Code Of Conduct
It is a condition of enrolment to St Columb’s College that parents and pupils agree to our Code of Conduct and to the interpretation placed upon it by the Principal of St Columb’s.
Pupils who contravene the Code of Conduct will be subject to school disciplinary procedures. A copy of the Code of Conduct is included.
In the case of a Year 13/14 pupil, a verbal/written warning can be substituted for another sanction or can be imposed along with another sanction. Year13/14 pupils should be aware that, if written warnings fail to bring improvement they will lose their place in the College. (See pages 10-11 - Procedures for Dealing with Pupils in Years 13 and 14 Whose Performance is Unsatisfactory).
School Uniform
The school uniform consists of:
• Black blazer with College crest. The blazer must be worn at all times on the school corridors;
• Black trousers of conventional cut (no cords or jeans). Trousers must be worn in a conventional manner at the waist;
• Grey or white shirt, fully tucked in, with the top button fastened and with the appropriate Key Stage tie worn to the top;
• The appropriate Year badge which must be visible at all times. This badge remains the property of the school and must be replaced immediately if lost or mislaid;
• Grey v-necked pullover (if worn);
• Any conventional style of shoe or boot which must be wholly black.
In addition:
• Badges or emblems which are not school-related are not permitted on school clothing;
• Belts (if worn) must be wholly black and with a conventional buckle;
• Pupils are expected to be clean shaven. Any student not clean shaven will be given the opportunity to shave in school. If this opportunity is not availed of the student will be placed in the Study;
• Outlandish hairstyles or colours are not permitted - hair must be neat and presentable, and in keeping with the standards expected by the Principal. For health and safety reasons long hair must be tied back at all times;
• Ear-rings, studs or other visible piercings etc. must not be worn (Sixth Form students are permitted to wear a ring on one finger);
• Only the approved school uniform should be worn inside the school building between 9.10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. This means that hooded tops and outside coasts must be removed on entering the school building.
Any pupil bringing a car or motorcycle to school, even occasionally, must register the vehicle at the Senior Office.
PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH PUPILS IN YEARS 13 AND 14 WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS UNSATISFACTORY
Preamble
In the world of work those whose performance is unsatisfactory are provided with the advice and support needed to make a sustained and sustainable improvement. Since the aims of the school include the preparation of pupils for adult and working life, the strategy for dealing with pupils whose performance is unsatisfactory reflects procedures which exist in the wider community. Its primary purpose is to effect improvement to a satisfactory standard of performance.
The following procedures can be implemented for those pupils in Years 13 and 14 whose performance remains unsatisfactory.
Indicators of Unsatisfactory Performance
The performance of a pupil may be deemed unsatisfactory when the pupil gives serious cause for concern by failing to honour any or all of the obligations contained in the Sixth Form Learning Agreement. Under this agreement, Sixth Formers accept the general responsibility and particular objectives (listed on pages 2 and 3 above):
The Procedure
The procedure has two stages - the informal stage and the formal.
1. The Informal Stage
Where there is evidence to show that aspects of a pupil’s performance remain unsatisfactory after preliminary attempts to secure progress have been unsuccessful, the Principal will give the pupil a Verbal Warning and advise the pupil and parent(s)/guardian(s) in writing, of the specific nature and extent of his concerns, making it clear that the informal stage has been initiated. This notice will include an assurance that the pupil will be given reasonable time, opportunity and assistance to undertake a programme of support designed to effect improvement to a satisfactory standard of performance.
The nature and the purpose of the programme, the process of monitoring and evaluating the pupil’s performance and the role of the Senior Teacher (Post-16), Head of Year and/or other teacher(s) in this process will be discussed with the pupil before they are finalised. During this discussion the pupil will be encouraged to put forward suggestions as to how he may improve and where practicable these will be incorporated into the support programme. The length, format and intensity of this programme will depend upon the nature and seriousness of the weakness(es) in the pupil’s work.
Normally, the informal stage should be completed within six weeks.
2. The Formal Stage
Where, following the informal stage and after reviewing the available evidence, the Principal concludes that the pupil’s performance continues to be unsatisfactory, he will give the pupil a Written Warning and inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the pupil in writing of his decision to invoke the formal procedure.
As well as setting out the areas of work that are unsatisfactory, the formal notice will explain that a programme of support will be discussed with the pupil and parents and the views of the pupil fully considered before the programme is finalised. Following this, arrangements will be made to help the pupil to achieve a satisfactory standard of work, on the clear understanding that failure to reach that standard may result in expulsion.
The pupil will be asked to confirm in writing to the Principal that he is willing to take part in the programme of support. If a pupil does not co-operate with the support programme he may be suspended.
On completion of the formal stage the Principal will consider reports by all who have been involved in the evaluation of the pupil’s work throughout the process. If the pupil’s performance is satisfactory and it is considered that this standard is likely to be maintained, the Principal will inform the pupil and his parent(s)/guardian(s) in writing that no further action is being taken while this level is sustained.
Where the reports show that the pupil’s work remains unsatisfactory and that improvement to a satisfactory standard is considered unlikely, the Principal will provide an opportunity for the pupil, who may be accompanied by his parent(s)/guardian(s), to make representation to him. After considering the representation, the Principal may decide to invoke the Board of Governors’ Scheme for the Expulsion of Pupils.
Normally, the formal stage should be completed within two months.
At all stages through the procedure the views of the pupil will be considered.
Footnote: The procedures for dealing with pupils whose work is unsatisfactory form only one part of the College’s Discipline/Positive Behaviour Management Policies which aim to provide care, guidance and support for each pupil in his academic social life in school.