name of the school into disrepute.
• Supporting the School’s Homework Policy by ensuring your child completes his/her homework and signing your child’s planner each week.
• Informing school of any issues which might affect your child’s progress or behaviour.
• Attending progress evenings and information evenings in order to help us ensure your child is making good progress.
• Supporting the School’s Christian Ethos and Values.

Pupil's Commitment

At Woodchurch we insist that pupils:

• Always abide by school rules and the Pupils' Code of Conduct and Successful Learning Charter, maintaining high standards of discipline at all times both inside and outside the school and on public transport, using our Christian Values as a guide.
• Always act with integrity within school being polite, courteous and compassionate to all pupils and adults within the school, being thankful for the opportunities they have at Woodchurch High School. 
• Always obey the anti-bullying, anti smoking and anti drugs policies inside and outside school and have integrity, reporting any incidents of bullying or anti-social behaviour that they become aware of, trusting staff to ensure justice is served. 
• Come prepared for lessons with the necessary equipment and bag having completed homework.
• Respond to the service provided by subject teachers by working to their maximum potential in all subjects and at all times.
• Come dressed correctly in full school uniform.
• Never behave with a lack of integrity which would damage the good name of the school at any time inside or outside school.
• Always abide by the school’s ICT and use of Internet policy and never become involved in cyberbullying on any social media platforms, or the inappropriate use of mobile phones.

THE WOODCHURCH AGREEMENT

Pupil's Commitment

I understand what the Woodchurch Agreement demands of me.  I will wear my uniform with pride.  I will treat all pupils and staff with compassion and respect.  I will act with humility and integrity, and not humiliate or hurt any other pupil physically, verbally, psychologically or emotionally at any time either inside or outside school hours.  I will do my best to help any other pupil who is obviously being upset or hurt by other pupils, showing compassion and care.  I will work hard in all my lessons and allow others to study undisturbed.  If I fail to abide by these rules I understand sanctions, including exclusion may be imposed. 

I agree to abide by all that is required of me.

Parents' Commitment

I/We understand the high expectations and standards Woodchurch High demands of my/our child and that if my/our child behaves in a manner which undermines the service the school provides, sanctions will be imposed.  I/We accept the need to give full trust and support to these demands and to work in partnership with the school.  Should our child fail to show integrity and abide by the Woodchurch Agreement we understand sanctions including exclusion may be imposed.  These sanctions may also apply to incidents which occur out of school hours.

School Commitment
The school is committed to serving our pupils and parents by providing the best possible education for all our pupils and maintain its excellent reputation.  We seek to have a trusting partnership with Parents to achieve these goals as laid out in the Woodchurch Agreement.