International College Student Handbook

Student Handbook February 2019

1

College Life The International College is a special member of the King’s School family, in that it caters solely for international pupils. The College aims to provide a nurturing and stimulating community for its students, with an emphasis on helping students adjust to a new environment, language, culture, and approach to academic life. Above all else, College students should strive to be kind to one another and to work hard, as this will allow them to develop the character traits that will underpin future personal and academic growth. A special emphasis will need to be placed on empathy and respect, as students from around the globe bring different expectations and attitudes to boarding life.

Key Contacts Resident Staff Mrs Jo Prior Mr Bill Prior Ms Mel Erol Ms Bridget Goodge

07923 382345 07546 512714 07923 382344 07923 383017

Joint Principal & Housemistress Joint Principal & Housemaster Deputy Housemistress Resident Matron

Teachers and Support Staff Ms Mel Erol, Teacher of Art Mr James Frazer, Teacher of Humanities Mrs Sarah Joseph, Teacher of English and SENCO Mrs Samantha King, Teacher of Science Mr Antonio Orlando, Teacher of Mathematics Ms Sue Palmer, Science and Art Technician Ms Jane Pulford, Matron Dr Annalise Roy, Teacher of Music

Safeguarding The safety and well-being of all of our pupils is our highest priority. Our business is to know everyone as an individual and to provide a secure and caring environment so that every pupil can learn in safety. We expect respect, good manners and fair play to be shown by everyone so that every pupil can develop his/her full potential and feel positive about him/herself as an individual. All pupils should care for and support each other. All staff are required to follow The King’s School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

2

Weekly Routine

Mornings 7:00 Wake-up duty, showers, making beds 7:30 - 7:40 Tick in with Matron on the way to breakfast Afternoons Town in pairs: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday after games until 17:00; Sundays with tick ins at 10:00 13:30 and 17:00, unless slightly altered due to trips or other activities On campus: between end of prep and 21:30 (door gets locked) Evenings 21:45 Year 8 & 9 hand in phones 22:00 Year 8 & 9 lights out 22:15 Year 10 hand in phones 22:30 Year 10 & 11 lights out Sundays Because of trips, activities, or other events, Sunday routines will vary from week to week. However, the evening routine will be the same as on other days: House Curfew Quiet Hour / Activities Supper Tick in and meeting Prep Free Bed from

17:00 17:15 - 18:15 18:30 19:00 - 19:10 19:15 - 20:45 20:45 - 21:30 21:45

Free time During free time, students may not break bounds as per the College Rules.

3

College Life A - Z Ball games There should be no ball games in the College. Students have use of ample outdoor space and the Rec Centre for ball games.

Bedrooms Students should keep their bedrooms tidy and well-aired. Other students’ bedrooms may only be visited when they are present and after having been invited in. All staff and students should always knock before entering a bedroom.

City Students may leave the school campus in pairs and during the following times: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays after games until 17:00 and Sundays until 17:00 with regular tick ins as agreed with the JPs or DHM. They must carry or wear their Student ID when leaving the campus and sign in and out of the College’s Sign in Book inside the College.

Computers and laptops Students should not watch television, stream movies and videos, spend time on social media, or play computer games during the school day or during prep. They may pursue these activities in their free time but they are encouraged to make these part of a balanced range of interests. Students should not use electronic devices after bedtime. If devices are found to be used after bedtime they will be confiscated over night. See also E-safety Policy on the VLE.

Damage All damage to College or private or College property should be reported to a member of staff as quickly as possible.

Dress Students are expected to wear uniform during the school day. They must keep their uniform clean and looking smart, as they represent the College when they wear the uniform. Any plain style winter coat may be worn, either very dark navy or preferably black and large enough to accommodate a blazer underneath. Fur trimmings are not allowed. When students are in home clothes, they should make sensible choices and dress according to weather and occasion. They must carry their student ID at all times. See also the College Rules in the appendix for further details. Students must purchase and maintain the range of uniform specified on the uniform list. Lost items must be replaced.

Duties Students are on a rota of individual duties around the College. This promotes their sense of responsibility and contribution to the community.

Fire safety All students must know the fire drill, and fire doors must not be obstructed. There will be at least two drills a term and any fire alarm must be taken seriously. For staff responsibilities in the event of a fire or fire alarm, see the Fire Safety Procedure document. Staff and students are fully trained in this matter.

Food Attendance at breakfast, lunch and supper meals in the Dining Hall is compulsory, as this ensures students eat three healthy meals a day. Should students wish to consume a small snack after prep in the evening, they may prepare this in the Common Room after prep. A fridge, microwave, and kettle are available. From Monday to Friday, students may not order takeaway food and no hot or wet food may be consumed in bedrooms. Fruit is available in the College daily.

4

Medicines Controlled drugs, dangerous medicines, and those of younger pupils are securely held by the Matrons in their office and dispensed from there at prescribed times. Parents must give their permission for students to take homeopathic remedies.

Mobile phones Students in Years 8-10 hand in their phone before going to bed. They may collect their phone in the morning.

Students in Year 11 may keep their phones overnight but should switch them off at bedtime to ensure a good night’s sleep. Students on the academic concern list may be required to hand in their phones overnight.

Music Students may play music (using speakers and other devices) in their own rooms, as long as this remains at a reasonable level.

Pocket money Students can collect pocket money from the Joint Principals or DHM in the evening after prep or during free time.

The average amount of pocket money is usually £5 per week. Pocket money must be deposited with the Joint Principals because students will have minimal time to visit the bank. The Joint Principals can take cash or a cheque can be made payable to The King’s School. Students should not be in possession of more than £20 in cash in the College at any time.

Prep Students should use prep time to complete prep assignments, revise, or look ahead in their textbooks. If they have completed all their assignments, they may read a book. They may not play games, listen to music or use social media. To ensure that students work hard during prep, they hand in their phones at the start of prep.

Sickness Any student not feeling well enough for a normal day of school, i.e. lessons AND games needs to be signed off ill

by Matron in the morning. The options are either going to the Health Centre or staying in bed in the College, but only if staffing of the house can be guaranteed. All electronic gadgets should be handed in, so that the patient can focus on getting better / resting. If a student is well enough to go to lessons, but has an injury that prevents them from attending games, Matron will inform the activities coordinator who will update Socs / inform the relevant activity takers – again gadgets will be handed in.

Television There is a communal TV available in the common room, where students may watch TV during free time after lessons and Games. The volume should not exceed appropriate levels. Students should not have personal TVs.

Weekend leave At the College we have lessons every Saturday. In addition, we have short terms. For these reasons, students are expected to spend their weekends in the College. Once per half term, they may, if they choose, visit their guardian or a friend’s house for an overnight stay. They may depart the College after they have fulfilled their commitments on a Saturday, and they should return by 8pm on Sunday. Permission for all weekends out should be sought by parents or guardians by email to Mrs Prior at least one week in advance. If students wish to spend a weekend at a friend’s house, both the hosting family and the student’s parents must confirm the arrangement by email.

Valuables Students should never leave valuables, passports, ID cards, or money lying around or in obvious drawers or pockets.

Students can deposit money and valuable items with the Joint Principals for safekeeping, or alternatively use the lockable safe provided in their wardrobes. The College cannot be held liable for valuables or sums of money that

5

have not been handed in for safekeeping. Students are reminded on their return to College after all holidays and half term breaks to hand in valuables. Additionally, students are reminded of this regularly at College meetings.

Visiting other houses Students may visit other boarding houses between 16:45 and 19:00, where this is after any lessons or games, before any College curfews, or with permission from one of the Joint Principals or the Deputy Housemistress. As guests, they must announce themselves politely to staff and adhere to all rules of the respective house. Boys may not visit any girls’ bedrooms and vice versa.

Visitors Visitors may be brought into the College by students between 16:30 and 19:00, where this is after any lessons or games. The student hosting the visitor is responsible for announcing their presence clearly to a member of staff and making sure that the visitors’ book is signed. All visitors must remain on the ground floor.

Posters and Photographs Students may pin up posters and photographs on the noticeboard provided in their room.

6

Student guidelines Who can help you?

At the International College, there are many different people available and willing to help with any worries and difficulties that you might experience. Among other things, you may feel that you need help with

-

Feeling unable to cope with academic or social and friendship situations

-

Someone has hurt, abused or harassed you or has made suggestions (sexual or otherwise) that you feel are inappropriate

-

You feel you have been treated unreasonably by a member of staff

A situation in which you feel discriminated against you on the grounds of race, religion, gender, or any other reason

You are being bullied or treated unkindly or unfairly by another student.

You will often seek and receive help from the Housemaster and Housemistress, the Deputy Housemistress, the Matrons, or your tutor. You may, of course, wish to speak to any member of staff whom you feel you can trust.

A doctor can be seen at the Health Centre at 8:00 from Monday to Friday.

There is a team of counsellors who are available throughout the week. Pupils can book an appointment in confidence by emailing counselling@kings-school.co.uk You can also contact other people who are not involved in the day-to-day running of the College: -

Independent Listener: Canon D. Naumann Duty Officer at Social Services Childline Canterbury Samaritans East Kent Area Safeguarding Advisor: Julie Maguire Children’s Commissioner for England:

01227 458939 03000 411111 0800 1111 01227 457777 03000 418403 0207 783 8330

Under some circumstances you may wish to make a formal complaint in writing, especially if an informal complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved. In this case, you should 1. Write to your Housemaster, Housemistress, or the Deputy Housemistress.

2. Your complaint will be registered and you will be contacted within two days to confirm that the complaint is being attended to.

3. You will then be asked to talk the matter through with either one or both of the Joint Principals. You may invite another student or member of staff of your choice to come to this meeting with you.

4. If at any stage you are dissatisfied with this procedure, you may contact the Duty Office at the Social Service Department (03000411111). He or she will come and speak to you privately at the school (you may again choose to be accompanied to this meeting) and will advise you what course of action seems sensible. It will then be up to you to make your decision in light of that advice.

7

College Rules Reviewed by: Joint Principals Date: 24 February 2019 Rules are subject to change with the updated version published to the Parent Portal.

These Rules are intended to impose only such restrictions as are necessary for the general well-being of students and teachers in the International College. Good order is best when it results naturally from the good sense and good feeling of everybody concerned; it is essential that we all live together in respect for one another and behave accordingly. Rules and conditions remain binding on boys and girls throughout their time at the College, or when travelling to or from the College, regardless of age. Bringing the College’s reputation into disrepute (by defamatory or other words or deeds) constitutes a serious breach of discipline at any time, and could lead to expulsion.

The Joint Principals are responsible for the care and the discipline of the students and for the management of the College. If a student fails to comply with the College Rules and any regulations made from time to time, they may require the student to be removed, without a refund of the current term’s fees. They also reserve the right to ask parents to withdraw any student who is, in their opinion, not making sufficient progress to warrant (in the student’s own interest) his or her retention in the College, or to withdraw a pupil from a particular examination subject if, in their opinion, that is also in the student’s own interest.

1. Bounds (permitted areas for students) The following are out of bounds without permission from a Joint Principal: 1.

1.2

Any place beyond the limits shown on the city maps displayed in the College (including the Dean John Gardens), plus the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey.

The Kingsmead playing field, and the riverside path and underpass on that side beyond the Sainsbury’s bridge.

1.3

The City / Off Malthouse Campus except in pairs on: Tuesday, Thursdays, Saturdays after games until 17:00 and after signing out clearly in the Sign Out Book in College, providing their name, time of departure, and destination. Upon return, the sign in time must also be provided. Leave to visit the City on Sundays will be determined by the member of staff on duty on a week by week basis, taking into account activities and trips.

1.4

The South Side of the Cathedral, along with the Great Cloister and approaches thereto, after 18:00 (unless on the way to a Cathedral event).

1.5

The Cathedral Herb Garden and the Campanile Garden.

1.6

College and school kitchens.

1.7

The roofs of all buildings (including the Cathedral).

1.8

All pubs, bars, betting shops and amusement arcades.

1.9

Private houses, including the houses of The King’s School day pupils.

1.10

Cinemas, theatres and other places of public entertainment.

8

1.11

2.

The river and all boats on the river, sea or lakes (except when participating in a supervised school activity).

Order 2.1

Paid Private Tuition requires the prior consent of parents and the Joint Principals.

2.2

No student may be driven in a private car by any other King’s pupil, nor by anybody who is not an employee of the College or The King’s School, unless the driver is the guardian or a member of the student’s own family, or the written consent of parents and the permission of the Joint Principals has been obtained.

2.3

The following are forbidden: a)

The possession or use of weapons, replica weapons, firearms or explosives of any kind (including BB guns, fireworks, all sharp knives and penknives)

b)

The unauthorised use or possession of any aerosol or solvent-based glue

c)

The possession or use of laser pens

d)

The possession and/or use of ‘hoverboards’, segways, scooters, etc.

e)

Busking

f)

Walking outdoors in bare feet

g)

Hitch-hiking

h)

The possession or use of computer games, DVDs, or CDs by anyone under age according to their classification in England

i)

The possession or drinking of alcohol

j)

The possession or use of drugs and legal highs

k)

The possession or use of smoking paraphernalia, including vaping equipment

2.4

Students should not bring back to College items of significant monetary or emotional value, nor any item that (by its ostentatious nature or worth) might cause division or jealousy amongst peers.

2.5

Paid employment is forbidden during term time.

2.6

Apart from minor transactions, buying and selling among students, and the lending of money, must have the Joint Principals’ permission.

2.7

No student may obtain credit at any town shop or restaurant, except with parents’ permission and the knowledge of the Joint Principals.

9

3.

4.

2.8

No one may miss a College-provided meal without the Joint Principals, Deputy Housemistress’s, or Matrons’ permission.

2.9

It is forbidden to remove food, drink, cutlery or crockery from any School or College dining hall.

2.10

No food or drink may be consumed outdoors in the streets.

2.11

The chewing of gum is forbidden.

2.12

Students may not gather in large groups on any roads or pathways where they may inconvenience residents and visitors.

2.13

Personal possessions (books, files, clothing, &c.) may not be left outside rooms and buildings except in the storage provided, and should be in some suitable bag.

Mobile Phones 3.1

Mobile phones and similar devices may normally only be used in leisure time, discreetly, and not in School buildings or public places within the College and Malthouse site (except with permission).

3.2

They must not be used when crossing roads.

3.3

They should only be used in lessons and study time where the teacher on duty gives permissions.

3.4

Phone numbers must be registered with the Joint Principals, and any changes in the number recorded.

3.5

Offensive messages sent to others will be regarded as a serious breach of College discipline.

3.6

Misuse will lead to confiscation as well as to other sanctions.

3.7

Students may be required by the Joint Principals to hand in their mobile phones at night.

3.8

The photographing, filming, or recording of others (students or adults) without their permission is not permitted at any time.

Meals Out & Saturday Leaves 4.1

Students may only miss roll-call at the weekend if the Joint Principals have given permission.

4.2

On a weekday evening, students may be allowed to go out for a meal with their own parents with the prior approval of the Joint Principals, at whose discretion two or three other students from the College (only) may attend, if so wished.

10

5.

Dress and Appearance The purpose of these rules is to maintain the good reputation and high standard of the College.

At all times clothes must be clean, neat, tidy and in good repair. More detailed guidelines will be issued from time to time. Regard for the spirit of these regulations is as important as regard for their letter.

5.1

College uniform for boys is a black jacket or black jumper with The King’s School crest, King’s pinstripe trousers, white shirt and International College tie, black or grey socks and plain black polished leather shoes. Jewellery, non-School or College lapel badges and other unsuitable ornaments are forbidden, as are tattoos. For girls, College uniform is a black jacket, black jumper or black cardigan with The King’s School crest, with a kneelength King’s pinstripe dress or pinstripe trousers, College white blouse, plain black tights and plain black polished leather low-heeled shoes of sensible shape and weight.

5.2

Make-up, if worn, must be discreet. Only small studs, one per ear-lobe, are permitted, but not nose, tongue or other studs, dangling earrings, rings, bracelets, chunky necklaces, tattoos or nail varnish. Non-School or College lapel badges and other unsuitable ornaments are forbidden. Individual boys and girls may be privileged to wear other specified ties or lapel badges, and likewise approved jumpers for those with Colours and other specified groups.

5.3

College uniform is to be worn: a)

until all time-tabled lessons have finished for the day (including the tutor period), unless the rules are relaxed during hot weather or other specific permission is given;

b)

for all King’s School and College services on Sundays;

c)

always on appropriate King’s School and College occasions, which include such events as Parents’ Meetings, King’s School talks (unless otherwise advertised), King’s and College Plays and Concerts, and any other event at which parents may be present. N.B. Jackets, not jumpers or cardigans, must be worn and must not be taken off at concerts, lectures or similar occasions unless permission is specifically given.

5.4

With all uniform, only a King’s School-issue coat or plain black or navy-blue overcoat or rain-coat of suitable length may be worn, and only a black, King’s School or Boat Club scarf. No jackets should have fur trimmings.

5.5

‘Formal Clothing’: every student must always have available at least one set of smart clothes for formal occasions. Such dress might be required for some trips, dinners or other special occasions.

5.6

‘Casual Clothing’ (‘home clothes’) must be clean, in good repair, and without embellishments of any sort. Jewellery should always remain discreet.

5.7

Hair styles must be consistent with the College uniform. Bizarre or extravagant styles are forbidden. Girls should have the means to tie their hair back if so required. Boys must be clean shaven, with their hair off the collar, but no shorter than ‘Grade 3’. Any dyed hair should be discreet.

11

6.

5.8

Hats should not be worn indoors.

5.9

Headphones and earphones should not be worn when moving around the College site, The King’s School or the City.

5.10

Only official King’s School games clothes and/or track suits may be worn for organised sports lessons.

Bicycles Students are not permitted to keep bikes while at the College, nor are they allowed to cycle on any bikes outside of official school activities.

7.

Residential Rules The following rules apply at all times to all students: 7.1

Boys are not permitted to visit the girls’ floor, nor girls to visit the boys’ floor at any time. The girls floor and the boys floor are separated by alarmed doors. If opened, the mechanism will sound a loud alarm.

7.2

Students may visit other boarding houses after lessons, games and during free time. As guests, they must announce themselves politely to staff and adhere to all rules of the respective house, including the areas in which they allowed to stay.

7.3

As a matter of courtesy, students should, wherever possible, obtain the permission of the Joint Principals and Housemaster or Housemistress when visiting another House. All visitors to the College or House at any time must sign in and out.

7.4

All pupil visitors to the College must inform a member of College staff on their arrival.

Additionally, they should sign the Visitors’ Book on arrival and departure, and they must remain on the ground floor. Visits are only allowed between 16:30 and 19:00. Any visits outside of these times must be agreed with one of the Joint Principals.

7.5

Outsiders may not visit the College or a King’s House without the permission of the Joint Principals or Housemaster or Housemistress. If he or she or a member of staff acting in his or her stead is not available, no visit may take place. It is the duty of the student being visited to ensure that permission has been obtained.

7.6

Electrical appliances may be used in studies only with the Joint Principal’s consent and in accordance with the regulations on this matter.

7.7

Music, radios, computer games, etc. must not be played during lesson or prep time, nor after 10.00 p.m., unless earphones are used; nor at any time so as to cause a nuisance to others.

7.8

Computer games, DVDs, and streamed films, etc. may not be played or watched during lesson or prep time, nor after lights out, nor at other times as determined by the Joint Principals.

12

7.9

No one may be absent from prep without leave from the Joint Principals.

7.10

All students must be ready for a tick in at 19:00. After prep, other Houses may be visited in line with the above rules, unless a member of staff cancels visits for a particular reason.

The College doors are locked at 21:30 and all students must be in College by this time.

7.11

Students should never put themselves to bed in the course of the day without first seeing the Matron.

7.12

To allow girls to pass undisturbed to showers in the morning, boys should stay upstairs until 7:30.

13

Rewards, sanctions, rules Rewards and encouragement are used extensively in the College. On the occasions when sanctions must be applied, they should be applied in line with the College Rules.

Rewards Level 1 Verbal praise by teachers or College boarding staff for good behaviour, academic work, or attitude. Teachers are encouraged to find their own methods of rewarding day to day successes, appropriate to the age of students (e.g. stickers, positive written feedback, group points). Additionally, tutors and teachers are encouraged to feedback to parents at any point good news about their child’s successes.

Level 2 Teachers record examples of excellent work by awarding Merits for anything that warrants immediate positive recognition. Tutors should check their tutees’ record of Merits once a week on iSAMS and use this information to congratulate their tutees. Five Merits will be rewarded with a prize in the form of a voucher. The count starts fresh with the beginning of each term.

Level 3 At the end of each term, each class teacher awards a subject prize. In the life of the College, the house team also award a ‘most helpful’ and ‘greatest contribution to the community’ award separately for boys and girls. Where appropriate, extraordinary co-curricular contribution are also recognised. These take the form of a congratulatory certificate.

Level 4 At the end of the academic year, prizes are awarded to recognise academic, co-curricular, and community successes and efforts.

All Level 2, 3, and 4, awards are recorded on iSAMS.

Sanctions Level 1 Verbal admonishments backed up by the authority of staff within the College. This covers, for example, one-off uniform infractions, lateness, and forgotten equipment, minor disruptive behaviour in class or around the College. Admonishing a student is often as effective as any formal sanction and should be the first recourse of any member of staff: it should be the exception rather than the rule that things are taken ‘higher’, or lead to specific ‘punishment’.

Level 2 More serious misdemeanours or repeat offences of the above should be recorded as a ‘sanction’ on iSAMS, and students should be informed of this verbally by the member of staff. This leads to a short detention after evening prep. Tutors are encouraged to keep an eye on any iSAMS entries and follow these up in discussion with tutees. If three Level 2s are amassed in one week, the third detention will be converted into a Level 3 Wednesday detention.

Level 2 sanctions are also given for egregious lateness to class, forgotten homework, and failure to bring notes/equipment to class.

Level 3 For continuing low level offences (three Level 2 sanctions in a week or being late to three College tick ins in a week) or poor effort, students are either put into a Wednesday detention, or, where appropriate, a report card for a suitable length of time. After this, the matter is escalated to Level 4. Wednesday detention takes place in the Art studio 17:15-18:15.

The Wednesday detention will be given straightaway for more serious one-off offences (e.g. missing lessons or activities, very poor behaviour, being caught smoking once, a first alcohol offence involving beer, wine, or similar).

Level 3s are recorded on iSAMS and tutors should inform parents of any Level 3 offences by email.

14

Level 4 A ‘College Detention’ is given in the case of a second offence involving smoking, beer, wine or similar, or a first offence involving spirits, bullying, wanton damage, dangerous or reckless behaviour. ‘College Detention’ takes place on a Saturday between 19:00-22:00. Parents will be informed by email by the Joint Principals. This is recorded on iSAMS. Level 5 Offences surpassing Level 4 will lead to suspension, requirement to leave, or expulsion depending on the nature and the circumstances of the offence. This will be decided in conversation between the Joint Principals and the Headmaster and will be recorded on iSAMS.

15

Policy and Sanctions with regard to: DRUGS The King’s Schools consider that the use of illegal drugs and so-called ‘legal highs’ (including nitrous oxide and any performance-enhancing drugs) is likely to be damaging to a young person’s health, safety, independence and respect of the law; and will also damage the integrity of the School and College communities by possibly exposing others to temptation and to the risk of criminal proceedings.

A programme of education about drugs will involve pupils during their time at the College. The programme will be arranged through the established curriculum, through the Health & Well Being syllabus and through specially invited external speakers.

It is the policy of the School and College to discourage the use of illegal drugs and ‘legal highs’. Any cases of the use or possession by students of such substances or of any drugs paraphernalia will be treated as a very serious breach of discipline and those involved should expect to be expelled.

A student becoming involved with drug misuse must expect to leave the College; those who have acted as a source of supply will be expelled automatically. Where there is reasonable cause for suspicion that a student may be involved with drugs, a student may be questioned and rooms and personal possessions searched. A saliva or urine test may be taken and sent for analysis by an independent and approved agent.

The procedures are available to parents on request. Testing is the best possible protection for the innocent as well as compelling evidence against those who would put others at risk. Refusal to take a test will be regarded as a disciplinary offence and the College may proceed as if there had been a positive result. The College has the right to inform the police of the possession, consumption or supplying of an illegal drug, as it constitutes a criminal offence.

This policy is seen as being in the best interests of all pupils.

ALCOHOL Students are encouraged to adopt a sensible attitude towards alcohol. The effects on health of alcohol and its social implications will be taught and discussed as part of the curriculum, in the Health & Well Being course, and at tutor period. Help and advice is also available via The King’s School’s medical practice and counselling service. There are breathalysers available at the College.

The consumption of alcohol at any time and in any circumstances is forbidden.

The unauthorised possession of any alcoholic drink is also forbidden.

If a student breaks the code outlined above, or is in the company of students who do so, the following will normally apply: a) A first offence involving beer, wine or similar will be given a Level 3 sanction and a letter will be sent home to parents. b) For a second offence involving beer, wine, or similar, or a first offence involving spirits the student will be given a Level 4 sanction and a letter will be sent to parents; alternatively, it may be decided to impose a period of suspension.

16

c) For further offences involving alcohol, students will be given a Level 5 sanction which may include suspension or expulsion.

SMOKING Students are forbidden to smoke. The effects on health of smoking will be taught and discussed as part of the curriculum, in the Health and Well Being course, and in tutorials. Help and advice is also available through the School’s medical practice and counselling service.

If a student is caught smoking (or in possession of smoking materials including vaping equipment) the following will normally apply: a) A first offence will bring a Level 3 sanction with a letter sent home to parents. However, a student caught smoking in a School or College building can expect a Level 4 sanction regardless of the previous record. b) A second offence will bring a Level 4 sanction and a letter will be sent to parents. c) After a third offence students will be given a Level 5 sanction which may include suspension or expulsion.

The King’s School and International College do not condone the use or possession of e-cigarettes or similar smoking devices.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS The King’s School prides itself on its sporting ethos and commitment to fair play and honesty. Medical and sports coaching advice is that a balanced diet, good hydration, well-organised training and a healthy lifestyle should be all any sports player needs to develop and grow in a healthy way. The School and College therefore discourages the use of dietary supplements (such as protein or whey powders) to enhance levels of physical or sporting achievement, in the belief that they are of no benefit to the physical or sporting performance of the vast majority of students and can, at worst, create an unhealthy attitude towards body image.

The following advice is given for students who wish to maximise their sporting performance: a) b) c) d)

You should always have a water bottle with you at training – hydration is crucially important.

You should aim to get at least 8 hours sleep or more after hard sessions.

You should stretch at least 2 to 3 times a week.

You should always eat 3 main meals per day (breakfast is crucial) with 2 snack-meals in between if required. e) You should try to eat plenty of fish and white meat such as chicken (provided these form part of your normal and existing diet), plenty of fresh vegetables and salad and plenty of pasta, potatoes and rice.

Such a diet is quite possible if you attend meals as provided by the School and/or College each day.

17

No student should take any form of protein supplement. If such supplements are found by College staff, they will be confiscated and returned to the parents.

The use of supplements by students in the gym, at the Recreation Centre or at the Malthouse Sports Centre are not permitted.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS Positive relationships are essential for the well-being of the community and for individuals. At all times the guiding principle must be respect for others. This includes respecting those who have different values and opinions. It also includes behaving in a considerate way which includes the feelings of all: for this reason, excessive displays of affection in public, going beyond normal greetings, are not allowed. Sexual relationships are forbidden in any circumstances. Students who are found to be in breach of this rule, or who are judged to be so, should expect to be required to leave the College.

BULLYING The King’s School and International College is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of its students so that they can learn and develop in the College, at King’s and in all extra-curricular areas in a relaxed and secure environment. Any attempt to interfere with this safe environment will be treated most seriously. An atmosphere is encouraged in which all students should be able to tell a member of staff or another student if they feel bullied, knowing that the incident will be investigated promptly and effectively.

The College recognises that bullying can occur between pupils, between members of staff, and between staff and pupils.

Bullying is an intentional abuse of power by an individual or group, usually repeated over time. In bullying there is a conscious desire to hurt, to threaten or to frighten.

Bullying takes many forms: a) Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching or any other use of violence. b) Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, comments on disability, teasing, insulting or spreading rumours. c) Emotional: exclusion, tormenting (for example, hiding books or belongings), threatening gestures, racial taunts, unfriendliness, cultural insensitivity, graffiti or gestures. d) Sexual: unwanted physical contact or abusive comments about gender or sexuality. e) Cyber: defined as the ‘sending or posting of harmful or cruel text or images using the internet or other digital communication devices’. Types of cyberbullying, range from abusive text messages, emails and phone calls, to bullying in internet chatrooms, social networking sites and instant messaging.

It is not bullying when, for example, two people have the odd dispute or when senior pupils are given responsibility to supervise others in order to ensure the smooth running of the College and the School.

The School and College aim to provide: a) An open, positive, friendly and caring atmosphere which helps to build positive self-images among pupils and fosters appropriate behaviour in all areas.

18

b) The encouragement of positive role-models across the school community. c) A structured PSHE programme or Health and Well Being programme within the curriculum which aims at developing personal and inter-personal skills as well as dealing specifically with the issue of bullying. d) A weekly period set aside for contact time with personal tutors and regular College meetings where issues including bullying can be addressed. e) Student guidelines, including a complaints procedure. f) A peer mentoring group. g) Reassurance that all senior students with some responsibility for younger pupils receive regular support from Tutors.

Incidents that could appear to involve bullying should be reported to the relevant tutor and / or Joint Principals at the earliest opportunity.

The appropriate member of staff will interview the relevant people in a sensitive and appropriate manner; following this investigation, incidents that are found to have involved bullying will be recorded in writing and details passed to the Joint Principals and the Deputy Head (Pastoral) of The King’s School.

Any student who is being bullied will be given support and protection as well as assistance to develop positive coping strategies and self-assertion.

Students who are bullying will also be given support and assistance to change their pattern of behaviour.

It will be emphasised that any bullying behaviour must cease immediately.

In serious cases of bullying, the parents of both parties will be informed of what has happened and how it has been dealt with. Where appropriate, colleagues will be informed and urged to be vigilant.

If the bullying behaviour continues and counselling of all involved has not worked, then appropriate sanctions, determined by the International Director (or in his absence the Joint Principals) in consultation with the relevant Tutor, will follow. In persistent and/or serious cases, suspension or expulsion will be considered.

19