Behaviour For
Learning Policy
In St John the Baptist’s College our aim is to promote a Behaviour for Learning Policy for staff and pupils. We do this in order to:
♦ Develop the school as a sensitive and caring community in which the establishment of good relationships is of prime importance in developing each pupil as an individual in their own right.
♦ Ensure that improvements in literacy, numeracy and information technology are priority targets for all our pupils including those with Special Educational Needs.
♦ Develop effective links with the community, including business and industry, so as to extend the curriculum to enhance teaching and learning.
♦ Create stimulating learning environments which will encourage the highest possible educational standards and which challenge our pupils to higher achievement.
♦ Promote Catholic education and Christian values inherent therein and thus highlight its relevance to life and contemporary culture.
♦ Promote the development of mutual respect, sensitivity, open mindedness and generosity towards others so as to enrich both personal and community life.
♦ Promote and develop high expectations among parent/guardians so that parent/ guardians fulfil their vital role in supporting the parent/school partnership.
♦ Promote the development in all our pupils of a sense of pride in themselves and in their school.
The Behaviour For Learning Policy at St John the Baptist’s College provides an agreed course of action amongst teachers, pupils and parents, which promotes effective teaching and learning, the worth and value of each person and respects the rights of all members of the school community. We believe a healthy balance between sanction and rewards is fundamental, and encourage everyone to implement the school rules fairly and consistently. Our aims are:
♦ To foster good behaviour in a positive way within an environment where our children feel secure and free from emotional and physical harm.
♦ To enable our children to articulate their fears and concerns and be confident that they will receive a sympathetic and supportive response.
♦ To create a calm and caring community where teachers teach and children learn.
♦ To recognise and respect the rights of each member of our school community.
While promoting the rights of each individual it is important that everyone recognises their responsibility in the promotion of positive behaviour. We in SJBC encourage and reward positive behavior in many different ways. We want our pupils to experience an inspiring and rewarding experience with us. We regard ourselves as an extended family – and as with any family we want the best for our children. In order to promote our positive behavior policy, we have put in place many strategies emphasizing the celebration of achievement. This is done through:
Pastoral and Curriculum Boards
Recognising and Recording Achievement through SIMS and Form Boards (Form Teacher)
Mindfulness and Growth Mindset
Mentoring and Counselling
Attendance Rewards
Social Media – Website, Twitter, Facebook used to present positive messages about our school community.
The introduction of lunchtime activities
The use of Student Leaders
Nurture Centre care
The agreed rights and responsibilities are summarised as follows:
To promote the Catholic ethos of the school.
To deliver the
curriculum. To impart knowledge.
To facilitate learning & teaching. To listen and value pupil’s contributions.
To address individual needs. To continually monitor and evaluate & review of practice.
To prepare pupils for adult life.
To promote life long learning.
To be fair and consistent.
To act and behave in a professional way.
To help pupils achieve full potential.
To have pupils’ welfare at heart.
To plan and prepare lessons/be organised.
To treat others with respect. To be a positive role model. To promote a safe and caring environment. To report on area of concern.
To accept shortcomings and seek to
improve. To provide support for colleagues.
To be aware of legislation.
To manage behaviour in the classroom/ school.
To attend lessons punctually.
To report to parents annually.
To be treated with respect.
To teach in a safe, healthy and secure environment.
To have opportunities to develop professionally.
To have adequate resourcing.
To be informed and consulted on whole school issues.
To be supported by colleagues. To be valued.
To be kept well informed regarding social background etc. of pupils when necessary.
To assist the classroom manager. To assist in the delivery of the curriculum.
To facilitate learning. To listen and value pupils’ contributions.
To address individual needs.
Continuous monitoring and evaluating. (LSC Continuous monitoring and evaluating verbally along with class teacher.)
To help prepare pupils for adult life.
To promote life long learning. To be fair and
consistent.
To help pupils achieve full potential. To have pupils’ welfare at heart.
To plan and assist in preparing lessons/be organised. (Reading partnership etc) To promote the Catholic ethos of the school. To treat others with respect.
To be a positive role model. To promote a safe and caring environment. To verbally report on area of concern.
To accept shortcomings and seek to improve. To provide support for colleagues
To report harassment or bullying
To reinforce standards of acceptable behaviour.
To liaise with teacher to manage behaviour in the classroom/school.
To attend lessons punctually.
To model appropriate behaviour.
To be treated with respect.
To work in a safe, healthy and secure environment.
Opportunities to develop professionally.
Adequate resourcing.
To be informed and consulted on whole school issues. To be supported by colleagues. To be valued.
To be kept well informed regarding social background etc of pupils when necessary.
The Rights and Responsibilities of Pupils
To attend punctually
To come prepared for work—books, equipment.
To listen and co-operate.
To participate to the best of their ability.
To seek appropriate support as necessary.
To focus on work and care for resources.
To complete homework on time and to the best of their ability.
To follow the school rules and to be aware of the consequences of their own actions.
To be polite, well-mannered and treat others with respect. To show respect for self, others and property. To behave in an exemplary manner.
To report all harassment/bullying (cyber)
To refrain from abuse—physical, emotional, verbal or cyber.
To catch up on work upon return to school e.g. illness; sporting activity; medical appointment
To adhere to the school dress code.
To access all homework on Satchel one and Google Classroom.
To take responsibly for our own learning, organisation and behavior. To comply with the internet access policy
To be treated with respect.
To be taught in a safe, healthy and secure environment.
To be provided with a positive learning and social experience.
To be provided with Opportunities to develop spiritually, morally, culturally, physically and academically.
To be free from verbal, emotional and physical abuse.
To be valued, listened to.
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The Rights and Responsibilities of Parents |
To enjoy these rights parents ensure that:
Their child attends regularly and on time.
To encourage and support their child in following the school rules and shows respect for other pupils, school staff and property.
Their child wears the correct school uniform.
To treat school staff with respect.
They provide the necessary equipment for school and seek support if required.
They oversee and promote the value of homework.
To check Google Classroom, Sachel One and the Parent App for relevant information.
To make an appointment when they wish to meet a member of staff.
To tell the school promptly of any concern about their child.
To respond quickly to concerns raised by the school.
To attend at least one parent/teacher meeting each year.
To inform school promptly of changes in (a) address, (b) telephone/mobile numbers.
To provide an explanation for their child’s absence from school.
To receive a quality education for their child.
To have their child taught in a warm, welcoming and safe place.
To have their child treated fairly and with respect.
To seek support for their child if he/she has any problems.
To be responded to appropriately/ sensitively when raising any concerns.
To be told promptly about any concerns.
To be informed about anything which affects their child’s education/welfare.
We will show respect for ourselves, others and property (safe treatment rule)
We will be present, punctual and prepared to work to the best of our ability (learning rule)
We listen carefully and follow directions from all staff and speak respectfully to others (talking & listening rule)
We move quietly and carefully around the school (safe movement)
We will wear our full uniform and remain in uniform for the duration of the day (uniform)
‘We want our students to wear their school uniform with pride and to project a positive image of themselves and of our school to members of the wider community’
Complete school uniform must be worn to school each day as outlined in our ‘Guidance to parents.’ School skirts must be ‘knee length’ and must not be altered in any way. Trousers must be navy and not be altered to “skinny” style.
It is compulsory for each student to have a school blazer. Each student must bring a blazer to school each day. A blazer should be worn on the journey to and from school and on the corridor. It is compulsory for all students to wear a school blazer when they are attending events outside of school (unless otherwise directed). Jumpers (non-compulsory) may be removed if preferred.
Hairstyle
Hairstyles should be simple and of a natural colour.
Students may wear only discreet (light) foundation to match their natural skin tone. No other makeup is permitted to be worn at any time during the school day.
School shoes must be COMPLETELY BLACK in colour. Heels must not be higher than 5cm (2”). No canvas or trainer type shoes are permitted. Parents should ensure that footwear is appropriate for all weather conditions.
From September 2024, pupils in SJBC will not be permitted to use a mobile phone in school, during the school day, unless they have a medical reason and a doctor's note. Pupils are encouraged to keep their mobile phones at home. Pupils who bring a phone to school must adhere to the following regulations:
Any attempt to make or pass on any image of a pupil, or staff member, will be considered a serious infringement of school rules and can also be deemed a child protection or legal matter.
School rules will be strictly adhered to. It is important that everyone appreciates that these rules exist to protect all our pupils and staff.
We wish to protect the dignity and right to privacy of every pupil and member of staff.
The Principal and staff would like parents to particularly support the rule on confiscation - this will ensure a safer environment for all.
In St John the Baptist’s College we prefer to use preventative rather than reactive strategies
Some of the strategies staff may use to prevent or de-escalate potential behaviour incidents are listed below
Numeracy / ESOL
Dealing With Behaviours Contrary To What Is Expected- Who Does What?
Staff are to deal with student behaviour at the different levels outlined below by using a range of strategies from Good Practice Guidelines/ SEN Resource File and by support from colleagues.
Behaviour Pyramid
Additional support will be available from various outside agencies including; ● Behaviour Support Team.
Mrs Elizabeth Berry
Mentoring
Mrs L Swain
Staff have attended SIMs training and behaviour management training to support the Positive Behaviour Policy. Staff have received Positive Behaviour Management training from the Behaviour Support Team.
The effectiveness of the policy will be measured by;
Review
This policy has been written and agreed with the EA Behaviour Support Team. It will be reviewed regularly in response to on-going advice and training. It will form part of the school’s overall Pastoral Care Policy.
Reviewed Oct 2020, N Murray, J Lynch, B Leathem.
Appendix
Pastoral Note of Concern
Formal Letter to Parents
Praise Card
Behaviour Contract
Home School agreement
Good Practice Guidelines
Mobile Phone disclaimer
St. John the Baptist’s College
Pastoral Concern Form
Area/s of concern:
Strategies and outcomes that you have put in place:
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Area for concern |
Strategy/Strategies |
Outcome |
Anyothercomments:
Please attach evidence in support of this concern.
Signed: ______________________________ Date: _______________
Please forward a copy to Form Teacher &Justin Lynch Head of Pastoral Care
Bullying Concern Assessment Form
PART 1 - Assessment of Concern Date______________ Our School’s Definition of Bullying is:
Name(s) Gender DOB/Year Group (if
Pupil)
Person(s) reporting concern M / F
Name of targeted pupil(s) Name of Pupil(s) involved
Does the behaviour involve?
Individual to individual 1:1 Individual to Group Group to individual
Group to group
Type of incident and Theme (if applicable):
q Physical bullying (includes jostling, physical intimidation, interfering with personal property, punching/kicking, any other physical contact which may include use of weapons)
____________________________________________________________________
_____
q Verbal bullying (includes name calling, insults, jokes, threats, spreading rumours)
____________________________________________________________________
_____
q Indirect bullying (includes isolation, refusal to work with/talk to/play with/help others)
____________________________________________________________________
_____
q Disability (related to perceived or actual disability)
q Cyber (through technology such as mobile phones and internet)
q Homophobic (related to perceived or actual sexual orientation)
q Racist (related to skin colour, culture and religion)
q Sectarian (related to religious belief and/or political opinion)
q Other
______________________________________________________________
Is there persistence/recurrence of this behaviour? Yes / No Is it targeted behaviour?
Yes / No Is there a power imbalance? Yes / No Is it intentionally hurtful behaviour?
Yes / No Does this incident meet your school’s agreed definition of bullying? Yes / No
Check records for previously recorded incidents
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At St John the Baptist’s College, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our |
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students. In line with this commitment, we are implementing a ban on mobile phones |
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within the school premises. This policy aims to create a conducive learning environment |
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free from distractions and potential risks associated with mobile phone usage. |
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Policy Statement: |
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1. |
Mobile Phone Ban: |
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● Mobile phones, including smartphones and other electronic devices with |
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communication capabilities, are strictly prohibited on school premises during |
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school hours. |
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● This ban applies to all students, staff, and visitors. |
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2. |
Phone Hand-In Procedure: |
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● Upon arrival at school, all students are required to hand in their mobile phones to designated staff members. |
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● Phones will be securely stored until the end of the school day when they will |
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be returned to the students. |
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3. |
Liability Disclaimer: |
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● St John the Baptist's College, we will not be held liable for any loss, theft, or |
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damage to mobile phones that occur within the school premises or during |
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school activities. |
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● Students and parents/guardians accept full responsibility for the safekeeping |
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of their mobile phones. |
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4. |
Enforcement: |
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● Any student found in possession of a mobile phone during school hours will |
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face disciplinary action, including confiscation of the device and possible |
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further consequences as outlined in the school's behaviour policy. |
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5. |
Parental Consent: |
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● At the beginning of each academic term, students and their |
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parents/guardians are required to sign a disclaimer acknowledging their |
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understanding and agreement to abide by the school's mobile phone policy. |
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● Failure to comply with this policy may result in sanctions, including |
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restrictions on participation in school activities. |
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Rationale: |
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The implementation of this policy is essential to maintain a safe and focused |
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learning environment. |
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Mobile phones can be a source of distraction and disruption to the educational |
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process. |
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By enforcing a ban on mobile phones, we aim to promote face-to-face interaction, |
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reduce cyberbullying incidents, and minimise the risk of inappropriate content |
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exposure. |
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Safer Schools NI Partnership:
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St John the Baptist’s College is committed to partnering with Safer Schools NI in |
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safeguarding all students. This mobile phone ban policy aligns with Safer Schools |
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NI's mission to promote the safety and well-being of children in educational |
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settings. |
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At St John the Baptist’s College, we prioritise the safety and academic success of our |
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students. By implementing this mobile phone ban policy and procedure, we are creating a |
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secure and conducive learning environment where students can thrive without the |
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distractions and risks associated with mobile phone usage. We appreciate the support and |
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cooperation of students, parents/guardians, and staff in upholding this policy for the |
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benefit of all. |
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Mrs N Murray (BA Hons, PGCE, PQH NI, MSC) |
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Principal |
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