BCB Primary Parent Handbook 17/18 (5 Sep 2017)

​ ​ ​Primary​ ​Parent​ ​Handbook

Table​ ​of​ ​Contents

Welcome​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Headmaster

2

Mission​ ​Statement​ ​and​ ​Aims

3

School​ ​Hours

5

Attendance

5

Arrival​ ​and​ ​Departure​ ​Procedures

6

Role​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Parent

7

Extended​ ​Curriculum

7

School​ ​Uniform

8

What​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​for​ ​School

9

Standards​ ​of​ ​Behaviour

9

Common​ ​Language​ ​Policy

10

Bus​ ​Policy

11

Health

11

Communication

12

Homework

14

Merit​ ​System

15

Birthdays​ ​Policy

17

Lunch

18

School​ ​Concerns​ ​and​ ​Complaints​ ​Procedure

18

In​ ​Summary

19

1

Welcome​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Headmaster

Dear​ ​Parents,

Welcome​ ​to​ ​the​ ​British​ ​College​ ​of​ ​Brazil​ ​(BCB).

We aim to ensure all our children are provided with the highest quality education in order to become a successful global citizen. This can only be achieved through a clear partnership between school and parent. The aim of this handbook is to clearly communicate the school’s vision,​ ​policies​ ​and​ ​expectations​ ​of​ ​everyone​ ​in​ ​our​ ​community.

The British College of Brazil is a positive, safe and stimulating environment. We are constantly evolving to enable all our children to thrive and succeed. We are committed to making our school a success in terms of achievement and behaviour. The best parts of the English National Curriculum have been taken, made accessible to all, and, through a range of teaching styles and state of the art technology, aims to enthuse and motivate our students to become life-long,​ ​happy,​ ​independent​ ​learners.

We​ ​look​ ​forward​ ​to​ ​working​ ​closely​ ​with​ ​you​ ​for​ ​the​ ​benefit​ ​of​ ​all​ ​of​ ​our​ ​children.

Yours​ ​sincerely,

Duncan​ ​Rose Headmaster

2

Mission​ ​Statement​ ​and​ ​Aims Our​ ​Mission Our​ ​mission​ ​is​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​world​ ​class​ ​education.

Guiding​ ​Principles: ● ● ● ● ● ●

Motivate students to explore and achieve the extent of their intellectual and physical abilities.

Uphold​ ​the​ ​values​ ​of​ ​honesty,​ ​integrity​ ​and​ ​respect​ ​for​ ​others.

Provide​ ​a​ ​vibrant,​ ​happy​ ​and​ ​secure​ ​environment.

Recruit,​ ​retain​ ​and​ ​develop​ ​high​ ​caliber​ ​staff.

Promote​ ​the​ ​general​ ​good​ ​within​ ​our​ ​community.

Safeguard​ ​the​ ​long-term​ ​development​ ​and​ ​reputation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school.

Personal Development. ​Top of the school’s priorities is the personal development of its pupils. The study of academic subjects is as much a means for developing key skills as it is for acquiring subject specific knowledge. The following are key attributes that pupils should develop at the school, and the learning of which must be integrated into classroom work and school​ ​life.

Independence​. Pupils must be taught and encouraged to think independently and to become self-reliant.

Teamwork & leadership​. The school views teamwork and leadership as interdependent and complementary skills. Pupils must become used to working in teams and groups. They should learn to appreciate good leadership and be provided with opportunities to develop their own leadership​ ​skills.

Endeavour​. Endeavour stems from the benefits and satisfaction of hard work. The school must develop pupils’ capacity for purposeful effort by focusing on and rewarding effort over achievement.

Presence. ​Presence refers to the positive presentation of one’s self and one’s work before others. Pupils must be encouraged at all times to develop and refine the oral, written and visual presentation​ ​of​ ​themselves​ ​and​ ​their​ ​work.

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Awareness. Personal success and well-being correlates strongly with self-awareness. Within the scope of each teacher’s own capability, pupils should be taught and encouraged to reflect on and express appropriately their emotions. The school must provide opportunities for quiet thought​ ​and​ ​reflection.

Decency. Behaving decently towards others is everyone’s unquestionable responsibility. The school must ensure that the promotion of kindness, honesty and integrity is a daily part of school​ ​life​ ​and​ ​that​ ​all​ ​poor​ ​conduct​ ​is​ ​quickly​ ​addressed.

Courage. Courage empowers people to do well for themselves and for others. The school must teach pupils to overcome their fears and make well considered and calculated risks in a healthy,​ ​constructive​ ​way.

Academic​ ​Development

Although pupils are expected to do well academically, it is not the philosophy of the school to focus on academic achievement per se. Academic achievement is a result of ability, effort and good practice. Academic goals should be linked to the fulfillment of individual potential and empowering​ ​pupils​ ​to​ ​continue​ ​learning​ ​after​ ​they​ ​leave​ ​the​ ​school.

English​ ​National​ ​Curriculum​ ​Standards

The school is sufficiently selective to expect that all pupils reach as a minimum the academic standards corresponding to their age for all core subjects as defined in the English National Curriculum.

Maximising​ ​potential

The school must implement an ongoing process of identifying each individual’s academic potential​ ​and​ ​devising​ ​a​ ​plan​ ​for​ ​reaching​ ​it.

Independent​ ​learning

Pupils must develop the ability to learn independently, and acquire the ability eventually to be in charge of their learning, including deciding what to learn, setting goals, producing an effective​ ​learning​ ​plan,​ ​and​ ​devising​ ​an​ ​appropriate​ ​form​ ​of​ ​evaluation.

BSF​ ​Curriculum

The school follows The BSF curriculum which emphasises the learning of reading, writing, mathematics and a second language in the primary ages, which leads towards GCSE and A Level (or IB) qualifications in secondary and which provides the breadth and depth necessary to​ ​meet​ ​the​ ​charter’s​ ​personal​ ​and​ ​academic​ ​development​ ​goals.

4

School​ ​Hours

Times

Primary

7:30am

Gate​ ​open​ ​-​ ​children​ ​may​ ​arrive​ ​at​ ​school​ ​at​ ​this time

7:50am

Registration

8:00-​ ​10:00am

Lessons

9:50​ ​–​ ​10:30am

Morning​ ​Breaks​ ​(KS1​ ​9:50​ ​–​ ​10:10​ ​KS2​ ​10:10​ ​- 10:30.)

10:30​ ​–​ ​12:00pm

Lessons

11:20​ ​–​ ​1:00pm

Children’s​ ​Lunch​ ​Break​ ​(FS​ ​stage​ ​will​ ​begin​ ​earlier) KS1:​ ​11:20​ ​–​ ​12:20 Yr​ ​3​ ​+​ ​4:​ ​11:40​ ​–​ ​12:40pm Yr​ ​5​ ​+​ ​6:​ ​12:00pm​ ​-​ ​1:00pm

12:20​ ​–​ ​2:30pm

Lessons

2:20​ ​–​ ​2:40pm

Afternoon​ ​Break​ ​for​ ​KS1​ ​only

2:40​ ​–​ ​3:30pm

Extended​ ​Curriculum

3:30pm

End​ ​of​ ​Day​ ​for​ ​children

Attendance

We expect pupils to have good attendance at school with any absences being reported directly to the class teacher via email. Good timekeeping is also expected both with arrivals and pick-ups. Children who are consistently late for school have a poor start to the day which can affect their performance. Being consistently picked up late at the end of the day can cause distress and unhappiness to children. If these become a concern for the school, a meeting may requested​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Headmaster.

5

Arrival​ ​and​ ​Departure​ ​Procedures

Pupils should not arrive before 7:30am. The school gates will be opened at 7.30am. This is to ensure that teachers have sufficient planning, meeting and preparation time at the beginning of the school day. All students should be in school by 7:50am ready for registration at the start of the​ ​school​ ​day.

At the beginning of each day, please ensure that a teacher, teaching assistant or the bus monitor receives your child (whichever is appropriate). Children should not be left alone for school to start. It will help the morning routine enormously if parents do not enter the school building​ ​unless​ ​there​ ​is​ ​a​ ​specific​ ​reason​ ​to​ ​meet​ ​with​ ​a​ ​member​ ​of​ ​staff.

Please ensure that you or your designated guardian collects your child from a member of staff at the end of each day from the designated pick up point. Those children using the school bus service will be collected by the bus monitor and safely taken home. The school gates will open at​ ​3:30pm​ ​each​ ​day,​ ​when​ ​parents​ ​can​ ​gain​ ​access​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school.

Please collect your child promptly at the end of each day. If for some reason you have been delayed, please telephone the school so that we are aware and can inform your child to avoid any​ ​worrying,​ ​and​ ​so​ ​we​ ​can​ ​anticipate​ ​your​ ​arrival.

Parents who are consistently collect their children late will be requested to meet with the Headmaster.

If you are unable to collect your child, please inform the class teacher and the receptionist as to who will be collecting your child by 1:00 pm at the very latest. Teachers will not release a child​ ​to​ ​an​ ​unauthorised​ ​person.​ ​All​ ​pick-up​ ​cars​ ​must​ ​display​ ​the​ ​school​ ​identification​ ​sticker.

It is imperative that parents respect the requests of the doormen at drop off and pickup times.

Signage and pedestrian crossings outside of the schools should be observed at all times. Cars should never be left unattended. Parents who do not respect the parking rules or the directions of​ ​the​ ​doormen​ ​will​ ​will​ ​be​ ​requested​ ​to​ ​meet​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Headmaster.

6

Role​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Parent

We recognise that as a parent, you have chosen our school because of the values we hold and our approach to education. We view the parent and school integration as a partnership and as we do our best to provide you and your children with a world class education, we rely on your support to achieve this. We expect and appreciate the support given by parents in all aspects of the school including adherence to uniform, completion of homework and attendance at school​ ​events​ ​and​ ​parent​ ​meetings.

Extended​ ​Curriculum

The Extended Curriculum Activities (ECA) programme takes place on Monday to Friday, after school, for 50 minutes (at the school’s discretion). ECAs normally begin towards the start of term, after normal routines have been established. The aim is to provide 15 weeks (approx.) of enrichment​ ​activities​ ​each​ ​term.

The ECA programme is supported and led by teachers and assistant teachers, and sometimes outside coaches and parents. The purpose of the ECA programme is to promote the creative and physical elements of the curriculum through stimulating, meaningful and fun activities that will​ ​deepen​ ​students’​ ​understanding​ ​of​ ​the​ ​taught​ ​curriculum.

We aim to provide an exciting range of opportunities for our students. Examples of activities could include: Portuguese / Spanish lessons, Research Skills, Swimming, Gymnastics, Football, Art & Craft, Games, Drama, Dance, Music and Ballet. The ECA Coordinator(s) will be responsible for ensuring a range of activities that reflect the interests of the students and aims of the school, and ensure that there is an appropriate balance of activities for the age range and​ ​number​ ​of​ ​students.

7

School​ ​Uniform

School uniform is compulsory for all students attending the school. We believe that wearing school uniform in a proud and smart manner promotes positive self-esteem and therefore is integral to the ethos of the school. All students are expected to arrive to the school everyday in clean clothes, to be worn in a tidy manner. We expect our students to take pride in their school​ ​uniform.

School uniform consists of a summer and winter uniform. However, as Sao Paulo experiences a tropical climate, there will be times throughout the year when either uniform could be worn.

We therefore leave it to the discretion of parents to decide the most appropriate uniform for a specific day. However, on days that they have PE, students should wear that uniform. On all other days full uniform is required. Uniform will also be worn on class educational trips (either PE or full uniform depending on the nature of the trip). A house colour T-shirt is also part of the school​ ​uniform​ ​and​ ​can​ ​be​ ​worn​ ​on​ ​PE​ ​days,​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​during​ ​house​ ​competitions.

Details of our school uniform are outlined on our school website. Parents will be notified if students​ ​are​ ​not​ ​wearing​ ​appropriate​ ​school​ ​uniform.

Footwear is an important aspect of the school uniform. Shoes should be black leather and worn each day. ​As rain is a common occurrence in Sao Paulo, we ask that a pair of waterproof shoes or boots are kept in school for days when the playground is wet. On PE days, trainers should be worn. ​For younger children, we advise that the shoes are not lace up until the children​ ​are​ ​able​ ​to​ ​tie​ ​them​ ​unaided.​ ​For​ ​safety​ ​reasons,​ ​flip-flops​ ​should​ ​not​ ​be​ ​worn.

Additional​ ​information: ● Use​ ​of​ ​coats​ ​and​ ​anoraks​ ​are​ ​encouraged​ ​during​ ​cold​ ​and​ ​rainy​ ​days; ● Children should only wear the school jumpers, other jumpers or hoodies will not be accepted. ● Sunhats are a vital part of our school uniform and it is compulsory that all children wear one​ ​whilst​ ​on​ ​the​ ​playground​ ​otherwise​ ​they​ ​will​ ​not​ ​be​ ​allowed​ ​to​ ​play. ● Children should not wear necklaces, bracelets or earrings to school (except for stud earrings which should be removed at home on PE days). Religious artifacts can be worn. Parents should inform admissions of any extenuating reason why their child should​ ​be​ ​allowed​ ​to​ ​wear​ ​jewellery. ● Hair should be worn in a neat style and long hair should always be tied back. Mohicans, tramlines and bright colours are not considered appropriate hairstyles for school. If a child attends school with a hairstyle that is deemed inappropriate, the Headmaster will inform​ ​the​ ​parents​ ​and​ ​request​ ​a​ ​more​ ​suitable​ ​style.

8

Temporary tattoos and nail varnish are not appropriate for school and should be cleaned off before​ ​children​ ​attend.

Uniform​ ​guidelines​ ​are​ ​available​ ​here​.

What​ ​you​ ​will​ ​need​ ​for​ ​School

The school will provide all equipment necessary for lessons, including exercise books and stationery.

Food, snacks and drinks are supplied by school, however, it is acceptable for children to bring a ​water bottle into school. The summer months in Brazil are really hot, so suncream and insect repellent​ ​are​ ​required.

The​ ​following​ ​items​ ​are​ ​not​ ​to​ ​be​ ​brought​ ​to​ ​school:

● Chewing​ ​gum​ ​/​ ​sweets ● Toys​ ​or​ ​games,​ ​unless​ ​for​ ​a​ ​special​ ​day​ ​or​ ​at​ ​the​ ​request​ ​of​ ​a​ ​teacher ● Music​ ​playing​ ​systems,​ ​mobile​ ​phones​ ​or​ ​any​ ​other​ ​electronic​ ​devices

This is to ensure that children’s belongings do not get damaged or lost. The school accepts no responsibility​ ​or​ ​liability​ ​for​ ​loss​ ​or​ ​damage​ ​to​ ​personal​ ​items​ ​brought​ ​into​ ​school.

Standards​ ​of​ ​Behaviour

Code​ ​of​ ​Conduct

Our school’s code of conduct aims to achieve a positive atmosphere in which more time is spent on teaching and learning. We recognise that the school has a critical role to play in developing self-discipline in pupils. We aim to establish acceptable patterns of behaviour and to encourage pupils to develop a sense of responsibility, self-respect and a respect for other people,​ ​property​ ​and​ ​the​ ​environment.

It is essential for parents and school to work in partnership, so that the values encouraged by home​ ​and​ ​school​ ​are​ ​mutually​ ​reinforced.

9

To​ ​all​ ​Pupils:

You will be expected to behave at all times in ways which demonstrate self-discipline, self respect​ ​and​ ​respect​ ​for​ ​others​ ​and​ ​their​ ​property.

All​ ​pupils​ ​are​ ​required​ ​to​ ​observe​ ​the​ ​following: ● ​ ​Treat​ ​everyone​ ​with​ ​respect​ ​and​ ​courtesy ● ​ ​Behave​ ​in​ ​a​ ​way​ ​that​ ​aids​ ​learning​ ​during​ ​lessons ● ​ ​Walk​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times​ ​when​ ​indoors ● ​ ​Walk​ ​on​ ​the​ ​left​ ​in​ ​corridors​ ​and​ ​staircases ● ​ ​Hold​ ​doors​ ​open​ ​for​ ​others ● ​ ​Remove​ ​coats,​ ​jackets​ ​and​ ​hats​ ​during​ ​lessons​ ​and​ ​at​ ​lunch ● ​ ​Make​ ​sure​ ​that​ ​classrooms​ ​and​ ​playgrounds​ ​are​ ​kept​ ​clean​ ​and​ ​tidy

Common​ ​Language​ ​Policy

At​ ​BCB​ ​our​ ​common​ ​language​ ​is​ ​English.​ ​We​ ​expect​ ​all​ ​children​ ​to​ ​speak​ ​English​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times whilst​ ​in​ ​school.​ ​ ​It​ ​is​ ​important​ ​that​ ​we​ ​have​ ​a​ ​common​ ​language​ ​as​ ​an​ ​international​ ​school​ ​of over​ ​40​ ​nationalities.​ ​It​ ​encourages​ ​friendship​ ​and​ ​social​ ​development​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​providing​ ​an environment​ ​where​ ​second​ ​or​ ​third​ ​language​ ​learners​ ​can​ ​develop​ ​their​ ​English​ ​language​ ​skills quickly​ ​and​ ​effectively.

10

Bus​ ​Policy

The school buses are an extension of the school, and the same high expectations are still in place for all the pupils. There is often a wide range of ages present on a bus and the older children, especially, need to take care of how they behave and what they choose to talk about.

There​ ​should​ ​be​ ​no​ ​inappropriate​ ​language,​ ​conversations​ ​or​ ​behaviour

If​ ​there​ ​are​ ​problems​ ​with​ ​a​ ​student​ ​on​ ​the​ ​bus​ ​then​ ​the​ ​following​ ​procedures​ ​will​ ​be​ ​followed:

● ​ ​First​ ​time​ ​–​ ​a​ ​warning

● ​ ​Second​ ​time​ ​–​ ​a​ ​second​ ​warning​ ​and​ ​a​ ​phone​ ​call​ ​home ● ​ ​Third​ ​time​ ​–​ ​a​ ​phone​ ​call​ ​home,​ ​and​ ​a​ ​day​ ​off​ ​the​ ​bus ● ​ ​Fourth​ ​time​ ​–​ ​a​ ​phone​ ​call​ ​home,​ ​and​ ​a​ ​fortnight​ ​off​ ​the​ ​bus ● ​ ​Fifth​ ​time​ ​–​ ​expulsion​ ​from​ ​the​ ​bus​ ​service

Such incidences will be recorded in the student’s file. The class teacher shall make any warnings and phone calls to parents. In the case of repeated warnings, the class teacher shall notify the Key Stage leader and / or Headmaster, which may result in further action being taken.

The organisation of the bus routes is extremely complex. In light of this, using the bus service to​ ​facilitate​ ​play​ ​dates​ ​and​ ​parties​ ​is​ ​not​ ​allowed.​ ​Parents​ ​are​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​this.

Health

Regular daily attendance is expected but sometimes absence is unavoidable through sickness.

Please inform the school if your child is unable to attend by sending an email to the class teacher and the school receptionist. If your child uses the bus service it is imperative that you inform​ ​the​ ​school​ ​/​ ​bus​ ​monitor​ ​as​ ​soon​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​delaying​ ​the​ ​bus.

If your child is sick, they should not be sent to school to avoid passing on the sickness to others. A period of 24 hours should be observed to ensure symptoms have abated. If the school feels that a child has returned to school too soon, parents will be contacted to collect their​ ​child​ ​immediately.

11

Please advise the school of any medical problems your child may have when there is an allergy to materials or food. Please ensure that the health questionnaire has been completed and updated when necessary and appropriate. Food allergies must be identified by a doctor and a medical​ ​certificate​ ​provided​ ​for​ ​this.

If your child becomes unwell and the class teacher feels that s/he may not be well enough to participate in lessons, they will be referred to the school nurse on site. After further observation, if the child is clearly not well enough to return to class, you may be telephoned to collect your child. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the parents to collect their unwell child and the school cannot provide a driver in such circumstances. In extreme emergencies, such as serious injury or extreme sickness the school will make every effort to get​ ​the​ ​child​ ​to​ ​medical​ ​facilities.

Medication can only be administered with written consent and directions from the parents.

Medicines must be given to the class teacher or the nurse by the parent, not the child. If your child​ ​has​ ​had​ ​to​ ​visit​ ​the​ ​nurse​ ​due​ ​to​ ​injury​ ​you​ ​will​ ​be​ ​informed​ ​of​ ​the​ ​incident​ ​in​ ​writing.

First​ ​Aid

The school employs a full-time qualified nurse and designated staff are first-aid trained and can deal with day-to-day matters such as cuts or bruises and children who feel unwell whilst at school. In the unlikely event of a more serious accident, all students will be escorted to a hospital. Parents will be telephoned immediately to inform of the accident and asked to meet the​ ​child​ ​and​ ​nurse​ ​at​ ​the​ ​hospital.

Communication

We​ ​aim​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​parents​ ​fully​ ​informed​ ​about​ ​events​ ​or​ ​developments​ ​at​ ​BCB​ ​in​ ​several​ ​ways:

Class teachers will write a weekly update every Friday on their class blog which will inform parents​ ​of​ ​what​ ​has​ ​happened​ ​in​ ​class​ ​that​ ​week.

At the beginning of each term, a curriculum letter is posted on the class blog to inform parents of​ ​the​ ​topics​ ​and​ ​objectives​ ​that​ ​will​ ​be​ ​taught​ ​in​ ​the​ ​coming​ ​term.

Class teachers are happy to discuss concerns parents may have about their child but are unable to do so during teaching time. Parents are asked not to contact class teachers in the morning​ ​for​ ​a​ ​lengthy​ ​chat,​ ​as​ ​teachers​ ​and​ ​pupils​ ​are​ ​always​ ​anxious​ ​to​ ​begin​ ​their​ ​daily​ ​work.

12

At the beginning of the year, we will hold a “Meet the Teacher Day” when parents will have an opportunity to get an insight into daily life, our curriculum and have a chance to meet members of​ ​staff.

Additionally, parents are often invited to support class assemblies, activities, open days and curriculum days in order to be involved in school life as much as possible. There is also an annual “Student Led Conference” where parents can hear from their child how they believe they​ ​are​ ​developing.

Finally,​ ​reports​ ​are​ ​also​ ​sent​ ​out​ ​during​ ​each​ ​term​ ​followed​ ​by​ ​a​ ​formal​ ​Parent​ ​Teacher Consultation.​ ​This​ ​will​ ​ensure​ ​that​ ​progress​ ​is​ ​shared​ ​on​ ​a​ ​regular​ ​basis.

In order to maintain consistent lines of communication, we ask that you ensure that your contact details including mobile phones and email addresses remain regularly updated with the school​ ​office.

13

Homework

Homework​ ​is​ ​an​ ​important​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​curriculum​ ​and​ ​the​ ​table​ ​below​ ​gives​ ​you information​ ​regarding​ ​the​ ​amounts​ ​and​ ​types​ ​of​ ​homework​ ​that​ ​your​ ​child​ ​may​ ​receive​ ​as​ ​they progress​ ​through​ ​the​ ​school​ ​years.​ ​Homework​ ​tasks​ ​will​ ​be​ ​a​ ​mixture​ ​of​ ​online​ ​activities​ ​on​ ​the class​ ​website​ ​and​ ​physical/written​ ​tasks. ​ ​Year

Portuguese

(can​ ​include written/readin g​ ​task,​ ​flash cards, discussion topic, research​ ​etc)

Reading​ ​at​ ​home

● with​ ​an​ ​adult​ ​(Rec-Y2) ● independently​ ​and​ ​to an​ ​adult​ ​at​ ​times (Y3-Y6) ● Parents​ ​should comment​ ​and​ ​complete children’s​ ​reading records

Spellings

Words​ ​to​ ​learn using​ ​LSCWC method​ ​and/or spelling​ ​activity

Other​ ​homework​ ​from class​ ​teacher​ ​per​ ​week

Can​ ​include​ ​written, drawing​ ​or​ ​online​ ​tasks, practical​ ​work​ ​or​ ​research.

Pre- Nursery

n/a

Weekly​ ​library​ ​book​ ​to​ ​read​ ​to child,​ ​enjoy​ ​and​ ​talk​ ​about​ ​(and reread​ ​again​ ​and​ ​again​ ​as desired​ ​by​ ​the​ ​child).

n/a

Very​ ​occasional​ ​as decided​ ​by​ ​the​ ​teacher.

Nursery

n/a

5/10mins​ ​3​ ​times​ ​per​ ​week​ ​as and​ ​when​ ​the​ ​children​ ​are ready.

n/a

Weekly​ ​Words​ ​on​ ​the class​ ​website​ ​as​ ​and​ ​when the​ ​children​ ​are​ ​ready.

Rec

n/a

5/10mins​ ​3​ ​times​ ​per​ ​week​ ​as and​ ​when​ ​the​ ​children​ ​are ready.

1​ ​task​ ​per​ ​week​ ​as and​ ​when​ ​students are​ ​ready

Weekly​ ​Words​ ​on​ ​the class​ ​website.

1

15​ ​mins as​ ​&​ ​when

10​ ​mins​ ​per​ ​day

1​ ​task​ ​per​ ​week

2​ ​task​ ​of​ ​approx.​ ​15​ ​mins​ ​*

2

30​ ​mins​ ​per week​ ​max

15​ ​mins​ ​per​ ​day

1​ ​task​ ​per​ ​week

2​ ​task​ ​of​ ​approx​ ​20​ ​mins​ ​*

3

30​ ​mins​ ​per week​ ​max

20​ ​mins​ ​per​ ​day

1​ ​task​ ​per​ ​week

2​ ​task​ ​of​ ​approx​ ​30​ ​mins​*

4

30​ ​mins​ ​per week​ ​max

20​ ​mins​ ​per​ ​day

1​ ​task​ ​per​ ​week

​ ​3​ ​tasks​ ​of​ ​approx​ ​30​ ​mins each​*

5

30​ ​mins​ ​per week​ ​max

30​ ​mins​ ​per​ ​day

1​ ​task​ ​per​ ​week

3​ ​tasks​ ​of​ ​approx​ ​30​ ​mins each​*

6

30​ ​mins​ ​per week​ ​max

30​ ​mins​ ​per​ ​day

1​ ​task​ ​per​ ​week

3​ ​tasks​ ​of​ ​approx​ ​30​ ​mins each​*

14

Merit​ ​System

On entry to the school each child will be allocated a house and members of the same family placed in the same house. We will seek a balance of male and female students in each house.

The​ ​House​ ​names​ ​are​ ​as​ ​follows:

Each teacher will be responsible for a house, and there will be regular house meetings and competitions.

The​ ​House​ ​System​ ​will​ ​have​ ​two​ ​parts: 1) Merit scheme where children gain house points for individual awards relating to attainment, progress,​ ​effort​ ​and​ ​achievement.

2)​ ​Internal​ ​competitions​ ​such​ ​as​ ​Sports​ ​Day,​ ​Swimming​ ​Gala,​ ​Poetry​ ​and​ ​Music​ ​competitions.

House​ ​Point​ ​Certificates​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Primary​ ​School

At BCB we believe that great efforts should be rewarded and recognised. With this in mind, we have a house point system that is designed to encourage high standards and positive action from​ ​our​ ​students​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​year.

House​ ​Points​ ​therefore​ ​will​ ​only​ ​be​ ​awarded​ ​when​ ​children​ ​do​ ​their​ ​very​ ​best.

During the year, pupils will be awarded house points for excellent work, effort and progress.

Teachers shall award points to each child when deserved and it will be the responsibility of the child to enter his/her house point on the chart displayed in the class. This can be a coloured square or a tick alongside a name. There will be no negative actions such as minus house points. Certificates will be awarded in assembly to successful students. Certificates are organised in the following way. The aim is to achieve as many house points as possible during each​ ​term.​ ​ ​At​ ​the​ ​beginning​ ​of​ ​each​ ​month,​ ​house​ ​point​ ​totals​ ​are​ ​reset​ ​to​ ​zero. ● Bronze​ ​–​ ​10​ ​points ● Silver​ ​–​ ​30​ ​points ● Gold​ ​–​ ​60​ ​points ● Platinum​ ​–​ ​100​ ​points 15

At the end of each month the house points from each class will be collated and the winning House will be announced during the next assembly. A House Point Cup will be awarded to the winning​ ​team​ ​annually​ ​at​ ​Speech​ ​Day.

Citizenship

We reward children for displaying good manners and citizenship skills with our Star Citizen Award. This award is announced regularly during assembly time when the acts of good citizenship are shared with the rest of the school and the pupil(s) rewarded and congratulated.

A record of Star Citizens is kept in the Star Citizen Book which can be read by any member of the​ ​school.

Behaviour​ ​Policy

Within each primary classroom we have introduced a positive behaviour system to reward and reinforce​ ​the​ ​learning​ ​skills​ ​that​ ​are​ ​so​ ​important​ ​to​ ​successful​ ​learning.

Each class agrees and displays a set of class rules that they feel will promote effective learning. The teachers and TAs will then reinforce effective learning skills through praise and by rewarding each example with a marble. For every 100 marbles collected, the class earns a reward.

The rewards are chosen by the class at the start of term and displayed alongside the agreements. For the first 100 marbles the class will earn a 15-minute reward while the final 500 marble reward may involve a whole afternoon of fun. The rewards should reflect the amount of marbles​ ​earned.

Alongside this there is a set of clearly defined and displayed sanctions for those instances where the behaviour of a child is disrupting the learning of others. The stages of sanctions are as​ ​follows​ ​and​ ​represent​ ​each​ ​time​ ​learning​ ​is​ ​disturbed​ ​during​ ​a​ ​teaching​ ​session: ​ ​Stage​ ​1:​ ​You​ ​are​ ​reminded​ ​of​ ​the​ ​class​ ​agreement​ ​and​ ​told​ ​not​ ​to​ ​disturb​ ​learning.

Stage​ ​2:​ ​You​ ​are​ ​reminded​ ​of​ ​the​ ​class​ ​agreement;​ ​initials​ ​are​ ​written​ ​on​ ​a​ ​board.

Stage​ ​3:​ ​You​ ​must​ ​work​ ​in​ ​another​ ​classroom.

Stage 4: You must discuss your difficulties with the headmaster and possibly your parents if the​ ​disruptive​ ​behaviour​ ​continues.

Each of the stages should be carried out discretely so as not to draw attention to the disruptive behaviour.​ ​ ​We​ ​do​ ​not​ ​shout​ ​at​ ​pupils​ ​at​ ​BCB.

The aim of this policy is to create a positive learning environment within classes and a sense of togetherness​ ​as​ ​everyone​ ​helps​ ​to​ ​earn​ ​marbles​ ​for​ ​the​ ​chosen​ ​shared​ ​rewards.

NOTE:​ ​Once​ ​awarded,​ ​marbles​ ​cannot​ ​be​ ​taken​ ​away.

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Birthdays​ ​Policy

At​ ​The​ ​British​ ​College​ ​of​ ​Brazil​ ​we​ ​feel​ ​that​ ​a​ ​child’s​ ​birthday​ ​is​ ​an​ ​important​ ​day​ ​in​ ​their​ ​lives and​ ​that​ ​it​ ​should​ ​be​ ​celebrated.​ ​ ​In​ ​order​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​celebrations​ ​appropriate​ ​and​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​the minimum​ ​of​ ​disruption​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​day,​ ​we​ ​ask​ ​that​ ​the​ ​following​ ​requests​ ​be​ ​observed:

1. Cakes​ ​are​ ​allowed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​brought​ ​to​ ​school​ ​to​ ​share​ ​with​ ​the​ ​class,​ ​but​ ​must​ ​be​ ​100% nut​ ​free.​ ​ ​No​ ​other​ ​food​ ​or​ ​drink​ ​should​ ​be​ ​provided.

2. Parents​ ​may​ ​be​ ​present​ ​when​ ​the​ ​cake​ ​is​ ​shared​ ​with​ ​the​ ​class,​ ​but​ ​must​ ​refrain​ ​from taking​ ​photographs.

3. Parents​ ​must​ ​arrange​ ​the​ ​cake​ ​delivery​ ​with​ ​the​ ​teacher​ ​at​ ​least​ ​3​ ​days​ ​in​ ​advance,​ ​and must​ ​not​ ​turn​ ​up​ ​unannounced.

4. Gift​ ​bags,​ ​balloons​ ​or​ ​other​ ​small​ ​gifts​ ​should​ ​not​ ​be​ ​distributed​ ​to​ ​the​ ​other​ ​children​ ​in the​ ​class​ ​as​ ​this​ ​can​ ​cause​ ​an​ ​unwanted​ ​precedent​ ​for​ ​other​ ​parents.

5. Entertainers,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​clowns​ ​or​ ​magicians,​ ​are​ ​not​ ​permitted.

6. The​ ​celebration​ ​must​ ​cause​ ​the​ ​minimum​ ​of​ ​disruption​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​day​ ​and​ ​the requests​ ​of​ ​the​ ​class​ ​teacher​ ​should​ ​be​ ​respected​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times​ ​and​ ​never​ ​questioned.

Birthday​ ​Parties​ ​Outside​ ​of​ ​School

The​ ​responsibilities​ ​of​ ​teachers​ ​and​ ​admin​ ​staff​ ​at​ ​The​ ​British​ ​College​ ​of​ ​Brazil​ ​are​ ​vast​ ​and varied.​ ​ ​As​ ​a​ ​result,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​possible​ ​for​ ​any​ ​member​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​team​ ​to​ ​be​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​the organisation​ ​of​ ​children’s​ ​birthday​ ​parties​ ​that​ ​take​ ​place​ ​outside​ ​of​ ​school.​ ​ ​The​ ​following guidelines​ ​should​ ​be​ ​observed​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times:

1. Invitations​ ​to​ ​parties​ ​may​ ​be​ ​distributed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​child​ ​to​ ​other​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​class​ ​or school.​ ​ ​In​ ​pre-nursery​ ​and​ ​nursery,​ ​teachers​ ​can​ ​assist​ ​in​ ​placing​ ​invites​ ​into​ ​bags​ ​or folders,​ ​but​ ​only​ ​when​ ​the​ ​whole​ ​class​ ​have​ ​been​ ​invited​ ​to​ ​the​ ​party.

2. Invitations​ ​should​ ​contain​ ​all​ ​relevant​ ​information​ ​regarding​ ​organisation,​ ​timings, location​ ​and​ ​correspondence.​ ​These​ ​should​ ​be​ ​completed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​parents​ ​including​ ​all names​ ​and​ ​other​ ​details.

3. Teachers​ ​and​ ​admin​ ​staff​ ​cannot​ ​assist​ ​in​ ​the​ ​collection​ ​or​ ​collation​ ​of​ ​party​ ​invitations.

This​ ​should​ ​be​ ​made​ ​clear​ ​on​ ​the​ ​party​ ​invitation.

4. Teachers​ ​and​ ​admin​ ​staff​ ​cannot​ ​assist​ ​in​ ​the​ ​logistical​ ​organisation​ ​of​ ​parties​ ​such​ ​as buses​ ​and​ ​other​ ​transportation.

5. It​ ​is​ ​the​ ​responsibility​ ​of​ ​the​ ​parent​ ​or​ ​guardian​ ​to​ ​organise​ ​all​ ​aspects​ ​of​ ​parties​ ​outside of​ ​school.​ ​Teachers​ ​and​ ​admin​ ​staff​ ​should​ ​not​ ​be​ ​approached​ ​or​ ​contacted​ ​about these​ ​matters.

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It​ ​is​ ​the​ ​responsibility​ ​of​ ​every​ ​child’s​ ​parent​ ​to​ ​inform​ ​the​ ​school​ ​of​ ​how​ ​their​ ​child​ ​will​ ​be going​ ​home,​ ​including​ ​parties.​ ​As​ ​a​ ​reminder,​ ​all​ ​alterations​ ​to​ ​a​ ​child’s​ ​mode​ ​of​ ​transport​ ​must be​ ​made​ ​before​ ​1:00pm​ ​of​ ​the​ ​given​ ​day.

Lunch

Lunch​ ​is​ ​provided​ ​by​ ​school​ ​and​ ​is​ ​prepared​ ​in​ ​our​ ​kitchens.​ ​ ​We​ ​offer​ ​pupils​ ​a​ ​healthy​ ​choice of​ ​food​ ​each​ ​day​ ​which​ ​includes​ ​a​ ​range​ ​of​ ​salads,​ ​vegetables,​ ​proteins​ ​and​ ​carbohydrates.

We​ ​encourage​ ​our​ ​children​ ​to​ ​eat​ ​healthily​ ​and​ ​whilst​ ​we​ ​recognise​ ​that​ ​some​ ​children​ ​may​ ​not like​ ​certain​ ​food,​ ​we​ ​always​ ​encourage​ ​children​ ​to​ ​try​ ​everything​ ​with​ ​an​ ​expectation​ ​that​ ​they eat​ ​all​ ​of​ ​their​ ​meal.​ ​Any​ ​food​ ​allergies​ ​should​ ​be​ ​reported​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​and​ ​accompanied​ ​by​ ​a medical​ ​certificate.​ ​We​ ​limit​ ​the​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​salt​ ​given​ ​to​ ​children​ ​so​ ​this​ ​is​ ​not​ ​readily​ ​available.

School​ ​Concerns​ ​and​ ​Complaints​ ​Procedure

The​ ​school​ ​welcomes​ ​all​ ​feedback​ ​of​ ​all​ ​kinds​ ​from​ ​parents.

On​ ​occasion​ ​you​ ​might​ ​feel​ ​that​ ​our​ ​service​ ​has​ ​fallen​ ​below​ ​the​ ​levels​ ​of​ ​your​ ​expectation,​ ​or require​ ​further​ ​explanation​ ​on​ ​an​ ​area​ ​of​ ​which​ ​you​ ​are​ ​unsure.

If​ ​you​ ​have​ ​a​ ​complaint​ ​regarding​ ​any​ ​non-​ ​financial​ ​matter​ ​concerning​ ​the​ ​school,​ ​the​ ​first point​ ​of​ ​contact​ ​is​ ​normally​ ​your​ ​child’s​ ​class​ ​or​ ​form​ ​teacher.

They​ ​will​ ​take​ ​the​ ​matter​ ​up​ ​for​ ​you​ ​and​ ​will​ ​do​ ​one​ ​of​ ​two​ ​things;

1. Reply​ ​directly​ ​within​ ​24​ ​hours​ ​when​ ​possible.

2. Pass​ ​the​ ​matter​ ​to​ ​the​ ​appropriate​ ​person.

Please​ ​note​ ​that​ ​email​ ​is​ ​the​ ​preferred​ ​method​ ​of​ ​handling​ ​communication​ ​with​ ​class​ ​/​ ​form teachers​ ​as​ ​they​ ​are​ ​busy​ ​during​ ​the​ ​day​ ​and​ ​cannot​ ​respond​ ​to​ ​phone​ ​calls.​ ​Alternatively,​ ​a meeting​ ​can​ ​be​ ​requested​ ​via​ ​reception.

If​ ​the​ ​complaint​ ​is​ ​regarding​ ​the​ ​class​ ​or​ ​form​ ​teacher,​ ​and​ ​you​ ​feel​ ​that​ ​it​ ​would​ ​not​ ​be appropriate​ ​to​ ​raise​ ​it​ ​with​ ​them,​ ​you​ ​may​ ​contact​ ​their​ ​head​ ​of​ ​school​ ​directly.

If​ ​the​ ​complaint​ ​is​ ​concerning​ ​the​ ​head​ ​of​ ​school,​ ​then​ ​the​ ​complaint​ ​should​ ​be​ ​lodged​ ​directly with​ ​the​ ​Headmaster.

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Urgent​ ​matters​ ​of​ ​child​ ​welfare​ ​(safety)​ ​can​ ​be​ ​immediately​ ​addressed​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​in​ ​person, and​ ​a​ ​meeting​ ​will​ ​be​ ​arranged​ ​as​ ​soon​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​with​ ​a​ ​senior​ ​member​ ​of​ ​staff.

Complaints​ ​of​ ​a​ ​financial​ ​nature​ ​should​ ​be​ ​directed​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school’s​ ​Finance​ ​Department.

Appointments​ ​can​ ​be​ ​made​ ​to​ ​see​ ​Heads​ ​of​ ​school​ ​via​ ​reception.​ ​Complaints​ ​are​ ​handled​ ​as swiftly​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​and​ ​in​ ​confidence​ ​where​ ​appropriate​ ​/​ ​requested.​ ​Parents​ ​will​ ​be​ ​kept​ ​up​ ​to date​ ​of​ ​the​ ​progress​ ​of​ ​their​ ​enquiry​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​process.

In​ ​Summary

We​ ​hope​ ​that​ ​this​ ​handbook​ ​provides​ ​an​ ​informative​ ​introduction​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school.​ ​Of​ ​course,​ ​not every​ ​piece​ ​of​ ​information​ ​will​ ​be​ ​here​ ​and​ ​if​ ​you​ ​should​ ​need​ ​any​ ​further​ ​guidance,​ ​please​ ​feel free​ ​to​ ​contact​ ​the​ ​appropriate​ ​member​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​for​ ​further​ ​advice.​ ​We​ ​look​ ​forward​ ​to working​ ​with​ ​you​ ​this​ ​year!

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Avenida​ ​Engenheiro​ ​Oscar​ ​Americano,​ ​630 Cidade​ ​Jardim,​ ​São​ ​Paulo​ ​SP, 05673-050, Brazil

+55​ ​11​ ​3031​ ​4697

R.​ ​Álvares​ ​de​ ​Azevedo,​ ​50​ ​-​ ​Campo​ ​Grande, São​ ​Paulo​ ​SP, 04671-040, Brazil

+55​ ​11​ ​5523​ ​5052

https://britishcollegebrazil.org

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