2025 version - Parent A-Z June 2025 - version sent to printers - master on Canva

Academic Year 2025-2026

Michaelmas Term 2025

Monday 1st

Tuesday 2nd

Wednesday 3rd

Thursday 4th

Saturday 27th

Friday 17th

Monday 20th-Friday 31st

Monday 3rd

Saturday 22nd

Thursday 4th

Friday 12th

Lent Term 2026 January

Monday 5th

Tuesday 6th

Monday 16th-Friday 20th

Monday 23rd

Wednesday 25th

Tuesday 14th

Wednesday 15th

Trinity Term 2026 April May

Monday 4th

Monday 25th-Friday 29th

Staff Inset

Staff Inset

New Senior School Students & L6

Whole School in Session

Open Morning

Staff Inset Half Term

Whole School in Session

Columban Fayre

Carols in the Abbey

Last day of Term (Ends 2.00pm)

Staff Inset

Whole School in Session

Half Term

School Resumes

Last day of Term

Staff Inset

Whole School in Session

Bank Holiday Half Term

Monday 1st

Friday 19th

Saturday 20th

June July

Thursday 9th

August

Thursday 13th

Thursday 20th

School Resumes

Senior Prize Giving (provisional)

Junior Prize Giving (provisional)

Last Day of Term - (Ends 2 00pm)

A-Level Results (tbc)

GCSE Results (tbc)

Contacts

College reception:

Tel: 01727 855185

Website: www stcolumbascollege org

Pleasenotethattheinformationpresentedbelowmaychangeinitsdetail,butthisislikelytobecommunicatedto youthroughupdatesandspecificlettersthatmightaffectyou

ParentsshouldunderstandthatbyhavingsignedtheRegistrationandMedicalConsentForm,thiseffectivelyactsasa home school agreement in which parents are to understand their responsibilities in agreeing to their child being educatedattheCollege.Theseresponsibilitiesareprovidedinthisdocument,includingthoseregardingbehaviourand attendance

Itishopedthatthiswillprovideclearinformation,butparentsmustfeelconfidentthattheycancontacttheschool Theadviceofferedbelowwillprovidethemostdirectrouteforqueriestobeanswered

Daytodayissues

The primary point of contact for parents over general and welfare issues and to ask for guidance outside of this documentisyourchild’sformtutor

Contactbytelephone,emailorletterisencouraged Emailhastheadvantageofallowingthestaffmembertomanage your request when not teaching and respond accordingly. Matters may then be either dealt with personally or referredtoanothermemberofstaff,forinstancetheDeputyHeadofHouseortheHeadofHouse.

Wherethematterrelatedtoasinglesubjectissueormoreinformationisneededaboutprogressinaspecificsubject, yourchild’ssubjectteachershouldbecontacteddirectly

GeneralIssues–morecomplex:iftheconcernismoregeneralthetutorwouldprovideadviceonthis.Messagesfor anystaffmembercanbeleftviatheCollegeReception.

Reception

Medical Issues

Fees and Finance Bursar

Catering

Coach Operation

Music Lessons

Sports/Games

Secretaries Nurse Bursar

Catering Manager

Bursar’s PA

Music Co-ordinator Director of Sport

Collegeadmin@stcolumbascollege.org

N@stcolumbascollege.org

BursarPA@stcolumbascollege.org

Cateringadmin@stcolumbascollege.org

BursarPA@stcolumbascollege.org

Foxwell.j@stcolumbascollege.org

Lowles.a@stcolumbascollege.org

Allemailaddressesconformtothefollowingpattern(apartfromthoselisted)staffsurname,fullstop,initialandthen @stcolumbascollege.org–e.g.,thefirstnamedstaffmemberwouldlooklikethis:Brown.a@stcolumbascollege.org ChildProtectionConcerns

AnyparentwhohasaconcernoverachildprotectionissueisencouragedtocontacttheschoolandtheSeniorSchool DesignatedSafeguardingLeadwhoisMrMLivesey

Email:Livesey.m@stcolumbascollege.org

Absence, Absence and Work, Absence from School, Academic Mark, Acceptable Use of IT and Mobile Devices

Accesss, Accidents/Illness, Activities, AI, Alcohol, ALIS (A-Level Information System), Appeal (Right of)

Arrival, Before and After School, Assemblies, Attainment Grades, Attendance, ‘Attitude to Learning’ Points, Academic Merits and Columban Points

Attitude, Awards, Basketball, Behaviour, Belongings/Valuables, Bicycles

Biometric System, Book Leasing, Bounds, Breakages, Breakfast, Break Time, British Values, Brothers of the Sacred Heart

Bullying, Calendar, Careers, Carols, Cars -Lifts and Parking, Catering

CCTV, Chewing Gum, Child Protection, Classroom Behaviour, Classroom Discipline

Classroom Use, Co-curricular after school clubs, Coach Management End of Day, Coach Lateness, Coach Travel

Coach Issues/Contact, Coach Monitors, Coach Travel (Ad Hoc), Code of Conduct, College Colours

College Nurse, Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

Complaints, Confidentiality, Confiscation of Property, Contacting Students during the school day, Contacting Home, Cultures and Faiths Education

Curriculum, Daily Equipment, Daily Timetable

Damage, Departure during the Day, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Detentions, Devices

Dining Hall, Discipline Mark, Discipling Students, Drinks/Water, Drugs

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, E-Safety

Eating, Edulink, Effort Grades

Enrichment Days, Epipens, Examinations, Extracurricular

Family Holidays, Fees, Final Warning, Fire/Fire Drills/Safe Evacuation, Fixtures, Force (use of by staff), Formal Warning

Founders Hall, Hairstyles, Head’s Distinction, Homework, Homework Defaulting

Homework Timetable, House System

Illness/Injury, Immunisation, Incident Investigation, Informal/Verbal Warning, Inhalers, In-House Suspension

Insurance, Jewellery, Journeys to and from College, Lateness, Leadership, Learning Needs/Academic Support

Library, Litter, Lost Property, Lunch, Lunch Rota, Lunchtime Activities, Mass

Medicines, Mental Health Support

MidYIS, Mission Statement, Mobile Phones, Movement Time

Mufti Days, Music Lessons, Music Rehearsals, Parents’ Association, Parent Evenings, Parking, Pastoral Programme

PE and Games Kit, Permanent Exclusion, Playground Games, Playground Rules, Political Indoctrination

Prayer/Reflection, Prefects, Prizegiving, Progress Report, Property, Reception, Recycling Group, Registration

Religious Custom, Religious Studies, Religious Observance, Report Cards, Representing the College, Responsibility, Retreats, Rewards and Sanctions, Rights of Privacy

Rules, Safeguarding, Saturday Detention, Scholar Award, School Closure

School Gateway, Searching and Screening, Second Hand Uniform/Shop, Security, S.H.A.P.E, Shoes

SIMs, Sixth Form, Smart Watches, Smoking (including Vaping), Social Media

Sports Day, Stretch and Challenge, Student Formation, Student Voice, Student Welfare - Key Persons

Study Leave, Subject Awards, Subject Leaders Award, Subject Choices Form 3, Suspension, Target Grades, Tattoos

Teaching Groups, Term Dates, Theft, Tiered Papers (Public Examinations), Ties/Badges, Toilets, Touch Policy, Trips

Tutor (Role of and contact with), Uniform, Weapons and dangerous items

Westminster Lodge Car Park, Wet Lunch, Withdrawal from College, YELLIS

Absence

Absencesarerecordedonapersessionbasis:morningandafternoon Afullschooldayisthereforetwoabsences You will need to know this to understand the numbers which may appear on reports Independent Schools have a legal dutytoreportattendanceissuestotheLocalEducationAuthority.Thisisthecaseforprolongedabsencefromschool, failuretoattendregularly;andastudentleavingforanotherschoolwheretheschoolisnotnotifiedtotheCollege. Thesearesafeguardingissues.TheCollegerecognisestheimportanceofgoodattendanceandthepositivecorrelation betweenthisandachievement Assuch,theexpectationisthatstudentsareinschoolatleast95%ofthetime

AbsenceandWork

Ifstudentsknowinadvancethattheywillbemissingalesson,theyshouldinformtheteacherconcerned.Theywill,in any event, be expected to take steps to catch up on missed work. Special consideration will be given in cases of ill healthoversustainedperiodsoftime However,forshorttermabsencestudentsareexpectedtocatchuponmissed work TheuseofMicrosoftTeamsmeansstudentswhoareabsentcanstillaccesshomeworkdetails Teacherswillbe sympathetictogenuineproblems Studentsmustgiveadvancenoticetoateacherwhenworkcannotbecompletedby the deadline set by providing adequate explanation. A supporting note from a parent will often be required where genuinedifficultyisencountered.

AbsencefromSchool

Duringtermtime,studentsaretobeabsentfromschoolonlywiththeformalknowledgeofparentsandagreement withtheCollege Whenstudentsareunabletocometoschoolowingtosickness,aparent/guardianmustinformthe Collegebefore8.25am,byloggingintoEduLink(selectABSENCEonthemenu).

AcademicMark

This is given to students who fail to meet the required expectation in relation to the completion of work to a satisfactory standard or to time The mark can be made for a single infringement or for persistent or repeated transgression(althoughthisislikelytoinvolveothercorrectivemeasures).ThemarkisissuedbytheSubjectLeaderas aresultofconsultationwithasubjectteacher.TheAcademicMarkisthenprocessed:signedbytheSubjectLeader, and the Deputy Head. Emails are sent to the Subject Leader, the student’s tutor, Head of House and the student’s parents StudentswillberemindedofthedetentioninTutortime Adateonthemarkindicateswhenthedetention relatedtothismatteristobeserved SaturdayDetentionsaregivenforworkwhichisnotcompletedoverbreaksand holidaysandfornon-completionoflongertermorprojectworktodeadlineorthecorrectstandard

AcceptableUseofITandMobileDevices

St Columba’s policy is to respect all users of the IT and its related facilities, staff and students To this end, the followingmustbereadandagreedforthesafeguardingofallandforschoolusetobeauthorised Contraventionwill resultinwithdrawaloffacilitiesandislikelytopromptdisciplinaryaction

InaccordancewiththeITAcceptableUsePolicy,parentsandstudentsunderstandthat:

a.Allstudents’useofschoolcomputersortablets,personal1:1devicesoranyitemconnectedtotheschool Wi-Fiwillbeoverseenbyamonitoringsystemandanymisusewillbelogged; b UserFoldersorMailboxesandOneDrivecanbeopenedandfilesreadorremovedwithoutstudents’ permissionwiththeauthorityoftheHeadortheDeputyHead; c.theHeadofITServices,incarryingouthismanagerialroletofacilitatebackups,restores,testing,data transfers,etc.willaccessfilesonthenetworkwithoutpriornotice;andalsowithjustifiablereason eg believedunacceptableusemayhavetakenplace ThisresponsibilitymaybedelegatedtoIT Servicesstaffmembers,bytheHead

Forstudents(AcceptableUse):

TheCollegeITfacilitiesandsystemsmaybeusedforlawfulpurposesonly.Studentsarenotallowedtocreate,store, distribute, transmit, or allow the creation, storage, distribution or transmission of any unlawful material whether intentionallyorotherwise

Insigningintotheirnetworkaccount,studentsagreenottoaccess,create,sendorreceivematerialsordatawhichis deemedtobe:

•Inviolationofanylawsorregulation,abreachofanycriminallegislation,otherrightsorhasanyfraudulentpurpose oreffect.

• Defamatory, offensive, abusive, indecent or obscene (ie pornography of any category) Disciplinary and / or civil actionmayariseifthisisthecase

•Violent,orwiththeintenttoinciteaviolentact

•Constitutingharassment.

•Inbreachofconfidence,privacyorunderminesthereputationoftheCollege,itsmembersoritsethos.

•Inbreachofanythird-partyintellectualpropertyrightsie copyright Itisprohibitedtopost,uploadordistributeor permit the posting or distributing of copyrighted material on the College servers without the copyright holder’s consent

• In breach of any College rule, for example photos or footage taken in school without the express permission of a memberofstaff.

ViolatingorcompromisinganyaspectoftheSystemNetworkSecurityie Circumventingnetworkaccesscontrol Unauthorisedaccesstooruseofdata,systemsornetworks,includingattemptstomonitorthedatatrafficorprobe, scanortestthevulnerabilityofasystemornetwork,withoutexpressauthorisationfromtheHeadorDeputy Interfering with any user account, workstation, host or network to reduce its proper functioning or deliberate attemptstodegradeordenyaccesstothesystem.Anybreachesoftheabovewillleadtosanctionsinlinewiththe CodeofConductandBehaviourpolicy,includingpotentiallythepermanentwithdrawalofITuseintheCollege.

ResponsibleUse:

Whenusingacomputer,studentsmust:

•Notinterferewiththesoftwareorhardwareconfigurationsofnetworkedequipmentorsystems.

•Notinstall,downloadoruseanyadditionalsoftwareontheCollegenetwork(e.g.:wallpaper,screensavers,games, peertopeerapplications–theseareexamplesanddonotconstituteanexhaustivelist).

• Not link any personal computing device to the College network without consulting IT Services and observing the wirelessaccessguidelines

•NeverknowinglyintroducevirusesorotherdisruptiveelementstotheCollegenetwork

•Avoidusingportablestoragedevices.StudentsshouldsaveandsharefilesviatheOneDrivecloudstoragesystem, which can be accessed from any device at any time. When the use of portable devices is necessary, it must be sanctionedbythemonitoringstaffmember Antivirussoftwarewillautomaticallyscreensuchdevices

•Notrevealpersonaldetailsorthoseofothersonline(addresses,contactnumbersetc)orarrangetomeetsomeone outsideofschoolviatheCollegenetwork

• Change their password to a personal one the first time they login, and regularly thereafter. Passwords must be a minimum of 8 characters long and contain a capital letter and a number. It cannot contain any part of their name (localrulesapplyinPrep).Passwordsmustbekeptsecure,i.e.notshared.

•Logoffthecomputerattheendofasessionanddonotleaveitunattendedevenforashorttimeiftheiraccountis open

•Neveruseanaccountbelongingtoanotheruserorguessorstealanother’spassword.

•Notcorrupt,destroy,disruptorviolatetheprivacyofanotheruser’sdataorwork.

•Notuseorinterferewithotherstudents’equipment(e.g.usingtheirkeyboard,mouseorturningofftheirdeviceat thepowerbutton)

•Notdoanythingwhichcouldbeconsiderednegligentorharmfulwithregardtotheirdeviceorthenetwork

Access

StudentsarenottousethemainentrancetotheCollegeinthemorningunlessaccompaniedbyateacher/parent whowishestocontacttheoffice.

Accidents/Illness

SeeIllness Activities

AprogrammeofSHAPEactivitiesisscheduledeachweek.Alargenumberofthesetakeplaceoverlunchbreaksand othersarescheduledforbeforeandafterschool.Studentsareabletoaccesstheseandworkthemintotheschoolday sothattheywillbeabletohavelunch.Someactivitiesareopentoallyeargroupswhilstothersareyear-groupor departmentspecific,dependingontheirnature.Foracompletelist,pleaseaccessSOCswhichwillprovidecurrent details.

AI

StudentsinForm3andabovehavereceivedextensivetrainingintheappropriateuseofartificialintelligence(AI), includinganunderstandingofitsbenefits,limitations,andpotentialbiases.Insomelessons,staffmaydirectstudents touseAItoolstosupportlearning;however,outsideofthesesituations,AIuseisnotpermitted.StudentsinForm2 andbelowarenotpermittedtouseAItoolsatanytime.

Alcohol

StudentsarenotpermittedtobringortoconsumealcoholicbeveragesoncampusoratanyCollege-relatedevents, e.g.fieldtripsandsocialevents.Thisisthecaseeveniftheyhavereachedtheageof18.(Exceptionstothismayapply tomembersoftheSixthFormatspecificsocialoccasionswherethereisstaffsupervisionandtheHead’sagreement has been secured.) Should a student come to College or a College event with alcohol in his/her possession or apparentlyalreadyundertheinfluenceofalcohol,he/shewillnotbeallowedtotakepartinschoolortoattendthat event.His/herparentsoraguardianwillbenotifiedimmediatelyandberequiredtotakethemhome.

ALIS(A-LevelInformationSystem)

ALISfollowsonfromMidYISandYELLIS,formingthenextstageoftheaptitudetestingandisundertakenatthe beginningofLowerSixth.ItproducespredictedA-Leveloutcomemeasuredagainsteachstudent’sGCSEperformance. Italsoprovidesanalternativebaseline,curriculumfreeTestofDevelopedAptitude(TDA),whichprovidesadifferent measure of predicted A-Level outcome. This information is used for assessing progress and setting targets for students.Suchinformationissharedwithindividualstudentsandparents.

Appeal(Rightof)

Ifperceivedasunwarrantedandunjust,thestudentshouldtelltheprefectthattheyintendtodothis.Theappeal mustbelodgedbeforethepunishmentisundertaken.Parentshavetherighttoappealagainstapunishmentthatmay begiventotheirchild.Thismustbedonepriortothedetentionorsanctionbeingservedandnotonthedayofits arrangement.ItishopedthatmostmatterscanberesolvedinformallythroughtheHeadsofHouseandthenby involvementoftheDeputyHead,ifneeded.However,ifparentsremainunhappy,theyareabletoappealtotheHead. Incasesofsuspensionandexpulsion,parentshavetherightofappealtotheBoardofGovernors.

Arrival,BeforeandAfterSchool

StudentsareaskednottoarriveatCollegebefore8.00amortobeonthepremisesafter5.00pmunless(a)theyare involvedinanorganisedCollegeactivityor(b)theDeputyHead[orHeadofSixthinthecaseofSixthForm]isnotified of their presence on campus Should circumstances dictate early arrival, students are to remain on the playground untilthestartofdaybuzzer

Allstudentsarrivingoncampusinthemorningaretoremainontheplaygroundunless(a)theywishtoseeamember ofstaff,(b)theywishtousethetoilet,(c)theywishtogototheDiningHallforasnackfrom8.00amor(d)theywish tostudyintheLibraryfrom800am Otherwise,studentsaretoremainoutsideuntilregistrationat825am

ShouldastudentremainonsiteafterCollege,thenheorsheshouldsigninandattendoneoftheSHAPEactivitieson offer Anystudentgoinghomebyschoolcoachmustremainon-siteintheinterim.

Therewillbenoformalsupervisionofanystudentsnotinaformalactivityafter5.00pm,butincasesofemergency theyshouldbeabletorefertoanymemberofstaffintheCollege,oranadultattheBrothers’CommunityinWatling House StudentsaretobeoncampusthroughouttheCollegedayfromthepointofarrival

Assemblies

Assembliestakeplaceregularlyaccordingtotheschoolcalendarandcanbeorganisedaccordingtoyeargroup,House affiliationorbywholeSchool.Theytakeplaceduringthetutorlessonandattendanceiscompulsory.

AttainmentGrades

LowerSchool(KS3)Forms1,2and3

GradesawardedA*ABCD&U(Unclassified)

GCSE/IGCSEForms4and5

GradesawardedareconsistentwiththoseinuseatGCSE/IGCSElevelforeachdepartment.

Grades987654321andU(Unclassified)

A-LevelLowerandUpperSixth

GradesawardedareconsistentwiththoseinuseatA-Level GradesA*ABCDEandU(Unclassified)

Attendance

Studentsaretoattendallscheduledlessonswhichmakeupthecurriculumforaspecifiedyear Theyarenottoabsent themselves from lessons nor seek permission to do so from other staff members All students are to attend tutor periods, religious assemblies, Masses and all other liturgies attached to their year group. They are also required to attendretreatsandalleventsforwhichtheyareselected.

‘AttitudetoLearning’Points,AcademicMeritsandColumbanPoints

Positive‘AttitudetoLearning’pointsareawardedbystaffineachlesson Twosuchpointsareavailableforeachlesson to award to separate individuals These points can be awarded to a student who has contributed to the positive atmosphereoflearning,movedthecontentordebateforward,drivenaheadgroupwork,leddiscussionorinquiryso astobenefitthewholeclassormosteffectivelyrespondedtothelearningobjectiveofthelesson.Thepointsarenota rewardforeffortorability AcademicMeritsaresimilarlyawardedforverygoodclassworkandhomework Columban pointsaregivenforeverydayactsofkindnessseenaroundtheschool

Theseawardsareloggedonastudent’sindividualprofileonSIMS ThenumberofpointsaccumulatedbyeachHouse isnotifiedtothestaffandstudentsonaweeklybasis.EachhalftermthereisaHousewinnerbasedonthetotalsand eachpositiongivenascore.Whenallsixhalf-termlycompetitionsarecompleted,anoverallwinnerwillbeannounced andthepointsscoredfromgainingthesepositionsbeaddedintotheoverallHousetotalstoestablishawinningHouse fortheacademicyear

At periodic times in the school year, students’ other awards points allocation e.g. for Subject Leaders Awards are addedintothecompetitiontotal.Parentswillbenotifiedwhentheirsonordaughterhasachieved25andmultiplesof twenty-fivethereafterbymessageandthestudentswillbepresentedwithcertificatesatHouseAssembliestomark thisachievement

Attitude

Studentsshouldseektoexhibitcourtesy,goodmanners,andgoodsenseatalltimes.

Studentsarerequiredtobehaveinclassinanappropriatemannerandcontributepositivelytopromotelearning

Students should see themselves as hosts to all our visitors Students should welcome visitors and be helpful and courteousatalltimes.

Studentsareexpectedtoco-operateandmakeapositiveresponsetoreasonablerequestsfromteachers,otheradult members of the community, or prefects They are expected to exhibit a positive spirit This means support of the community, especially support of extended-curricular activities, sports, and wider College events If a student is selectedtorepresenttheCollege,theyarerequiredtodoso AtallCollegeevents,studentsarerequiredtobehavein a mature manner. Appreciation at events can be shown through appropriate applause or support. Students are required to attend religious services and, in their manner, and attitudes respect the beliefs and traditions of the CollegeasaRomanCatholicinstitution.

Students are reminded that they must behave on the coaches in a way that does not undermine either their own safetyorthatoffellowtravellers,distractthedriver,breachCollegerules,ordisturbtheotherstudents Awards

See ‘Attitude for Learning Points’, Subject Awards, Head of House Awards, Subject Leader Awards, Headmaster Distinctions

Basketball

BasketballisoneofthecoresportsoftheCollege.Studentsareabletoplaythisgameasmembersofschoolsquads andifproficientenoughtorepresenttheCollege.TheyalsoplayinInter-Housecompetitions,priortoschoolinthe morning,from800am–820aminCoindreHallbywayofrecreationandalsoatlunchtimes Behaviour

StudentsareexpectedtobehaveaccordingtotheexpectationslaiddownintheCodeofConduct.

Staffhavealegalrighttodisciplinestudentsforbreachesofitsrulesandregulationsandtopreventcrime.Thispower coversin-schoolactivityandschoolrelatedactivities

Staffalsohavearighttorespondtomisbehaviourwhichmightimpactupontheschool,itspeopleanditsreputation Parentshaveaclearroleinmakingsuretheirchildiswellbehavedinschool Theymustalsotakeresponsibilityfor their child if excluded from school at any point. This includes ensuring that they are not in a public place without a goodreasonduringschoolhours.

Belongings/Valuables

See also Security and Lost Property, Students are responsible for all their belongings Belongings are not to be left around the College. Games bags and musical instruments should be stored in areas designated for this purpose. All itemsmustbeclearlylabelled.

Students are expected to follow the protocols set in place for collection of valuables at all PE, Games and Sports relatedevents

Bicycles

StudentswhoridebicyclestoschoolareaskedtosecurethemtotherailingsadjacenttothebackofthePrepMusic Room.Studentsmustalsoensurethattheywearprotectiveclothingandsafetygeartoincludeahelmet.Theymust notcycleontheschoolpremisesorwearheadphoneswhilstcycling

BiometricSystem

Creditisplacedonastudent’saccountandpaymentformealsismadeusingabiometricsystem TheCollegecannot provide meals as a result of a failure to credit an account The Catering Manager has sole responsibility for managementofthisaspectofCollegelife.

BookLeasing

Duetotheuseof1-1devices,fewerandfewerhardcopybooksneedtobeissued Whereneeded,theSeniorschool leases textbooks required for the curriculum to students on an annual basis At the end of the academic year the books are collected and audited. Damaged or lost books will be billed, as will any that do not conform to a “nearly new”quality.

Bounds

Studentsareawareoftheneedtoremaininboundsontheplayground Studentsarenotpermittedbeyondthetunnel unlessgoingtotheMedicalRoomorthePrepMusicRoomforprivateinstrumentallessons Theareasaroundtheback ofXavierCentre,theScienceCentreandTheLodgeareoutofboundsasisbytheKitchenunlessseekingaccesstothe AdministrationareaortheChapel.

ThefrontoftheCollegeisnottobeusedduringtheschoolday IonaHouseisalsooutofboundsunlessonspecific businesswithastaffmember TheareaandfacilitiesaroundtheWestminsterLodgeCarParkareoutofboundstoall studentstravellingonCoaches SeniorstudentsarenotpermittedtousethePrepplayground

TheMUGA(multi-usegamesarea,)AGP(artificialgrasspitches)andgrassfieldsareonlytobeusedwhensupervised bysportsstaffandwhenwearingappropriatefootwear.Nofoodordrinkistobeconsumedinthisarea.

Breakages

Breakages resulting from inappropriate behaviour or clear infringements of regulations are the responsibility of the studentsinvolvedandanyremunerationtoeffectrepairorreplacementwillberequiredofparents.

Breakfast

A breakfast service operates for students from any year from 800am – 820am Students are not permitted in the diningroomareauntilthistimeandthenonlyfortheconsumptionoffood

BreakTime

Studentsarerequiredtousetheirmorningbreaktimesensiblyinacombinationofplay,takingsnacksiftheysowish and in taking care of toilet needs in preparation for the mid-morning session of school Playground rules apply regarding behaviour and all eating and drinking must take place in the dining room or playground Students must disposeofalltheirrubbishinthebinsprovided

BritishValues

Students and parents are to be aware that the College accords with and actively promotes the fundamental British valuesofdemocracy,theruleoflaw,individualliberty,andmutualrespectandtoleranceofthosewithdifferentfaiths andbeliefs Thesevalueswillbeupheldviaboththepastoralandacademiccurriculumbutalsothroughtheethosand widerteachingandexperienceoftheschool,notleaststaffasrolemodels.

BrothersoftheSacredHeart

The Brothers of the Sacred Heart is an international Roman Catholic institute of religious Brothers which has been dedicatedtotheChristianeducationofyouthforover200years TheBrotherswerefoundedinLyon,France,in1821 Today, with its motherhouse in Rome, the institute has about 900 Brothers throughout the world: England, France, Italy,Spain;theUnitedStates,Canada;CentralAmerica,SouthAmerica;Madagascar,AsiaandthePacific;Africa.

‘ThecharismoftheBrothersoftheSacredHeartisagiftfromGodtotheChurch Ourpredecessorsmadeusheirsof this charism through their devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus As members of a College community striving to embodythischarism,ourprimarymissionistheevangelizationofyoungpeople Todaywedrawourinspirationfroma spirituality of love expressed in the Gospel and lived through the compassion of Christ. This spirituality informs, shapes, and directs the educational ministry of the College community. Through our commitment as professional educatorsinthefaith,wenurtureandmodelloveandcompassioninChristiancommunity.Eachandeverystudentis known, valued, treasured, and taught in partnership with the family Hospitality, availability, personal interest, and concernforothersarehallmarksofthischarism(gift)

The Charism Mantra – ‘Education in the spirit of Father Coindre’s charism is holistic education, rooted in religious values,structuredthroughfriendlydiscipline,nurturedbypersonalattention,andcommittedtoacademicexcellence’. We emphasise the formation of the whole person, traditional values, high expectations, self-discipline, fairness, professionalcompetenceandcollaboration

Bullying

The recognised definition of bullying is that of repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person/group,wherethereisanimbalanceofpower.Itcanbeface-to-faceoronline.Itisverydifferenttofriendship andrelationalissues

Bullyingisnotacceptable Incidentsofbullyingmustbereportedsothattheycanberespondedtoinanappropriate mannerandinasshortatimescaleaspossibletobringaboutaconclusiontothematter.Toignoresuchincidentsis toencouragethemandallowthebullytocontinuetowork,andevenwidentheirsphereofbullyingtotakeinothers. Unlesstheinformationregardingthesetypesofbehavioursisreported,theCollegeispowerlesstorespond.Bullying concernsandissuescanbereportedtoanymemberofstaffwhowillseekadviceandsupportinmakingaresponse whichmayinvolvereferringthematterforittobeaddressed Calendar

The College calendar is available online to parents and students. This is updated each day and is worth checking regularly,ifnotsynchingwithpersonalcalendars Parentscanselectcategorieswhicharerelevanttotheirchild

Careers

The Careers Department at St Columba’s College aims to provide students with a comfortable and purposeful environment in which to explore their future. To this end, students are guided towards making informed choices about GCSE, A-Levels and HE courses through talks, group sessions, individual interviews and computer questionnaires At the same time, the promotion of careers experience courses and talks by visiting speakers introduce students to the wider world of work Whilst every student from Form 4 upwards has interviews with the HeadofCareers,allstudentsattheCollegeareencouragedtoarrangeinterviewstomeettheirownpersonalplans.

Carols

EachyearinDecembertheCollegehasaserviceofLessonsandCarolswhichtakesplaceintheAbbeyCathedraland ChurchofStAlban Form1contributestothisservicebysingingoneofthecarolsasayeargroupandalltheForm1 Parentsareinvited

Cars,LiftsandParking

Seniorparentswhodropoff/pickuptheirchildrenshoulddosofromtheWestminsterLodgeGate,notviathemain entrance,unlessafter500pmintheevening

Catering

ChartwellsIndependentistheindependentcateringcompanywhichprovidestheCollege’sbreakfastservice, lunchtimeandbreaktimecatering.

TheCollegeusesCCTVtoensurethesecurityandsafeguardingofthestudents InsodoingitisdeployedatReception, overlookingtheplaygroundandatotheraccesspointstotheCollegeandtheCollegebuildings Tothisend,itsscrutiny will only be deployed as a result of seeking to clarify an incident As such, footage will be viewed with the express permissionoftheHeadandwillbedonesobymorethanonestaffmemberwhohasaninterestinthesituation.

ChewingGum

ChewinggumonCollegepremisesorinCollegeuniformisnotallowed

ChildProtection(SeeSafeguarding)

TheDesignatedSeniorLeaders(DSL)forSafeguardingmattersintheCollegeare:

MrMLiveseyintheSeniorSchoolwhocanbecontactedby:

Tel:01727855185

Email:Liveseym@stcolumbascollegeorg

MrKBolandinthePreparatorySchool(includingleadresponsibilityforsafeguardingchildrenwithintheEarlyYears setting)whocanbecontactedby:

Tel:01727862616

Email:Bolandk@stcolumbascollegeorg

MrsKMarsonandMrJTatham(DeputyDSLs)intheSeniorSchoolwhocanbecontactedby:

Tel:01727855185

Email:Tathamj@stcolumbascollegeorg Deputy@stcolumbascollegeorg

ClassroomBehaviour

Studentsaretoapproachallclassworkinacommittedandpositivemanner,whetherthisisinstandardclassesorin those covered by staff due to absence Likewise, they are to treat all staff with respect, courtesy and co-operation Studentsarenottodisrupttheteachingandlearningofothersbymisbehaviour Misbehaviourincludes,for example,low-level,highfrequencyirritantbehaviouraswellasdefianceofstaff.

Studentsarerequiredtocomplywithlegitimateinstructionsgivenbystaffregardingthemanagementoftheclassas wellasthosedirectedonanindividualbasis.Studentsaretofulfilthedirectionsgivenregardingclassroomactivitiesto includegroupandwrittenwork Studentswhofailtocomplywithexpectationsregardingclassroombehaviourwillbe sanctioned,themattermaythenbereferredtothestudent’sHeadofHouse Parentsareexpectedtosupportstaffin ensuringtheirchildrenunderstandthatdisruptivebehavioursareunacceptable.

ClassroomDiscipline

Any student who is removed to another classroom by a member of staff has effectively disrupted the teaching and learning of other students and prevented the staff member from carrying out his/her role The response to such incidentswillbeameasuredone,gaugingwhetherthisactionwasusedas“timeout”strategyoroutoftheneedto curtail the disruption. In each instance, the nature of the disruption would be investigated. On the first occasion of suchbehaviouranafter-schooldetentionwillbeaminimumresponse.

However, if this is compounded by other unacceptable behaviours including rudeness or non-compliance then the disciplinaryresponsewillbeescalated SuchdecisionwillbemadeafterconsultationbetweenHeadofHouseandthe DeputyHead Theoutcomewouldalsoleadtoasetofagreedtargetsforthestudentwhichwouldoperateregarding classroomconduct.ThismayinvolvebeingplacedonaReportCard.

If a student were removed from class, the Head of House would seek to contact home the same day (or within 24 hours of the incident if this is not possible) to inform parents of the matter and the response of the College. The outlineofpotentialresponseseg,theprocessinvolvingFormalWarningetc,wouldalsobecommunicatedtomake parentsawareofpotentialeventualitiesshouldthestrategyinplacenotbeeffective Adisciplinemarkwillbeissued toformallyrecordandinformtheparentsofthematter.

ClassroomUse

Classrooms can only be used by students if they are supervised by staff members or in the event of a “wet lunch” when prefects are on duty for twenty minutes to allow staff to have lunch Students are not permitted to use any classroomequipmentunlessdirectedandsupervisedbystaff

Co-curricularafterschoolclubs

St. Columba’s College offers an exceptionally rich co-curricular programme, with over 250 individual clubs and activitiestakingplaceeachweek notincludingsportsordramafixtures Theseclubscoverawiderangeofinterests, frommusic,debatingandcreativeartstocoding,scienceandcommunityinitiatives Whilethevastmajority around 95% oftheseclubsareincludedwithintheschoolfees,asmallselectionofspecialistpaidclubs,suchasfencing,golf and table tennis, are also available. Information about paid clubs, including sign-up instructions, is distributed via emailshortlybeforethestartofeachterm.

To help pupils stay organised, the College uses SOCS, an online platform for managing personalised co-curricular timetables Thefullweeklytimetableisalsoaccessibleviatheschoolwebsite,makingiteasyforpupilsandparentsto explore all that is on offer. This vibrant programme plays a key role in nurturing pupils’ talents, broadening their horizonsandfosteringastrongsenseofcommunity.

CoachManagementEndofDay

Students travelling on the coaches are required to make their way to Westminster Lodge car park as promptly as possible after completing end of day routines Staff supervise the playground and at Westminster Lodge Coaches departat4.00pmMondayandFridayandlatecoaches(Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday)leaveat5.00pm.

CoachLateness

Itmaybethecase,becauseofcircumstancesbeyondthecontrolofthecoachoperators,thatcoachesareoccasionally delayed Itisveryrareindeedthattheydonotarriveatall

Whenacoachis15minuteslateinarriving-thisisthetimeframethatmustbepermitted–themostseniorstudent atthecoachstopshouldtelephonetheCollegetobegiveninstructionstofollow.

Thesewilldependupontheinformationtohandatthetime:

•Itmaybethatparentscouldprovidesharedlifts,despitetheobviousinconvenience;

•Studentsmaybeinstructedtoreturnhome;

•Ortheymaybeinstructedtotakeataxi(preferred).Taxismustbeofmaximumoccupancywherepossible.

However,nostudentistotravelaloneinataxiunlesshe/sheisasingletonatthecoachstopconcerned.Paymentfor thetaxiwillbeorganisedonarrivalattheCollege Thestrategyadoptedwouldbeassessedtosuitthecircumstances

CoachTravel

Thecoachesareprovidedbyindependenttransportoperatorsandparentsunderstandthatthecoachserviceforthe transportation of their children is at their own risk. (See Coach Policy). St Columba’s does not provide adult supervisionofthesejourneysanditisthecoachdriverandthecoachcompanywhohavelegalresponsibilityforthe safetyofpassengerswhilsttravellingonthecoaches Parentsareaskedtoappreciatethatfromtime-to-timeincidents breachinggoodorderonthecoachesmayoccur Withoutprejudicetotheabove,St Columba’swillinvestigatesuch incidentsandmaytakeactionwhereconsideredappropriate.

Everyoneconcernedwillbenefitfromtheassistanceandsupportofparentsinformulatingresponses,butalsofrom theirpatienceandunderstandingofthedifficultiesinvolved.Althoughitmayproveimpossibletoformatotallyclear pictureofwhathasoccurredifwehavetorelysolelyonthehearsayevidenceofstudents,disciplinarydecisionsmay havetobemadeonthebasisoftheweightofevidence Moreover,intheinterestsofthesafetyofeachchild,itmay benecessarytosuspendcoachpassespendingthecompletionofaninvestigation.

Allstudentsmusttravelaccordingtothelawwhichdemandsthattheywearseat-beltsatalltimeswhenthecoachis intransit.Intheeventofseriousorpersistentmisbehaviouronthecoach,theCollegeislikelytosuspendorremove permanentlythestudent’scoachplace

CoachIssues/Contact

ParentsmaycommunicateoperationalconcernstotheBursar’sPAattheCollege.Theyshouldnotcontactthecoach companydirectlyonanymatters,unlessrelatingtothenon-arrivalofacoach.

Issues related to behaviour on the coaches should be directed to the student’s Head of House who will be able to respondpersonallyorre-directtheconcernappropriately CoachMonitors

TheCollegewillaimtoappointcoachmonitorsoneachcoachwhotendtobestudentsinLowerandUpper6th.The principalresponsibilityoftheseCoachMonitorswillbetoinformtheDeputyHeadortheDeputyHeadofthePrepof any aspect of behaviour on the coach, which is a breach of safety regulations, the rules of the College, or is in any otherwayacauseforconcern

Thecoachmonitordoesnottakeresponsibilityforthegoodorderofthecoach-eachindividualhasresponsibilityfor theirownbehaviourandwillbeheldaccountableshouldthisfallshortoftheexpectedstandards.Onjourneys,the monitorswillbeobservant,remindstudentsofCollegeexpectationswherenecessaryandreferanyseriousdisruption tothedriverorotherresponsibleadult

CoachTravel(AdHoc)

YoucanpurchaseadhocjourneysbyloggingontoSchoolGatewayshouldspacepermit.

CodeofConduct

TheCodeofConductsetsoutrequiredbehavioursandpotentialresponsestoinfractions Eachsituationwillbejudged on its complexity, intent and outcomes and will be managed situation by situation The Code of Contact is on the College website. It is updated regularly. Much of the detail of the Code is included under separate headings in this document.

InkeepingwiththeEqualityAct2010,theCollegewillseektoensurethatstudentswithdisabilities,learningneedsor emotionalneedsareprotectedfromindirectdiscrimination Responsetobehaviouralsituationsbyindividualsinthese categorieswhichthencontravenetheCodeofConductwillbemadeafterreviewandassessment Decisionsmadewill beinformedbyanumberofcompetingneeds:theindividualstudent’s,thoseofotherstudents;andthatoftheschool as a whole. All parents of children with identified needs and those parents whose children do not fall into these categoriesmustbesympathetictothisposition

CollegeColours

CollegeColoursareawardedtostudentsintheCollegefordistinctioninperformanceandsustainedcommitmenttoa recognisedsphereofCollegelife:Academic,Sporting,CulturalandExtra-Curricular,Service.

The nominations are to remain confidential until an assessment of suitability has been made Nomination does not meanautomaticaward Fitnessforawardwillbemadeonthebasisoftherecommendationofthepersoninchargeof the area eg Director of Sport, Head of Creative Arts and by the SLT (Senior Leadership Team) and will include an assessment made on the basis of how well the student conducts himself/herself in College by conforming to expectationsbothacademicandbehavioural.Ifanominationismadeandnotprogressedthestudentconcernedmay beinterviewedatthediscretionofSLTandthereasonsforthisexplained.Anominationcanbeheldoverpendinga positiveresponsetotargetsset

FullcolourscanbeawardedtostudentsintheirsenioryearsattheCollege Theyarelikelytobegainedbystudentsin theLowerandUpper6th

HouseColours

HouseColoursarenominatedbyHeadsofHousetothosewhohavemadeasignificantcontributiontothelifeofthe House.Again,thenominationsaretoremainconfidentialannominationdoesnotmeanautomaticaward.TheDeputy Headmakesanassessmentregardingwhetherornottheawardisvalid Thisjudgmentismadeonthebasisofhow wellthestudentconductshim/herselfinCollegebyconformingtoexpectationsbothacademicandbehavioural Ifa nomination is made and not progressed the student concerned may be interviewed by the Head of House and the reasonsforthisexplained.Anominationcanbeheldoverpendingapositiveresponsetotargetsset.Inthecaseof SixthFormnominations,theHeadofSixthFormisconsultedbeforetheawardisprogressed.Studentsmayfeelthat theyhavebeenover-lookedinrelationtotheawardofHalforFullColours Theycanbringthistotheattentionoftheir HeadofHouse Colourswillnotbeawardedforinvolvementinsingle,orself-containedeventsoractivities Theyare awardsforcommitmenttotheHouseoveraperiodoftimeinavarietyofareas

HalfHouseColours-HalfHouseColoursareawardedtostudentswhomakeasignificantcontributiontotheHouse. HalfHousecoloursareawardedforthefirsttimeattheendofForm3andatsetintervalsinForm4,5,L6andUpper 6th

FullHouseColours-FullHouseColoursareawardedtothosestudentswhoexhibitcontinuedexcellence,exampleand commitment to the House This award will generally be recognised to build upon the promise shown in the lower yearsandcanbeawardedforthefirsttimeinLower6thandtheninUpper6th.

Head, Deputy Head Boy/ Girl and House Captains automatically achieve Full Colour status on their appointment to theserolesiftheyhavenotbeenawardedpreviously CollegeNurse

TheCollegeNurselooksafterthemedicalwelfareofthestudents.Anystudentwhofeelsunwellshouldmakeevery efforttoremaininclassuntilachange-overperiod.Thenhe/sheshouldreporttotheCollegeNurse.Obviously,ifthe student is unable to remain through the class, they should ask the teacher’s permission to see the College Nurse immediately

Astudentreleasedfromclassmustbeaccompaniedtothemedicalroombyaclassmate Everystudentwhoisunwell whileatCollegemustreporttotheCollegeNurse.ItistheCollegeNursewhowillmakethedecisionwhetherornot parents should be asked to collect their child, or to refer them to another medical agency. No student may take it uponthemselvessimplytocalltheirparentstocollectthemfromCollegewithouttheknowledgeandpermissionof theirHeadofHouseortheDeputyHeadandinthecaseofillness,thepermissionoftheCollegeNurse

Sometimesastudentmaysufferfromasimpleheadache,indigestion,orsorethroat TheCollegeNurseisnotallowed to give any medication to any child under 16 years of age without their parents’ consent. However, prescribed medicationtobetakenduringtheCollegedayshouldbebyarrangementwithparents.Thismustbelodgedwiththe Nurseandtakenunderhersupervision Also,withconsent,simplemedicationssuchasparacetamolcanbegiven An appropriateformindicatingthispermissioniscompletedonjoiningtheCollege CombinedCadetForce(CCF)

TheCollegerunsaCCFinwhichbotharmyandairforcecontingentsarecateredfor.Trainingtakesplaceweeklyafter school on Fridays and is supported by teams of staff members. The group also attends annual Field Days and undergoesregularinspection

Complaints

Allparents/guardianshavetherighttocomplainonbehalfoftheirchild Thesecanbemadebyphone,emailorby letter to the particular member of staff concerned and if academic in nature to a Subject Leader or if pastoral/disciplinary to the Head of House. It is hoped that such appeals would resolve the issue with appropriate speedandsatisfactorily.However,shouldthematterbeseriousandunresolvedtomutualsatisfactionthenafurther stepofaddressingthemattertotheDeputyHeadistobetaken Anycomplaintsthatremainunresolvedshouldbe referredtotheHead,andfinallytheBoardofTrustees TheComplaintsPolicyisonthecollegewebsite

Confidentiality

The welfare of our students will always be our central concern, as informed by the College’s mission. Any concerns regardingmembersofstafforstudentsshouldbesharedinconfidenceinpersonorviatheonlineform.Itisimportant to note, however, that such discussions, whilst remaining confidential in nature, must take into account a full appreciationofourdutyofcare Thiswillmeanthatinformationmayhavetobesharedwithseniormembersofstaff orparentsonaneed-to-knowbasisasanextensionofaconfidencegiven

ConfiscationofProperty

Membersofstaffmayconfiscatefromastudentanyitemregardedasinappropriateorwhichisbeinginappropriately used Suchitemsmayeitherberetainedbythestaffmemberconcernedorbepassedtothestudent’sHeadofHouse, dependingonthenatureoftheitem Ineithercase,thestudentmustbeinformedbythestaffmembertoreportto him/herortheHeadofHouseattheendofthedayeithertohavetheitemreturnedortobegiventheconditionsof itsreturn.

However,inthecaseofmobilephones:ifastudentinfringestherulesregardingmobiletelephonesthestaffmember is required to confiscate the phone and forward this to the Deputy Head from whom it may be collected 24 hours later

Shouldthestudentinfringetheruleforathirdtimethephonewillberetaineduntiltheparentscancollectthephone inpersonandthestudentwillbebannedpermanentlyfrombringingoneintoschool.

ContactingStudentsduringtheschoolday

ParentsareadvisedthatthebesttimetogetamessagetoastudentistophonetheReceptionpriortomorningbreak at11.05am.

ThiswillallowtheSecretariestonotifyastudentthereisamessagetobecollected.Otherwise,theSecretarialstaff willmakeeveryefforttocontactyourson/daughteratanappropriatetime Pleasedirectyourmessagesthroughthe Collegeswitchboardanddonotusemobilephonestocontactstudentsduringtheschoolday

ContactingHome

Thismayoccuronaninformalbasisbytelephoneatanearlystageofanissue.Itisacommonstrategyemployedby TutorsattheCollege,butotherstaffmembersmayalsodothisinordertoremedyamatterortokeepyouinformed. Emailcontactisencouragedtokeepyouinformedofmatterswhichdonotrequireanyspecificformofintervention

CulturesandFaithsEducation

Studentswillbeeducatedtorespecttheirowncultureandwillbeeducatedintoanunderstanding,regardandrespect forotherculturesandtraditionsandfaithsinordertopromotetoleranceandharmony,aspartofourfundamental BritishValueseducation

Curriculum

Forms1,2and3(KeyStage3)

AsstudentsentertheCollegefromavarietyofjuniorschools,theaimsoftheForm1curriculumaretoconsolidate previouswork,developandimprovelearningstrategies,andexposethestudentstoabroadrangeofnewmaterial. ThecorecurriculumismadeupofEnglish,Mathematics,ReligiousEducation,amodernlanguage(FrenchorSpanish), Science, Physical Education and Games In addition, all students study Art, History, Geography, Music, Computer Science, Creative Curriculum (Big Questions and STEM), Drama, Food Technology and Design Technology In Mathematicsstudentsaretaughtbyabilitygroupings

In Form 3, sciences are presented in the curriculum in their separate entities as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. A structured programme of Careers Education runs throughout the Senior School, so that students are supported as theymovetowardsoptionsforGCSE(KeyStage4)

InForms4and5(KeyStage4,GCSE)

All students study a compulsory core of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Religious Studies, and Science(CombinedScienceandindividualSciencesareoffered),studentsarealsoencouragedtocontinuewiththeir chosenModernForeignLanguage AcourseofGamesisfollowedbyallstudentsalthoughnotexaminable Additional subjects are chosen from Latin, Art, Computer Science, Business, Drama, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education,Statistics,FoodTechnologyandDesignandTechnology StudentsinthetopMathematicssetsalsositan extraqualificationinFurtherMathematics.

SixthFormCourses

Students begin by following either a combination of three or four courses from a choice of: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Design Technology, Drama, Economics, English Literature, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology and Spanish. Students can also choose from CTECH Sport or Business. CTECH Sport being worth the equivalentoftwoALevels,Businessone.

These A Level and AAQ courses are supplemented by supervised study time and all students take an enrichment programme (incorporating Religious Education) for which further qualifications are available such as the EPQ qualification and Certificate in Financial Services Games, for which various options exist, remains a compulsory componentofthecurriculum.Thenumberofcoursestobeundertakenisflexibleanddecidedonanindividualbasis. StudentsalsohavetheopportunitytovolunteerforlocalschoolssuchasStAdrian’sandWatlingView.Manystudents completetheDofEGoldCertificate

DailyEquipment

Studentsmusthavewiththeminschooleachday,theirpensandpencils,ruler,mathematicalkit,calculator,rubber andtherelevanttextbooksandexercisebooksorspecialistfilesandpapersrequiredforlessons.Studentsmustalso taketheirfullychargedSurfaceProDevicetoeverylesson.Studentsarenotpermittedanyformofliquidorapplied eraserproducts

DailyTimetable

8 25am-8 35am

8.35am-9.25am

9.25am-10.15am

10.15am-11.05am

11 05am-11 25am

11 25am-12 15pm

12 15pm-1 05pm

1.05pm-2.05pm

2.05pm-2.55pm

2 55-3 45pm

Registration Period 1

Period 2

Period 3

Morning Break Period 4

Period 5

Lunch Break Period 6 Period 7

Damage

DamagetopersonalandCollegepropertyisunacceptable Studentsresponsiblewillbeliableforreplacementand/or costsincurredinrectifyingthesituationasaresultofdamage StudentscausingdamagemustreportthistotheirHead ofHouseorDeputyHeadimmediately.Studentsotherwiseencounteringdamagearealsorequiredtoreportit.

DepartureduringtheDay

When an appointment necessitates departure during the College day, an email to College Admin confirming the appointmentshouldbesenttotheCollege Itispreferredthatappointmentsaremadeoverabreakorlunchtime Any student(belowtheSixthForm)wholeavesthepremisesduringtheCollegedayistomeethis/herParent/Guardianin Reception.Theofficeisalsotobeinformedonhis/herreturn.Studentsarenottocallparentstoarrangedeparture citing illness. Only the College Nurse can arrange such a departure. Sixth Form students may leave school early by permissionoftheHeadofSixth,iftheyhaveafreelessonlastperiodoftheday TheymustsignoutonInVentry

DesignatedSafeguardingLead(DSL)

AnyschoolhasaresponsibilitytoexerciseitsdutyintermsofchildprotectionandtheCollegehastwosuchofficers trainedinmanagingmatterswhichmaybeforwardedtothem.TheyareMrLiveseyandMrBolandwithMrsMarson andMrTathamastheDeputyDSLs.Theirofficialtrainingisupdatedeverytwoyearsinaccordancewithgovernment guidance;however,theyalsoundertakeothertrainingandcourseswhichsupporttheirroles

Thestaffmorewidelyarealltrainedinchildprotectionmattersandhowtheseshouldbemanagedandreferredtothe DSL. This training is undertaken according to government stipulation and all staff new to the College undergo inductiontraininginchildprotectionandcounter-bullying,forinstance.

Parentsdoneedtobeawarethatpracticesinplacetoprotectchildrenfromanyformofabusemeanthatwhenthese are brought to light, they will be referred to agencies who are better able to address the needs of individual The CollegewilltakeguidancefromHertfordshireSafeguardingChildrenPartnership,insuchinstances

SpecificGuidance:

To guide staff in dealing with sensitive matters surrounding your son/daughter’s care, there are a suite of policies whichareunderregularreviewinordertoguidestaffthroughtheirdealings,manyofwhichpoliciesareavailableon thewebsite(underkeyPolicies)andtheseincludeSafeguarding,SaferRecruitment,AntiBullying,andsoon Detentions

Detentions take precedence over any other activity in which a student may be involved. Other than absence from school,nootherreasonisacceptableforfailuretoattenddetentions.Failuretoattenddetentionsisaseriousmatter andislikelytoresultinanescalationofthesanction EndofdaydetentionstakeplaceonTuesdaysbetween345pm and445pm Theyareissuedasaresultofacontinuingpatternofconcernoverbehaviouroracademicprogress,fora significantsinglebreachofCollegerules,asaresultoftheaccumulationoflunchtimedetentions,anaccumulationof academicdefaults,orfailuretoattendaschoollunchtimedetention.

Devices

AllSeniorsstudentsareprovidedwithSurfaceProdevicesbytheschoolforuseinlessonsasdirectedbytheteacher ThesedevicesareoptimisedforeducationalneedsandcompatiblewiththeOffice365suite Inordertoensurethe highest standard of learning, a good processing speed and an integrated keyboard are built-in features of these devices.

All students, regardless of year group, must comply with certain conditions to ensure the security and safeguard of theseitems Failuretolookafterthedeviceanditsaccessoriescouldresultinchargesbeingappliedtotheirschoolbill toreplaceorrepairtheseitems

Where1:1devicesareusedinlessons,thisistobedonestrictlyunderthedirectionoftheteacher.Devicesshouldnot be used for any purpose not directly linked to the learning objectives of the lesson. Browsing websites that are inappropriateorirrelevanttothecontentofthelessonisnotallowed Thefilmingofanypartofthelessonorofother studentsinschoolisstrictlyforbiddenandwillresultinasignificantsanction Anyshort-termexceptionstothisrule, suchasthefilmingofashortplayinDramaforthepurposeofanalysis,willbeexplainedfullybytheteacherandwill bedoneunderlimitedandtime-framedparameters.Thedevicesarenottobeusedforsocialmediapurposesorto playgames.Theyshouldbeseenasatoolforlearningandworkcompletion.

Theyshouldnotbeusedaroundschooloutsideoflessonseg intheplaygroundordiningroom Repeatedmisuseof thedevicewillresultinaban Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttobringtheirdevicetoschoolfullychargedeach day Failuretodosotwiceinoneweekwouldincuradetention Thedevicesshouldremainintheircasewhennotin use.

DiningHall

The Dining Hall is not to be used before school or during the school day for the completion of homework Prior to schoolstudentswhoareeatingmayusetheDiningRoom Lunchisserveduntil145pmdaily

DisciplineMark

This is given for a single infringement of significance or for persistent and repeated transgression of the rules and regulationsregardingbehaviourorwherebehavioursarecompounded ThemarkisissuedbyaHeadofHouseafter consultation with the staff member recommending the award and the Tutor This may be an automatic process in manycases ThereceivingofamarkwillautomaticallyrequireanafterCollegedetentiontobeserved Acopyofthe letter detailing the nature of the incident and the date on which the detention is to be completed is given to the studentandafurthercopyisemailedhome.Inabilitytoservethedetentiononthedateindicatedmustbeindicatedin writingandanewdateagreedwiththeDeputyHead.

DisciplingStudents

Staffwilldisciplinestudentsforissuesintheschoolday However,legislationalsoallowsschoolstodisciplinestudents formisbehaviouroutsideoftheschoolcontext,sonotengagedinaschoolactivity.Thisapplieswhetherornotthe student is in uniform. This covers misbehaviour which may adversely affect staff, students, the public or the reputationoftheschool So,forinstance,misbehaviourseenonpublictransportorinpublicplacescanbereported back to the school and acted upon Staff who see such behaviour do not need to address the behaviour there and then Itwillbedonesoretrospectively Forthisreason,relationshipswhichmightbedamagedviainternetormobile phoneuse,orindeedbullyingbytheinternet,canberespondedtoalso.

Drinks/Water

Theschoolgroundshaveanumberofdrinkingfountainsaroundtorespondtostudents’needs Drinkingisallowedin the Dining Hall or playground Water may be drunk in class during warm weather and if this does not become a disruptiveinfluenceinclass.CannedsugarydrinksarenotavailableintheCollegeandarenotpermittedtobebrought ontoCampus.

Drugs

StColumba’sCollegeseekstopromotethehealthandwell-beingofitsstudentsinrelationtotheuseandabuseof drugsandalcohol Inparticular,theCollegerecognizesthechallengespresentedtotheyoungbycultureinwhichthe recreationaluseofdrugsiscommonplace.

The College seeks to promote an understanding of the value and safe use of drugs to improve quality of individual lives: easing pain, eliminating disease, reducing the impact of health problems. However, it deplores the misuse of drugs,medications(including‘legalhighs’),vaping,alcohol,tobaccoorothersubstances.TheCollegewillactdecisively to infringements of the Code of Conduct in drug related matters and will balance pastoral and disciplinary considerations ThedecisionstakenwilltakeaccountoftheCollege’slegalresponsibilities,theinterestsof,andduty of care to, the student/s involved and those of the wider College community The College will offer support and counsellingforstudentswhoseekitsassistanceasaresultofthemisuseofsuchsubstances.TheCollegereservesthe righttohavestudentsdrugtestedattheHead’sdiscretion.SeeExclusionPolicy.Vapingisagrowingissueamongst youngpeoplenationallyandisforbiddenon-site,includingoncoachesandschooltrips.

DukeofEdinburgh’sAwardScheme(DofE)

TheDukeofEdinburgh’sAwardSchemeisofferedasanextendedlearningopportunityandqualificationforstudents fromForm3andabovetocompleteBronze.TheGoldAwardisthenundertakeninLower6thonwards.Thesecanbe achievedalongsideinvolvementintheCCForindependentofthisgroup.

E-Safety

Cyber-bullyingisanaggressiveintentionalactcarriedoutbyanindividualorgroup,usingelectronicmedia,repeatedly overtimeagainstavictimwhocannotdefendthemselves.Thisformofbullying,regardlessofwhetherornotittakes place within school time, has a direct impact on the health and happiness of the intended victim. In the event that suchbullyingemanatesfromanindividualorgroupwithintheCollege,theperpetratorswillbesubjecttodisciplinary action

Theadvantagesoftechnologyareobvioustoeveryoneand,usedcorrectly,areavaluableresource Sadly,thereare thosewithlesswell-adjustedattitudeswhowillseektousetheseformsofcommunicationtohurtpeople.Theadvice provided below is offered by Kidscape, a registered organisation whose single purpose is to counteract all forms of bullying.

Theadviceissoundindeed Youmaywishtovisittheirwebsitewww.kidscape.org.ukforfurtherinformation Another goodsourceofadviceiswww.childnet.com.

Hereareclearpointersregardinghowtokeepsafeandhowtorespondtoproblemsshouldtheyarise.

Messaging:

•Donotreplytoabusiveorobscenemessaging

•Text,pictureorvideomessagingshouldcontainnothingoffensive

•Reportaproblem.Yourmobileserviceprovidershouldhaveanumberthatyoucanringtoreportabusive messaging.Trytheirwebsitesfordetails.

•Becarefulofyourpersonaldetails.Donotgiveoutyourphonenumberanddon’tleaveyourmobilelying aroundwhenyouarenotabout

SocialMedia:

•Donotgiveoutpersonalinformation.

•Protectyouridentity.Giveyourselfanaliasthatdoesn’tgiveoutanythingaboutyourage,genderorlocation.

•Thinkaboutwhatyouwrite-itisveryeasyforpeopletogetthewrongideaaboutwhatyouwriteorhowyou writeitbecausetheycannothearthetoneofvoiceitmaybedeliveredin

•Neverrespondtoabusiveposting-ignoreitorlogoff Ifyoudonottaketimeoffandcalmdown,youmight endupwritingsomethingyouwillregret.Thiswouldonlyescalatethematter.

Email:

•Neverreplyifyoureceiveanastyorabusiveemail

•Donotgivethesenderthesatisfactionofareaction Thismaymakethemstopbotheringyou

•Findoutwheretheemailiscomingfromiftheydonotstop UsinganemailclientlikeOutlook,clickingthe rightmousebuttonoveranemailwillreveallotsofdetailsaboutwhereandwhotheemailcamefrom.

•Getyourparentsinvolvedasearlyasyoucan.Theycancontacttheschoolortheserviceproviderofthesender oftheemail.Makeahardcopyofthematerialifyoucanandretainitasevidence.

Eating

Studentsareallowedtobringahealthysnacktoschool,ifitiseatenintheDiningHallorplayground,andifallrubbish is disposed of. Students are not allowed to eat elsewhere on campus. In the Dining Hall, good table manners are expected,e.g.,eatingwithknifeandfork,eatingwhilstseatedetc.Studentsarenotallowedtobuyfromorselltoone anotherfoodstuffs,drinksorconfectioneryunlesstheyhavepermissionfromtheDeputyHead Thisincludesordering andbuyingtake-awayanddeliveredmeals

Studentsarenotpermittedtobringinfoodstuffs,sweetsordrinkswhichisnotforpersonalconsumption.Thereisno tuckshopatthecollegeanditemsforconsumptionarenottobesoldbyanymemberofthestudentbody.

Edulink

We recommend that parents download the App for EduLink This allows students and parents to monitor achievementsandattendance,accessreports,reportabsence,completeforms,updatemedicalinformationandview anytasksset.

EffortGrades

Effortgradesareprovidedtoparentsatformalreportingroundstoallowinsightintotheirchild’slevelofapplication inasubject,withconsiderationoftheexpectedlearnerbehavioursinthegridbelow

To maximise their learning, and that of other students in the SCC community, we expect our students to …

Organisation

Behaviour

Engagement

arrive punctually bring the correct equipment plan longer answers / their approach to extended tasks set their work out clearly meet deadlines catch up work proactively if absent

follow their teacher’s instructions respect others (e.g. by not talking out of turn, not distracting others) respect the rules set for work (e.g. test conditions, lab / workshop safety) use their device responsibility respect property

listen attentively apply themselves purposefully to the current task contribute proactively to class discussions when appropriate sustain a productive work pace reflect on their approach and output use feedback to improve work visibly

For KS3, the following 4-point scale applies to the student’s general approach to the subject encompassing these learnerbehaviours

ForKS4and6 Form,the4-pointscaleisappliedasanoverviewwhereacommentaccompaniesgrades,buteffortis reportedforeachofthethreesubcategoriesofOrganisation,BehaviourandEngagementasexplanatorydetailwhere nocommentaccompaniesthegrades th

1=Excellent:thestudent’sapproachwillroutinelystandoutasanobviousstrength,thoughneednotbeperfect

2=Good:thestudent’sapproachisclearlypositive,withonlyoccasionalminorshortcomings

3=Inconsistent:thestudent’sapproachwillhaveplentyofpositivefeatures,butsomemorerepeatedor consequentialshortcomingshavebeenobserved

4=Poor:thestudent’sapproachoftenfallsshortofourexpectations ParentsandFormTutoraremadeawareof issueswitheffortbeforea4isissuedonareport

Itisworthnotingthateffortdeemeda3orespeciallya4typicallyimpactstheworkofotherstosomeextent,andas suchthestudentshouldshowafullcommitmenttoimprovingmattersurgently.

EnrichmentDays

Enrichment days punctuate the formal academic curriculum throughout the College year and provide opportunities forstudentstoengageinactivities,trips,trainingprogrammesandeventswhichtheywouldotherwisenotbeableto experience. Some are subject related, some to develop skills, and some to extend cultural and experiential boundaries The programme differs from year to year to provide a variety and range of experiences The College calendaronthewebsitecanbeconsultedforfurtherinformationanddates Epipens

ItisstronglyencouragedforSeniorstudentstocarrytheirownIndividualEpiPen/Jexts,soastobeeasilyaccessibleif required in an emergency. An extra can be provided to be stored securely in the Senior Reception Office. All Prep studentsindividualEpiPen/JextswillbesecurelystoredinthePrepReceptionOffice

ParentsmustcompleteaconsentformandcareplanannuallygivingpermissiontoadministertheEpiPen/Jextinan emergency.EpiPen/JextsremainintheCollegeatalltimes,exceptonschooltrips,andmustbereplacedbeforetheir expirydate.

Examinations

Allexaminationsandstudysessionsaretobeconductedinsilence Mobilephonesmustbeswitchedoff Theywillbe collected at the start of the examination and returned after all the papers have been handed in Any form of communicationbetweenstudents(talking,passingnotes,permittingstudentstoreadanswersheetsetc.)isliableto beregardedascheatingandstudentswillhavetheirmarkrecordedaszeroforthatexamination.Thissanctionalso appliestoanyuseofamobilephoneduringtheexamination Ifastudentisfoundtobecommunicating,theteacher ondutywillindicatethisontheirscript Thetimeatwhichtheincidenttookplaceandatwhatparticularpointinthe examinationwillbenoted

Studentsmustweartheirfullschooluniform.AnychangestothiswillbenotifiedbytheDeputyHead.Studentswill not be allowed to leave the examination room during a session. The invigilator is responsible for the dismissal of students at the end of the examination Eating or drinking (apart from agreed practice related to consumption of water)ofanydescriptionisnotpermittedduringexaminationorrevisionperiods Mascots,toysandgood-luckcharms arenotpermitted

Extracurricular

SeeStudentFormation

FamilyHolidays

Absenceinconnectionwithfamilyeventsorholidaysshouldbeavoidedandwillbeunauthorised(inaccordancewith theGovernmentguidance) ParentsarestillrequiredhowevertomakeawrittenrequesttotheHeadiftheywishto takechildrenoutofschoolforanyreason TheHeadmaynotgrantanyleaveofabsenceduringtermtimeunlessthere areexceptionalcircumstances.

Fees

AllmattersrelatingtofeesshouldbeaddressedtotheBursarattheCollege Parentsaretounderstandthatfeesare levied for the year and payments can be managed according to the alternative plans available No discounts or reductionoffeesareapplicableforTrinitytermsin5thFormorUpper6th.

FinalWarning

AFinalWarningwillindicatethatthestudenthasnotcompliedwiththetermsoftheFormalWarningandthatany further breach of school discipline, or a continuation of poor behaviour or academic default will result in the withdrawalofthestudent’splaceintheCollege TheprocedureforissuingaFinalWarningisthesameasthatforthe Formal Warning. A Final Warning is usually applied for a full Key Stage before review. Please note that Disciplinary stagesdonothavetobeprogressedthroughinallsituationsandcanbeappliedattheHead’sdiscretion.

Fire/FireDrills/SafeEvacuation

Theschoolhasafireprocedurewhichisreviewedperiodically TheCollegehasregularfiredrills Therearecopiesof theproceduresineachroomaswellassignsindicatingwhichexitstouseincaseoffire Studentsmustexitquickly andinsilencetotheassemblypointifthealarmsounds.TheCollegealsopractiseslockdowndrills,inordertohelp keepthecommunitysafeinthiseventuality.

Fixtures

AfullandcurrentfixturelistcanbeaccessedontheCollegeSportswebsite StudentsselectedtorepresenttheCollege whichinvolvesanincursionintoacurricularlesson,mustfollowthecourtesyofnotifyinganysubjectteacherwhose lesson(orpartoflesson)willbemissed.Whilstpermissionwillbegrantedasamatterofcourse,studentsmustensure thatallnecessaryworkrequirementsaremet.Ifthesearenotmet,thenthesubjectteachershouldraisethematter with the Director of Sport and Head of House and the privilege of representing the College may be withdrawn or suspended

StudentschosentocompetefortheCollegemustbepresent,unlesstheyhaveinformedtheDirectorofSportwithan accompanyingletterbywayofconfirmationfromparents,asinter-schoolsportandourabilitytohonourfixturesis importanttotheCollege.AthletesmustensuretheycompeteinfullPEkit.

Force(useofbystaff)

Asperthelaw,staffareallowedtousereasonableforce Potentialsituationsinwhichthismightoccurislikelytobe when restraining a student, for example, when preventing individuals bringing harm to themselves or others, prejudicinggoodorderordisciplineatschoolorcommittingacrime.Thereisstaffguidanceregardingwhatforcecan be used Clearly premeditation or force intended to harm is unacceptable Guidance indicates that use must be appropriatetorespondtothematter Ifforceisusedandaparentregardsthisasunacceptableforwhateverreason, thenlegislationstatesthattheonusisontheparenttoprovethatthestaffmemberhasactedunreasonably Whilst staff can use force, there is no legal duty for them to do so as their first responsibility is to prevent harm to themselves.

FormalWarning

A Formal Warning will be considered for a student whose behaviour or academic effort continues to be of serious concern over an extended period of time: there will have been little or no sustained pattern of improvement or response to the standard sanctions, a level of non- compliance which has exhausted most, if not all, of the main pastoralanddisciplinaryresponsesavailablewhichmayhaveincludedReportcards,detentionsetc.

A Formal Warning is not intended to be a response to an isolated, albeit serious, breach of the College Code of Conduct.However,itislikelytobeinvokedasaresultofanyfirstoccasionofastudentbeingsuspended.TheWarning coversaperiodoftimewhichistheKeyStageinwhichthestudentcurrentlyresidesorforaperiodoftwoyears(orit may extend to the school career of the student depending upon the nature of the presenting issue) This status is closelymonitoredwiththeexpressconditionthattheremustbeasustainedpatternofimprovementovertheperiod. Theremayalsobespecifictermsindicatedaspartofthisprocess.

FoundersHall

Founders’ Hall is the 6th Form Centre This comprises a study, cafe and lounge area and six teaching classrooms It honoursthefourBrotherswhore-foundedStColumba’sin1956,Eugene,Clement,PeterandVictor Hairstyles

Hair should be neat, tidy and clean. Hair longer than shoulder-length is to be tied back. Extreme hairstyles, for example,veryshorthair,undercutsorlayeredhair,eveniftemporarilyfashionable,arenotpermitted,norcoloured orexcessivelystyledhair Linesandpatternsarenottobecutintothehair TheCollegeissensitivetothedictatesof religiouscultureandwillconsiderwrittenrequestsregardingexemptions.ShorthairistobenolessthanaNo.3cut. Studentsaretobeclean-shaven.

Head’sDistinction

Where work, behaviour or participation within a sphere of the College’s life is of such quality that it should gain greateracclaimthenaHead’sDistinctioncanbeawarded Anystaffmembercannominateastudentforthisaward Such an award will follow the Head’s assessment of the work or contribution and an interview with the student concerned.

Homework

Students are expected to work to achieve their own highest standards Assignments are to be completed for the deadline set and to the best of the individual’s ability All individual assignments must be the student’s own work Consultationandcollaborationmaybeallowed,butworkpresentedmustbeastudent’sown.TeachersuseMicrosoft Teamstosethomeworkandbothparentsandstudentsareencouragedtouseit.

Any problems relating to specific homework tasks are to be directed in the first instance to the subject teacher concerned Thisisbestdonebyanemail,inwhichthewholeproblemcanbecommunicated Shouldtheproblemnot be resolved at this level then the Subject Leader should be contacted If the concern is more general and covers a numberofsubjectareas,thenthematterisbestdirectedtowardsthetutor.

HomeworkDefaultingF1,2&3

Staff will record the homework default on SIMS which will enable tutors and other pastoral staff to monitor The student must present the work to the staff member the following morning at registration Failure to do so would result in an academic mark being awarded which would require attendance at an after-school detention. (see AcademicMark).

Tutorswillrespondtostudentswhodevelopapictureofdefaultingmorequicklybydifferentstrategies Forinstance, regulardefaultinginindividualsubjectswouldleadtoSubjectLeadersimposingSubjectReportcardsforatwo-week periodinthefirstinstance (HeadofHouseHoHandtutorbeinginformedofprogress)

More general defaulting of a wider scale or academic performance becoming an issue would be more centrally managedbytheimpositionofaReportcard.Studentswhomisslonger-termprojectdeadlinesforinstanceinArtor DesignTechnologyaretobegivenanautomaticSaturdaydetention

Students who miss coursework deadlines or crucial planning for deadlines for longer term projects in Art, Design Technology,preparationforOrals,etc aretobegivenanautomaticSaturdayDetention Studentswhofailtohandin holidayhomeworktodeadlinewillalsobesubjecttoSaturdaydetention.

HomeworkTimetable

ThesearesetforeachyeargroupfromForms1to5 Timespentonhomeworkwillvaryaccordingtotheloadandthe nature of the work set but the time not directly used in formal work should be used for revision or note taking or privatereadingandresearch.Parentsareremindedthathomeworktaskswillvaryinformandwillmovetorequire greaterindependentworkandresearchsowillnotalwaysfollowwhatcouldberegardedastheconventionaltasksof previousexperience–althoughmanywill

HouseSystem

EachstudentintheCollegeisunderthepastoralcareofaHeadofHouseandtheirteamofTutors.Inthiswaythecare weofferisenhancedbyprovidingcontinuityandasharperfocusforCollegelifeandactivities.

EachstudentremainsamemberoftheHouseassignedtohim/herontransfertotheSeniorSchooluntiltheendof his/hertimeattheCollege TheHousetutorgroupislikelytobenomorethan20innumberandmorenormally14-16

Students in the Sixth Form continue to belong to their Houses, though they will also enjoy an independent identity underthecareoftheirownHeadofSixthFormandmixedtutorgroups.TheCollegehasaNewStudentCo-ordinator whohasoversightofthetransitionofstudentsduringtheirfirstyeartohelpthemintheprocessofsettlingin.The HouseTeam(HeadofHouse,DeputyHeadofHouseandTutors)arethepeoplewhobestgettoknoweachindividual. Whenparentsrequireinformationoradviceaboutanythingtodowiththeirson/daughter,theyareadvisedtomake contactwiththeHousestaffinthefirstinstance,particularlytheTutor Anapproachbytelephone/emailcanbemade toasktheTutororHeadofHousetogetintouch Inthecaseofacomplexormoreextendedenquiry,parentsare advisedtosetoutinaletterthedetailsofaquestionorproblem.

Parentsarealsowelcometocometoschooltodiscussanyquestionsorconcernstheyhavebutareaskedtoseeka mutuallyconvenientappointmentbeforedoingso AresponsetoanenquirymaybepassedontotheDeputyHead particularly where there is no immediately straightforward solution or where the problem involves students from otherHouses

WhilstoriginallytheHouseSystemwasatoolforallmannerofcompetitions,itnowprovidesthebasisforthewhole pastoralstructure.StudentswillcometoidentifywithaHouse,aHeadofHouseandateamofHouseTutorsovera periodofyears Theywilldevelopasenseofbelongingandprideintheiraffiliationtowhatis,ineffect,acommunity withinacommunity Thus,studentswillhaveagreaterspiritofcommitmentandloyaltythancaneverbegenerated by a larger, more impersonal ‘whole College’ But it will also complement and strengthen the wider ethos already prevalentintheCollege.

HeadsofHouseandtheirteamofTutorswillgettoknowthestudentsandtheirparentsverywellindeed,andthiswill allow them to respond better to their individual needs, academic and pastoral, and to deal with all disciplinary matters Thesefactors,amongothers,arefullyconsonantwiththeethosoftheBrothersoftheSacredHeartandtheir emphasisoneducationasapartnershipwithparents

A genuine sense of competition is generated within the school. This allows more students to be recognised and rewarded for their successes. This competition has spread more widely than its initial stronghold in sport to incorporateinter-Housemusic,plays,chess,publicspeakingetc allowingeachstudenttopractiseandextendhis/her abilityinarangeofactivities

SixthFormstudentsassumeevengreaterresponsibilitiesforleadership,examplesareHouseCaptains,HousePrefects and organisers of their House activities, as well as by encouraging those who participate for their House and being themselvesactivemembersofHouseTeams.

Illness/Injury

Parents have primary responsibility for their children’s welfare and health and as such must understand and accepttheirpartinrespondingtomedicalissues Astudentisnottobesenttoschoolifhe/sheisinfectiousorhas beensufferingfromdiarrhoeaorvomitingintheprevious48hoursorisunabletoattendalllessons Illnesswillbe attendedtobytheCollegenurseifthisdevelopsduringtheschoolday.However,parentsareaskednottosend childrentoschooliftheyareill.ThisisparticularlythecaseondayswhenGamestakeplace.Studentswhoarein schoolwillberequiredtoparticipateinGamesandonlydoctor’scertificationwillbeacceptedasareasonfornoninvolvement AdecisionaboutstudentswhopresentthemselvesasbeingillregardingparticipationinGameswill bemadebytheGamesDepartmentandtheCollegeNurse

Ifastudentfallsillorsustainsinjurywhilstatschoolandiseitherunabletoreturntoformallessonsortreatment is beyond the remit of the Nurse, parents are informed and required to take them home or onward for further treatment The obvious exception is in an emergency needing hospitalisation and transport by ambulance Permission to leave the site as a result of illness or injury is only given after a student has been assessed by a College Nurse Parents are then contacted A student may not make independent arrangements If a parent is contactedindependentlyoftheCollegeNurseregardingillnessorthedesiretobepickedup,parentsmustcontact theCollegeNurse.IntheabsenceoftheCollegeNurse,permissioncanbegrantedbynominatedFirstAidersor anymemberoftheSeniorLeadershipTeam.

Immunisation

Diphtheria,TetanusandPolioandMenACWYimmunisationstakeplaceinForm3 FluVaccinationstakeplacein ReceptiontoForm5.HPVimmunisationstakeplaceinForm2.

IncidentInvestigation

The school will do all in its power to investigate incidents which have a disciplinary aspect to them in order to ascertain who is culpable However, experience indicates that it may prove impossible to form a totally clear picture of what has occurred when relying solely upon the hearsay evidence of pupils. As a result, disciplinary decisionsmayhavetobemadeonthebasisoftheweightofevidence.

Informal/VerbalWarning

AHeadofHousewillissueanInformalWarningtoastudentwhohasovertheshorttermfailedtorespondtothe expectationofCollegelife Thismayfollowfailuretorespondtosupportalreadyputinplaceormaybeissuedasa resultofanaccumulationofconcerns.TheDeputyHeadwillnotifyofficiallyofanywarningstatus.

Inhalers

AnystudentwhoneedstouseaninhalerforAsthmamustcarrythiswiththematalltimesandwillbepermitted touseitwhennecessary Itmustbeclearlymarkedwiththestudent’snameandform Aspare,named,inhaler mustbeleftintheMedicalRoomasaback-upandforemergencies.

In-HouseSuspension

A student may be removed from class for part or whole of the day with immediate effect if it is deemed appropriate in order to prevent a situation from escalation or to remedy a particular problem regarding outstanding work for instance In such instances parents will be notified formally of the need to withdraw the standardprovisionoflessons.Suchasanctionwillformpartofthestudent’srecord.

Insurance

Student’s school devices are insured under a College-based scheme, the details of which are available from the FinanceOffice TheCollegeinsurancedoesnotcoverthelossordamageofpersonalbelongingswhilstinCollege The College accepts no liability for such. Damage to College property occasioned by students where accidental or deliberatewillbebilledtoparents.Thefollowingpersonalitemsmustbeinsuredbyparents/guardiansviaaseparate insurancepolicyorasanextensiontohomecontentsinsurancepoliciesonanAllRisksextension

1 Mobilephones

2 Audiodevices

3.Watches/Jewellery

4.Cash/debitcards

Jewellery

Onestudearringineachearlobeispermitted(F1-5girlsonly) Face-piercings,rings,medals,chains,bracelets,badges, spacersarenotpermitted.WeadviseagainstwearingexpensivewristwatchestoCollege,andSmartwatchesarenot permitted.

JourneystoandfromCollege

All journeys to and from College are subject to the College rules regarding behaviour and uniform Students are requiredtocomplywiththisandmustunderstandthattheyrepresenttheschoolonsuchjourneys

Lateness

Latenessistobeavoided Studentswhoarelateforschoolmustfollowtherulessetoutunder“Registration”andsign inatReceptiononarrival Latenesstoclasswillbecloselymonitoredandstudentswhoarehabitualinthisregardwill besanctioned

Leadership

Thedevelopmentofstudents’charactersandskillsisregardedasofequalimportanceasachievingacademicallyatthe forefront of their ability This takes many forms across all years, from being a tutor group captain, school council representative, member of one of the multitude of service programme activities, parent tour guide, duty monitor, workingwithdisabledchildren,outreachworkinZambia,involvedinfinancialservicesprojects,becomingaprefect,a schoolleader.Studentsaregivensupport,directionandencouragementinalltheseactivities,buttheyareessentially requiredtotaketheinitiativeanddeveloptheirownself-confidenceandresilience,sotheyaremoreindependentand resourceful

LearningNeeds/AcademicSupport

At SCC, we are committed to supporting every pupil throughout their time with us, helping them reach their full learning potential. Our goal is to equip students with the skills and strategies they need to become successful, confident,independent,andlifelonglearners.

Support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is guided by the Academic Support Department and embedded across the whole school Teachers make reasonable adjustments to their classroom practice, ensuring that pupils with mild to moderate learning needs are effectively supported within a mainstream environment.

The Academic Support Department provides a dedicated space where students receive individual or small group support tailored to their needs The department also works closely with teaching staff to help remove barriers to learning, alwaysmaintaining apupil-centredapproachthat enablesstudentstobuildconfidence, succeed, andfulfil theirpotential.

Allstaffhaveaccesstoacentralregisterthatdetailsindividuallearningneedsandrecommendedstrategies,ensuring eachpupiliswellknownandsupportedwithintheschoolcommunity.Eachacademicyearbeginswithastaff-focuson studentscurrentlyregisteredasrequiringsupportormonitoringregardingSEND,pastoral,orhealth-relatedconcerns

Parents with concerns in any of these areas should first contact their child’s Form Tutor, who will consult with the HeadofHouseandrelevantstafftodeterminethemostappropriatecourseofaction.

Library

TheLibraryisanopenresourceforstudentstouseduringbreakandlunchtimes However,toensureequalaccess, year groups are assigned particular times when they have priority access A number of discretionary places are available each day. Students are not to take an early lunch to use the Library and must manage their time to accommodate their lunch. The 1st and 2nd Form all undertake a course which introduces them to the range of resourcesandapplicationsavailabletousetheLibrarytoitsbestadvantage.Booksandotherloansmustbereturned bythedatedueorrenewedingoodtimetoensuretheresourcecanbeaccessedappropriatelybyallusers 6thForm mayusetheLibrary,withpermission,duringfreelessonsandmanyclassesfromavarietyofsubjectsaretaughtinthe Library

Litter

Students know that the cleanliness of the site is a whole College responsibility and that they can be asked and requiredbyamemberofstafforaprefecttopickuplitteranddisposeofitcorrectly

LostProperty

Toensureswiftreturn,allbelongingsmustbeclearlymarked.Propertywhichismislaidwillbereturnedtoanumber ofplacesanditistheresponsibilityofastudenttocheckthese.Gameskit,boots,trainers,PEkitandbagsrelatedto sportsaregenerallyreturnedtothechangingroomareaandcanbeaccessedthroughcontactwithanymemberofthe PEDepartment

Books, files, pencil cases (items related to academic work) and valuables, such as, watches, ear buds, are generally returnedtoReception.Unnameditemsofclothingareplacedinthelostpropertyboxontheplaygroundsostudents aredirectedtosearchinthisbox.Nameditemsarereturnedtostudentswherepossibleandanyunnameditemsnot claimedareforwardedtotheSecond-HandUniformShoportoaclothescharity

Lunch

Lunches are served by an independent catering company called Chartwells Independent. Students are able to purchaselunchthroughtheuseofabiometricpaymentsystemonwhichcreditmustbestoredtoprovidepayment. Nocashistaken.Moneyforsuchpurchasesistobeaddedtotheonlinepaymentsystem.

LunchRota

Eachday,studentsarecalledintotheDiningHallaccordingtoalunchrotasothatnooneyeargroupisalwaysthelast in.Studentarecalledfromtheplaygroundbyasupervisingstaffmemberandtheiraccessintothehallmanaged.

LunchtimeActivities

AnumberofSHAPEactivitiestakeplaceoverthelunchsessionswhicharedividedintotwoblocks:105pm–135pm and135pm-205pm Someactivitiesareexclusivelyforparticularyeargroups,othersmixedintheirnature Sports squad sessions and larger music groups generally take place at this time. The range and availability of activities is managed by the Assistant Head for Student and Staff Wellbeing. Detentions take precedence over any lunchtime activity. Permission to alter a lunchtime detention must be sought by consultation with the activity leader and the HeadofHouse

Mass

MassiscelebratedonoccasionthroughouttheCollegeyear,whetherasafullschoolgatheringoringroupsasHouses forinstance.ThereareothertimeswhenMassisofferedforthoseinterestedinattendingatlunchtimes.Attendance atfullschoolandHouseMassiscompulsory (SeeReligiousCustom,ReligiousObservance,andLiturgies)

Medicines

Parents/students are required to hand medication to be taken during the course of the school day to the College Nursesonarrival Thismustbeaccompaniedwithasignedconsentform(availableonthewebsiteorattheendofthe Medical/FirstAidPolicy,alsoonthewebsite) Themedicinemustbeprovidedinitsoriginalcontainer Studentsmust notcarrymedicineontheirperson.Medicationwillbestoredinalockedcupboardorthefridgeasnecessary,except asthmapumpsandEpiPens/Jextswhicharecarriedbythestudentsthemselves.

MentalHealthSupport

We are proud to offer a range of mental health and emotional wellbeing support at school to ensure that every student has access to the right help at the right time. No student should feel they are alone; support is always availableiftheyaskforit.

Attimes,studentsmaybenefitfromasinglesourceofsupport,andinothercases,theymayengagewithmorethan oneoptiondependingontheircircumstances OurHouseandpastoralstaffworkcloselywitheachstudenttoidentify thebestformofsupportforthematanygiventime,anddecisionsarealwaysmadeinthestudent’sbestinterests MrLiveseyistheschool’sMentalHealthLeadandDesignatedSafeguardingLead(DSL).Heoverseesthefullrangeof provisionandhelpstoensurethatstudentwellbeingremainsatoppriority.

Form1(andForm2)BuddyingScheme

AllForm1studentsarematchedwithaLowerSixthbuddyduringtheirfirstweekofterm Thisolderstudentactsasa friendly,informalrolemodel,someonetohelpthemsettleinandofferadvicefromastudentperspective Thebuddy relationship typically continues through to the end of Form 2, or until the Sixth Former leaves school. Regular meetingshappenduringFormtimeandthereisusuallyanagendatotalkthrough.

PastoralMentors

WealsohaveateamofLowerSixthPastoralMentorswhoreceiverobusttrainingfromtheSchoolCounsellor These mentorsareequippedtosupportstudentswitheverydaychallengessuchasfriendshipdifficulties,socialtransitions, andmanagingschoollife.ParentscanrequestaPastoralMentorthroughtheirchild’sHeadofHouse.

StaffListeners

StaffListenersaretrainedteachersandsupportstaffwhooffersupportsessionstostudentsneedingatrustedadultto talk to These sessions focus on practical support for coping with anxiety, low mood, stress, self-esteem, and interpersonalchallenges.

It is important to note that Staff Listeners are not qualified counsellors or mental health professionals, and do not offer clinical therapy Their role is to listen, guide, and help students reflect on strategies for moving forward The sessionsarenotcounselling,buttheyaresafespacestotalk Stafflistenersworkcloselywiththecounsellorstoensure therightprovisionisgiven

Counselling

For students in need of more in-depth support, we offer professional and confidential counselling with our on-site School Counsellors Counselling provides a regular, private space for students to explore their feelings, talk through challenges,andreceiveprofessionalemotionalsupport

Sessions take place in Iona, a calm and private area away from the busy school environment. Counselling is led by student need, some may attend just a few sessions, others for longer. Students can request to see the Counsellor themselvesorbereferredthroughtheirHouse.

Whilemostcounsellingcontentisconfidential,studentsaremadeawarethatanyserioussafeguardingconcernswill bepassedtotheDSL(MrLivesey)and,wherenecessary,tootherkeypastoralstaff Thisexceptiontoconfidentialityis alwaysmadeclear.

Incaseswhereneedsgobeyondthescopeofschool-basedsupport,wemayadviseparentstoseekfurtherhelpvia theirGPorexternalspecialists

MidYISiswidelyusedbyschoolsasabaselineassessmentofacademicpotential.TakeninForm1,2or3depending uponentry,itallowsindividualteacherstohelpstudentsfulfiltheirpotentialaswellasidentifyingwhereadditional supportmayberequired MidYISenablesteacherstomonitorstudents’progressandpredictlikelyGCSEexamination performance HavingcompletedMidYIS,studentscanbeencouragedtothinkaboutwhattheyneedtodoinorderto achieveorexceedtheirtargetgrade Thedesignofthetestissuchthatitassesses,asfaraspossible,aptituderather than achievement, interpretation rather than knowledge, so it is not dependent on previously learnt curriculum. Studentsareassessedinfourareas:Vocabulary,Maths,Non-VerbalandSkills.

MissionStatement

St Columba’s College is committed to promoting and realising Gospel values in an environment of academic endeavour and personal discipline. We work in partnership with students and parents and in accordance with the traditionsoftheCatholicChurchandthecharismoftheBrothersoftheSacredHeart.

We seek to provide a Christian education in which each student is personally valued and challenged to pursue the higheststandardsinspiritual,moral,cultural,intellectual,andphysicaldevelopment Weaimtoshareanexperience of Christian community in which all may grow in faith through worship, mutual support and by responding to the needsofthecommunityatlarge.

We expect each student to develop their own particular talents in pursuit of his/her God-given vocation. Academic success,confidence,goodrelationships,loyalty,sportingprowess,aestheticinterest,andreadinesstobeofserviceto societywillallbequalitiesoftheColumban

(Approved,24May1994,ProvincialCouncil,BrothersoftheSacredHeart)

MobilePhones

TheCollegedoesnotpermittheuseofmobilephonesduringtheCollegeday Parentsarenottocontacttheirchildren duringschoolhoursviamobilephonesandcontactwithparentsviamobilephoneistobeconductedonlyfollowing permissionfromtheCollegeSecretary Amobilephonebrought intoCollegeisconsideredtobeentirelyapersonal responsibility.ItmustbesecuredduringtheCollegedayeitherinthelockerorretainedontheperson.Itmustnotbe left unattended even for the shortest of times. If taken to Physical Education or Games, it is the individual’s responsibilitytohandinthephoneatthebeginningofthelessonforsafe-keeping.(LocalrulesintheSixthForm.)

MobilephonesmustnotcauseinterferencetotheoperationofclassesatanylevelintheCollegeeitherbydesignor accident Instancesofsuchwillresultinautomaticafter-schooldetention

The taking of photographs or videos of other students and staff in College or any College related activity is not permitted.Anystudentfoundtobedoingsowillhavetheirphoneconfiscated,onlytobereturnedtotheirparents. AllimagescapturedinrelationtotheCollegecontextmustbedeletedasaconditionofreturn Thestudent(s)involved will be subject to a sanction under the College rules which may include suspension and exclusion when the Head deemsthisappropriate

Students who capture any form of image and then use this in a public manner will be suspended from school as a baselineresponse.StudentswhouseanelectronicdevicewhiletravellingtoandfromCollegearetoturnthemoffand putthemandanyearphonesawayonarrivalonschoolgrounds TheCollegecanacceptnoresponsibilityfortheloss ordamageofsuchpersonalproperty

MovementTime

Studentsarerequiredtotransferasspeedilyaspossibletotheirnextlesson.Studentswhoareundulytardyfollowing thistimewillbeservedwithalunchtimedetentionandthematterrecordedontheirSIMSprofileforreference.Any instanceoflatenessismonitoredbythetutor,andthosewhoevidenceahabitoflatenesswillbesubjecttofurther sanction

MuftiDays(non-uniform)

Mufti Days (non-uniform days) Students are to attend in appropriate, smart but casual clothing and wear nothing which can cause offence for instance, nothing to promote anti- social behaviour or support unacceptable codes of behaviourtoincludedrugculture,anti-socialslogansoroffencetothereligiousethosofthecollege Rippedjeans, revealingtopsorshortskirtsarenotpermitted.

MusicLessons(private)

Thelearningofmusicalinstruments(individualoringroups)isoverseenbytheHeadofMusic Studentsinvolvedin tuition are taught on a rota basis so as not to disadvantage any particular subject Students do not receive tuition duringGameslessonsbecauseoftheparticulardifficultiesinherentinthis,nordotheyattendduringreligiousservices orwholeCollegegatherings.

Any enquiries regarding music lessons should be directed to the Music Co-ordinator Juliet Foxwell foxwellj@stcolumbascollegeorg

MusicRehearsals

If a student has signed up to a music group, then he/she has an obligation to attend all rehearsals, given his/her absence may affect the performance of the group. Such rehearsal may be those scheduled in the school day or periodicallynearerthetimeofperformancearrangedfortimesafterschool Inabilitytoattendmustbenotifiedtothe leadmemberofstaffingoodtimebeforeabsence

Parents’Association

TheStColumba’sParents’Association(SCPA)hasitsownconstitutionandofficers.Itsaimsmaybesummarised:

Social:Theassociationaimstoprovideeventswhereparents,teachers,andfriendsgettoknowoneanotherbetter Fundraising: The association aims to organise social and other events that would realise a profit and thus provide fundsforparticularprojectsoffacilitiestheCollegecouldnototherwiseafford Service:TheassociationaimstohelptheCollegebyprovidingapoolofresourcesofbothpeopleandmaterialsthat theCollegemightcallupon.

ThereisanannualgeneralmeetingoftheAssociationintheMichaelmasTerm,whichelectsacommittee Thereare committeemeetingsonaregularbasisaccordingtotheCollegecalendar TheCommittee’sofficersareChairperson, Vice-Chair,Secretary,Treasurer,andCollegeRepresentative.

ParentEvenings

Parent Evenings are calendared for each year group and afford opportunities to meet parents personally to discuss academicandsocialprogress Theymaybeinpersonoronline Thedatesaredetailedintheonlinecalendaronthe Collegewebsite

Parking

Parking is at a premium on site All parking spaces which are numbered are reserved for staff and are not to be occupiedduringtheworkingday Anumberofspacesareallocatedforexpectedvisitors

PastoralProgramme(SMSC)

Tutorsmeetwiththeirtutorgroupseachmorningatregistrationandthenmoreformallytwiceweeklytocoverthe Pastoral Curriculum. This is now often referred to as the SMSC of a school, the Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural programme RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) is also delivered in this time, as well as through RE, Science and Computing During the course of these fifty-minute periods a structured programme is undertaken in which tutors will address all manner of social, personal and general issues including aspects of citizenship This will alsorequirethatstudentsremainabreastofcurrentnewsandaffairsinordertobroadentheirunderstandingofthe worldandwidentheirgeneralknowledge.

Theprogrammeforeachyeargroupisspecificallytailoredtosuititseducationalneeds,addresssocialissuespertinent to their ages, and prepare for specific elements in the daily operation of the College: for instance, how to organise oneself, how to approach study at examination times Different stages in the students’ education as they progress throughtheCollegewillalsobecateredfor,choiceofGCSEsubjectsinForm3,careersresearchinForm5,university application in Form 6, to name but a few. The programme is reviewed annually to respond to the particular and changingneedsoftheyeargroupsasissuesarise.

Workwithineachoftheyeargroupsisdirectedtoagespecificdevelopmentalthemesaslistedbelow: YearGroupAgeSpecificDevelopmentalTheme

1st Form

2 Form nd

3 Form rd

4 Form th

5 Form th

Lower 6th

Upper 6th

PEandGamesKit

Something for Everyone Finding Out More Making the Right Choices

In Greater Depth

Looking to the Future Leading the Way Legacy for All

StudentsmustwearappropriateCollegePEkitandGameskit Failuretobringkittolessons,willcarryanAcademic Markasaresponse ContinuedfailuremayresultinaSaturdaydetention Kitmustbeclearlylabelled Studentsare nottoborrowoneanother’skit,doingsowillresultinsanction

PermanentExclusion

Permanent exclusion is likely to be the sanction of last resort - issued in the interests of an offending student themselves, or in the interest of the student body as a whole The sanctions presented in the school provide for a rangeofresponseswhichmaybeused Thenatureofthemisdemeanourwillattimesobviatetheneedtoprogress throughasteppedorstagedapproach.ParentshavetherightofAppealinthecaseofpermanentexclusion.Thisis effectedbycontactingtheBursarwhoisClerktotheGovernors.

PlaygroundGames

Playground games are reserved to basketball and football All other types of chase games or ones which involve individuals as targets are not permitted, nor is running within the school or out of bound of the playground Regulation basketballs are used for basketball games. Tennis balls are not permitted as they present a Health and Safetyhazard.However,“spongeballs”,foamtypeballsoftennisballsizeareusedasstandard.Non-regulationballs willbeconfiscated

PlaygroundRules

Students are not to play in ways which will cause injury to others, be over-physical, engage in mock-fights or be physical with one another in any ways other than as a result of the regulations related to basketball and football gamesthemselves.Studentsaretoremaininboundsandthoseareasdesignatedas“quietareas”arereservedtobe such CricketbatsandanyotherimplementusedforsportisnotpermittedontheplaygroundotherthaninPEand Gamessessions

PoliticalIndoctrination

The College will actively seek to prevent students being exposed to political indoctrination through the curriculum. Thisisnottosaythatpoliticalmatterswillnotbediscussedanddebated,norstudentsexposedtopoliticalviewpoints, but they will not be encouraged by staff or others (for instance external speakers) to support particular partisan political viewpoints This accords with the Government’s Prevent Strategy, designed to prevent radicalisation of individuals.

Amomentofreflectionoraprayerstartseachdayandcompletesregistrationinthemorning Prayeralsoendsthe dayandallsignificantandmajorgatheringsofstudentseg tutortime,assemblies Somestaffmayalsobegintheir lessonsinthismanner

Prefects

Prefects share with teachers in exercising the authority of the College and that of the Head in assisting with the discipline, good order and pastoral care of the College As such they are to be obeyed The work of prefects is supervised jointly by the Deputy Head and the Head of Sixth Form (who monitors the balance of prefects’ commitmentstotheCollegeandtotheirownacademicwork).ThePrefectCommitteeismadeupoftheSeniorGroup andtheSixHouseCaptains.SeveralotherdeservingcandidatesarealsoappointedtothePrefectteamwhichintotal willnumberintheregionof15.TheaimistoappointthosestudentswhowillbecomeleadersoftheCollege.

Prizegiving

Subjectperformanceprizes,topoftheformawards,specialcertificates,specialawardsforcompetition,inter-House prizes and special sporting and leavers’ awards are presented at the College Senior Prizegiving. These awards cover thespectrumoftheCollegecommunityandcelebrateabreadthofachievement.ThereisalsoaJuniorPrizegivingat whichstudentsinForms1-3canberecognised.

ProgressReport

Progressreportsaresenttoparentsatstagedpointsinthecalendaryeartoprovideformalfeedbackonperformance Reporting is designed to give parents regular formal feedback on their child’s level of attainment and effort. It is a process which not only provides measurement of progress but should also be used to refine the quality of their learning Targets raised by teachers, tutors, parents or students themselves are instrumental for development and senseofresponsibility Sincedifferentyeargroupshavevaryingdemands,thereexistdifferentpatternsofreporting, buteachstudentreceivesatleastoneformalwrittenreport(subjectandtutor)eachyear Theywillalsoreceivegrade pointreports(aninstantmeasurementofattainmentandeffort)andexaminationreportseachyear.

Property

Students should safeguard their property travelling to and from College and at College All items should be clearly labelled Theuseofrelevantstorageandbagsinawisemannerwillaverttheloss,damageortheftofproperty,aswill ensuring possessions are handed in for safekeeping during games and PE Students must take responsibility not to leave possessions unattended at any time. Students must be especially careful to safeguard calculators, money, devices, mobile telephones etc. Valuable items should not be brought to school at all. Students must not bring to College items which could be viewed as offensive weapons, including knives, water pistols, laser pens, facsimile weaponsetc GamesandPEkitmustbetakenhomeweekly

Reception

The reception at the Senior School is manned each day from 7.30am until 5.30pm. Calls can be made to the Secretaries between these times. An answer phone service is in operation at all other times or when the desk is temporarilyunattended Messagesleftwithreceptionwillberelayedtostudentswherethisispossible RecyclingGroup

ArecyclinggroupoperatesintheCollegeanditcollectspaperfromalltheclassroomsandofficeseveryweek.There arealsorecyclingreceptaclesforplasticbottlesandcans.

Registration

Registrationtakesplaceformallyat825am Arrivalafterthistimeisnotedasalate Studentsarehoweverexpectedto beintheirtutorperiodat8.22am,fullypreparedforthelessonsoftheday.

ReligiousCustom

TheCollegeissensitivetothefactthatithasavarietyofdenominationsrepresentedinitsstudentandstaffbodies andwillseektohonouranyrequestswhichrelatetoreligiousobservanceinrespectofthesetraditionswherethisisat allpossible,forinstanceoverrulesrelatingtohair SuchrequestswillbeconsideredbytheHeadandmustbemadein writing so that the full extent and range of the request is understood. This does not compromise the College’s requirementfortheschoolcommunitytobeaninclusivebodywhererespectfulappreciationofitsCatholictraditions andrespectfulattendanceatreligiouspracticesisconsistentwiththisphilosophy.

ReligiousStudies

ThestudyofReligioniscompulsoryatallstagesoftheCollegeasacoresubjectinForms1-3,asisGCSEinForms4and 5andaswellasbeingofferedintheSixthForm.

ReligiousObservance

Parents are entitled to give instructions on the religious observances of their children, and they should be given a reasonable opportunity to observe their religious practices and days of obligation The itinerary for trips should be providedpriortodeparturetoallowforsuchinstructionstobeforthcomingandforarrangementstobemade.

ReportCards

Whereapatternofbehaviouraland/oracademicconcernsemergesincombinationwithdetentions,astudentmaybe placed on Report in order to address the overall concern The nature of the report may vary dependent upon the natureofthedifficultiesbeingencountered Thereportislikelytobeimposedforaperiodoftwoweeksinthefirst instance. There are different levels of Report, i.e. Tutor, Head of House or a member of the SLT. The student is requiredtoproducethedailyreportatthebeginningofeachlesson.

Theteacherwillsignthisattheendofthelesson,andmayberequiredtowriteacomment,providegradesfortargets asappropriate Thestudentwilltakethecompletedcardtothememberofstaffresponsibleformonitoringthereport attheendofeachdaywhilstonreport.Parentsarerequiredtoreadthecommentsmadeandthegradesawarded, providecomment,andsignthereportthatevening.Thecardistobereturnedthefollowingday.

RepresentingtheCollege

All who are selected to represent the College and House in team games, music, in drama and other events are requiredtoparticipateandattendnotifiedfixtures,practices,rehearsalsunlessdeterredbyillhealthorbysomeother causenotifiedtotheDeputyHeadinadvanceandagreed.

Responsibility

CentraltotheCodeofConductandthedaytodayworkingoftheCollegeisthateachstudentmustrememberthat theywillbeheldresponsiblefortheeffectsorresultsoftheiractionsandnotjustfortheirintentions (seealsoRules)

Retreats

RetreatsareregardedasanessentialaspectofthespiritualandcharacterformationofthestudentsintheCollegeand assucharetobeattended

RewardsandSanctions

SeeseparatetopicheadingsofRules,Merits,Awards,ColoursandSanctions,Detentions,SaturdayDetention,Marks, Informal,FormalandFinalWarnings,Suspensionetc.

RightsofPrivacy

Astudent’srightsofprivacyarewaivedifstaffbelievethereisapressingneedtopreventdisruption,misbehaviouror criminalactionorbreakingschoolrules(seesearch,screeningandconfiscation).

Rules

StudentsshouldknowtherulesandregulationsoftheCollege,thesanctionswhichcanapplyandtheprovisionsfor appeal Beyondtheserulesandregulations,thelawofthelandmustalwaysbeobserved

InparticularareasofCollegelife,theColumbancommitmentmeans:

1.Studentsarerequiredtoattendallscheduledclassesandassociatedactivities,includingfixtures,practices,cultural eventsandreligiousoccasions.

2 Studentsarerequiredtocompleteallassignmentsbythedeadlinessetandtothebestoftheirability

3 StudentsmustrespectboundsandrulesofaccesstotheCollege

4.Allabsencesmustconformtoagreedpractice.

5.Therearenocircumstanceswhenbullyinginanyformisacceptablebehaviour.

6.Studentsmaynotsmokeorpossesstobacco,vape,consumeorpossessalcoholicdrinksorillegalsubstances.

Safeguarding

St Columba’s College strives to educate all its students within an environment where the Catholic traditions of learning, truth, justice, respect and community are promoted. Consequently, the overall aim of this policy is to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children in our care. In situations where child abuse is suspected, our paramountresponsibilityistothechild.

InthisthepolicyandguidanceareconsistentwiththeaimsoftheGovernmentinsafeguardingofchildrento:

a Protectchildrenfrommaltreatment

b.Preventimpairmentofchildren’shealthordevelopment

c.Ensurethatchildrenaregrowingupincircumstancesconsistentwiththeprovisionofsafeandeffectivecare

d Takeactiontoenablechildreninneedhaveoptimumlifechances

SaturdayDetention

Saturday Detention is issued for an escalation of a previous problem or more serious matters. It is given after consultationbetweentheHeadofHouseandDeputyHead.ASaturdaydetentionwillinvolvewrittenworksetbythe appropriate teacher or some other disciplinary imposition. Saturday Detentions take place between 9.00am and 1100am Atleast24hours’noticeofadetentionisgiveninwriting

ScholarAward

Following the end of year reports and examinations, students in Forms 1-4 will be assessed to establish those who haveachievedasignificantmajorityof1sforeffort(withoneortwoexceptionsandwithno3sor4srecorded).They mustthenalsoachieveasnearaspossibleafullsetofAgrades(withsomeA*s)intheirTrinityTermreport Thesame applies in the end-of-year examinations (although the criteria in examinations may be adjusted when necessary) TherecanbenogradeslowerthanaBgradeachievedintheoverallpicture ForstudentsinForm5movingintothe Lower 6th, each student achieving a GCSE grade point average typically of 8.0 or above will be credited with the award,althoughtheexactfigurevariesyearonyear.

ThosetransferringfromLower6thtoUpper6thwilltypicallyreceivetheawardwheretheyhaveanaveragegradein end-of-yearexamsofAABorhigher Furthermore,theyshouldhavenoCgradesor3sforeffortintheirEasterreport

Thebadgecanonlybewornfortheacademicyearforwhichisitawarded

Tosecureascholarbadgeforthefollowingyear,thesamecriterionmustbeachieved.

SchoolClosure

IftheCollegehastocloseduetoexceptionalcircumstances,forexample,extremeadverseweather,theCollegewill switch to live online lessons via Microsoft Teams Details of the schedule for the closure day will be shared with parentsandstudentsasquicklyasispossible.IftheCollegeisclosed,eventsandtripsarelikelytobepostponedor cancelled.Ifclosed,wewillsendoutanupdateatmidday,eitherexplainingtheplanforthefollowingdayorgivinga timeframeforwhenwecanconfirmarrangementsgoingforward

SchoolGateway

WerecommendthatparentsdownloadtheAppSchoolGateway SchoolGatewaycanbeusedtopurchasecatering credit,signupforclubsandmakeotherpaymentsincludingtripsandcoaches

SearchingandScreening

Staffhavethepowertosearchproperty,lockersandaccessdataandimagesonmobilephonesandinternetenabled devices (should students bring these items into school) if it is suspected that what is stored may cause harm – for instance damage relationships or be used in bullying situations, disrupt teaching or break school rules (or the law) Should a student protest his/her rights of privacy, these are waived as these reasons for search or screening take precedence.He/shecertainlyhasarighttoaprivatelife,butinterferenceispermittedtopreventdisorderorcrime. Should a student protest against having his/her device scrutinised by a teacher then he/she would have to have a policeofficercarryoutthesearchinstead.Theseverityoftheoutcomeswouldthereforechange.

SecondHandUniform/Shop

Thesecond-handuniformshopoperatesonceperhalfterm,coincidingwithaSCPAcoffeemorningandisrunbythe Parents’Association.ThesedatesarenotifiedintheCollegecalendaronthewebsiteandoftenalertedtoparentsvia email.

Security

Studentsarefundamentallyresponsiblefortheirownsecurity However,theschoolrulesandregulationsasexpressed intheCodeofConductprovideguidanceregardinghowtheCollegeseekstopromoteastudent’shealthandsafety Studentsshouldmarkalltheirbelongingssotheycanbereturned.

Allbelongingswhichareretainedbyastudentonhis/herpersonmustbelookedafterandblazersandbagsnotbeleft unattended ForPEandGames,asystemoperatesforthecollectionandsafekeepingofpersonalbelongingsincluding devices,walletsandmobilephones NobelongingsotherthanclothinganditemsrelatedtoGamesaretobeleftinthe changingrooms Staffcantakenoresponsibilityfortheirlossortheftifthisisthecase

S.H.A.P.E

StColumba’shasimplementedabespokeSHAPEframework,andtheCo-curriculartimetableinformsstudentsofall studentactivitiestakingplaceinschoolandonaweeklybasis TheSHAPEframeworkincludesactivitiessuchas:

Serviceactivities,suchasStudentMinistry,Recyclinggroupsandcharitywork

Houseactivities,suchascompetitionsandevents

Academicclubs,suchasregularsubjectclinicsandspecialistexamgroupworkshops

Physicalactivities,suchasSport

Extra-curricular,whichincludesalltheclubsintheschool,forexample,music,drama,cookeryandscrabble

TheSHAPEtimetablecanbefoundonyourchild’sSOCsaccountandviatheschoolwebsite Byincludingallactivities inoneplace,parentscanseethevarietyofactivitiesavailabletotheirchildren,atlunchtimesandafterschool,many ofwhichoffertheopportunitytodevelopnewskills,becreative,andexplorenewwaysofthinkingabouttheworld.

Students'involvementintheSHAPEprogrammeistracked,aspartoftheirprogressthroughtheschool Itisintegrated intotheschoolawardsframework

Shoes

Shoesmustbeblack,ofapolishablematerial,generallyleatheruppersandworntoandfromschool.Blacktrainers, canvasstyleoranyothervariationoffootwearisnotpermitted Studentswhoforwhateverreasoncometoschoolin non-regulation footwear must report to the Deputy Head following registration and they will be issued with black plimsollstowearuntilthematterisrectified Ifinjuryormedicalreasondemandsthatnon-regulationfootwearmust beworn,thenalettermustbeprovidedtotheHeadofHouse/DeputyHead.

InformationissharedviaSIMStorecordallinformationaboutastudent’sschoollifetoincludeallpersonalcontact details, record absence, generate reports, track SHAPE participation, achievements, involvement in activities and behaviouralmatters.ThesystemisusedtodisseminatestudentinformationtoHousestaff.

SixthForm

The 6th Form comprises students who have progressed from 5th Form, plus approximately 30 external candidates whojoinfromotherschools Students’progressto6thFormonthebasisofachievingastrongsetofGCSEsfortheir nextcoursesofstudy.StudentstakingonALevelsareexpectedtoachieveatleastgrade5sinEnglishLiteratureand Maths,with6sintheirchosenALevelcoursesandaGradePointAverageof6;studentsstudyingAAQswillneedat least4sinMathsandEnglishwithanequivalentofatleasta5intheirchosensubject,andaGradePointAverageofat least45 Assignificantisthefactthattheyhavedemonstratedthroughtheirfirstfiveyearsthattheirbehaviourand attitude is such that they will be productive members of the 6th Form The majority take three subjects at A-Level, howeverthosewhoareablecantakefour TheyarebasedintheSixthFormCentre,wheretheyhaveacommonroom andcafé,andmuchoftheirteachingandtutoringtakesplaceintheSeminarroomsofthisbuilding.

SmartWatches

SmartwatchesarebannedfromuseintheCollege

Currently,suchdevicesmakethemmoreofaliabilitythanabenefittoeducation Theycouldbeusedtoaccessthe internet to supplement knowledge during tests or examinations and participation in social media/email/messaging duringlessontime.Thisisaparticularconcernforthosestudentstakinganyformofpublicexaminationorinvolvedin any form of controlled coursework or assessment as reference to such a device, by accident or design, will be regarded as cheating and has to be reported, the outcome invariably being the cancellation of the paper being sat Otherrisksmightincludemisbehaviourbeingfilmedandpostedonline Adigitaloranaloguewatchplusthemobile phonepolicyweoperateismorethansufficienttocaterforneeds.Smartwatcheswornwillbeconfiscatedandheld untilparentsareabletocollecttheitemsinperson.

Smoking(includingVaping)

NosmokingispermittedontheCollegepremises StudentsarenottosmokeinCollegeuniformorhavecigarettes(ecigarettesorotherderivatives)orothertobaccoproductsintheirpossessionwhichwillberegardedasevidenceofthe intentiontosmoke.SmokingisnotpermittedatCollege-relatedevents,onfieldtrips,orwhiletravellingtoandfrom College,whetherornotinCollegeuniform,norbySixthFormersoffcampus.Studentswillberegardedashavingbeen smokingorintendingtosmokeifsmokecanbedetectedontheirbreathandorclothing,oriftheyareequippedto smoke(eg,carryingcigarettelighters,vapes,tobaccopapersetc) Studentswhoassociatewithothersintheactof smoking, even if not smoking themselves, will by their presence be regarded as condoning it and as such will be regardedasaccomplices.Suchstudentsmaybesubjecttothesamesanctionsasthosewhosmoke.

SocialMedia

OurrecommendationisthatyoudonotallowyourchildtouseanysocialmediabeforetheendofForm3 Thisfallsin linewithGovernmentadviceanditissound Studentsarenotsophisticatedenoughtomanagethemeffectively–not just their own messaging but that of others The material can be upsetting and time consuming to respond to Our principleofoperationistosuggestthatifyouallowaccesstosocialsites,youshouldencourageyourchildnottowrite anythingdownandsenditwhichisinanywaynegativeaboutanyone.

TheCollegeisnotobligedtoinvestigatetheabuseofSocialMediacommunicationsbutifitseesthereisavaluein doingsoinordertoensuregoodrelationships,itwillseektodosoandmaywellimposesanctionsonthosewhoare its perpetrators Parents may, however, be recommended to take the matter to the police if the abuse warrants it (SeeE-Safetypolicy).

Sports Day takes place in the Trinity Term All students in Forms 1-4 are expected to take part and attendance is compulsory Parents are invited to attend and the proceedings take place at Westminster Lodge Athletics Track ParkingisavailableatWestminsterLodgeCarPark

StretchandChallenge

Stretch and Challenge Strategies are in place to provide for all students. While each subject employs strategies in lessons,therearealsoanumberofS&CactivitiesavailableintheSHAPEtimetable,bothsubjectspecificandprovided bytheS&CDepartment Enrichmentdaysofferopportunitiesthrougheducationalvisitsandactivitiesaswellasother plannedvisitstomuseums,thetheatre,galleries,lecturesetc.TheS&CDepartmentmonitortheScholars,providing specificS&Copportunitiesforthem,whicharealsoofferedtothewiderschoolcommunityandpupilswithapassion and motivation for learning. The “In Search Of” and “The Significance Programme” are S&C Department provisions specifically designed to stretch and challenge pupils, broadening their academic and cultural horizons, where a numberofinschoolsessionsarefollowedbyanexternaltrip ForF4andF5thereareReadingGroupsandTheGood Place,aswellasarangeoftrips

StudentFormation

TheconceptofStudentFormationshouldbeconsideredinitsbroadestsensetomeanastudent’s‘vocation’orcall towards,family,societyandpersonalfulfilment ItliesattheheartofeverythingwedoatSCC,andhasapersonal, moral,socialandspiritualdimensionthatembedsourcorevalues Itisintendedtoengageallstudentswithvoluntary andadditionalactivitiestostudies,andthatthisisconsideredthenormforColumbanstudents.Overthecourseofthe yearwepromotetheSHAPEprogrammeindifferentwaystoparentsandstudentstoensureourcommunityisaware howitdevelopsacrossallyeargroups,howthestudentsengagewithit,howitinfusestheirlearningexperience,and how it is embedded in their own profile The Assistant Head for Student and Staff Wellbeing leads on the SHAPE framework

StudentVoice

ASchoolCouncilmadeupofrepresentativesfromeachoftheyeargroupsmeetsonaregularbasistoreviewpolicy, developideasandprovideachannelofcommunicationofstudentmatterstotheSchoolleaders.Thegroupischaired bytheselectedSixthformersandstaffrepresentativesinliaisonwiththeSLT

StudentWelfare–KeyPersons

Thereareanumberofkeystaffintheschool,allofwhomseektosupportyourchildanditisusefultoappreciateallof theirrolesfromdayone:

TutorandHeadofHouse

Essentiallythetutorandyourchild’sHeadofHousearekeyinmanagingawaymostofthesituationswhichoccurona regularbasis.Thetutorwillhavecontacteverymorningatregistration–soitisimperativetobeontime.Thereare alsotwootherweeklymeetingsofanextendedtime.

TheHeadofHousecoordinatestheresponsesofthedifferentyeargroups,andsuchistheirrolethatheorsheislikely tobeaconstantinfluence,evenwhentutorsmoveon

NewStudentCo-ordinator

To specifically attend to the needs of Form 1 and other new students, the College aids transition through the New Student Co-ordinator. They work directly with the tutors and attend to matters and organisational aspects of their schoollivesasaparticularconcern Theywillalsoaddressanycross-Houseissueswhichmayarisebycoordinatinga response TheirresponsibilityextendstomanagingaspectsofthePastoralProgrammerelevanttothestudentssuch astheBuddyingProgramme,organisationalmatters,rewardsandtargetsetting,examinationrevision,etc Theyalso coordinateandmanageallmattersrelatedtotheactivitiesweekendawayusuallyatSkernLodgeinDevontowards theendoftheacademicyear.

NursingStaff

The Nursing staff are available to provide the necessary care and guidance to parents as well as the students, and thereisaprogrammeofimmunisationwhichtheyorganiseasthestudentsmovethroughtheschool.Theyalsodeliver someFirstAidtrainingtostaffandstudents

StudyLeave

Studyleaveisgrantedtoexaminationclasses(Form5andU6)justpriortotheirpublicexaminations,currentlymid May.Studyleaveisgrantedontheunderstandingthatifstudentswishtostudyinschool,theydosoaccordingtothe fullCollegerulesregardingbehaviouranduniformandthattheyareonsiteforfullsessionsofstudy.

SubjectAwards

Students whose work or effort is of such a standard that it is deserving of note can be given a Subject Award This award is made by subject staff members who forward their nomination to the Subject Leader for agreement. The awardcanbemadeatanyleveloftheCollege,LowerSchool,GCSEorA-Level.Theawardsaretobeforwardedtothe relevantHeadofHouseforawardatthenextavailableHouseAssembly

SubjectLeadersAward

Studentswhoseattainmentoreffortoverasustainedperiodoftimeisofsuchastandardthatitisdeservingofnote canbegivenaSubjectLeaderAward.ThisawardismadebytheSubjectLeaderafterconsultationwithdepartment members. The award can be made at any level of the College, Lower School, GCSE or A-Level. The awards are forwardedtotheHeadtobedistributedatthenextfullSchoolassembly

SubjectChoicesForms3

SubjectchoicesforGCSEandthenforSixthFormarecoordinatedbytheDirectorofStudies.Theprocessissupported byaCareersprogrammeandtutorialinputsothatthechoicesmadebythestudentsareinformedones.Theindividual detailrelatingtoeachstagewillbecommunicatedtoparentswellinadvanceofsuchchoiceshavingtobeagreedand thecompulsorycoreofstudywillalsobecommunicated [SeeCurriculum] Everyattemptismadetoaccommodate the combination of choices desired by the students, but this may not always be possible given trends, staffing and accommodation.Wherethisisthecaseparentswillbecommunicatedwithovertheissuesandthealternatives.

Suspension

A student may be suspended from College as a response to a particularly serious offence, or repeated offences, or persistentfailuretomeetdeadlinesset,forexampleinregardtoacademicassignmentsornon-compliancewiththe Dress Code Suspension means that the student’s place is temporarily withdrawn The period of suspension will be determinedbytheHead.Afterareviewmeetingwithparentsandstudent,andfollowingclearandwrittenassurances by the student, the Head may re-admit the student. The restoration of the student’s place will be conditional upon good conduct and may be subject to Formal Warning or Final Warning A student is unlikely to be suspended more thanonceforthesameoffence;permanentexclusionislikelytobetheresultoffurtherseriousoffences TargetGrades

Targetgradesarethoseagreedbyteachersandsharedwithstudents,whichneedtobeaspiredtowards.Thisforms partofthemonitoring,trackingandtargetsettingstrategyoftheCollegeforallstudents.Suchtargetgradesmaybe interim,providedasstagingpostsattachedtomeetingagreedstrategies

Tattoos

Body painting, tattoos and body piercing are forbidden as is the wearing of any associated jewellery with such practices.

TeachingGroups

InForms1,2and3studentsaremixedintermsofabilitytoprovideteachinggroupsofAndre,Benedict,Francisand Ignatius The groups are mixed in terms of House composition and can change each year in order to allow for a different social mix of students Students are set by ability in Maths throughout the school to allow students to developattheforefrontoftheirabilityandinEnglish,ScienceandMFLfromForm3onwards.Allotherteachingsets aremixedabilityasareGCSEandA-Levelclasses.

TermDates

Term Dates are published on the calendar on the College website The dates for subsequent academic years are generallyavailablebyOctobereachyearandthenpublishedtoparents.

Theft

StealingordamagingpropertybelongingtoanyothermemberoftheCollegecommunityisaseriousoffenceagainst Collegerules Personsresponsibleforsuchinfringementswillberequiredtocompensateforthedamage,lossortheft andwillplacetheirfutureattheCollegeinjeopardy Clearlytheregulationagainststealingappliesinspheresoutside theCollege,especiallytothecaseofshopliftingwhenontrips.WhilsttheCollegewillendeavourtoinvestigatethefts the onus is on student to take every precaution against this eventuality. Theft should be reported to the student’s teacheratthetimeofthisoccurringbutalsototheHeadofHouseimmediatelyafteritbecomesapparent.

TieredPapers(PublicExaminations)

Where the College feels that it is in the best interests of a student, it reserves the right to enter a student for an appropriatetierofentryforapublicexaminationornottoenterthemforapublicexamination.

Ties/Badges

EachstudentmustweartheirHousetie/badgeasaminimumrequirement He/shemayalsowearanyotherSchool tieorbadge,forwhichtheyhadgainedthehonour,toincludehalfandfullHousecolours

SixthFormershavetheirowntieorlanyardtowearasaminimumrequirement.Tiesaretobetiedsothattheyare conventionalinstyle,nottoothin,fat,short,longorwideandinlengththeyaretoreachthebottombuttonofthe shirt

Toilets

Studentsareexpectedtousethetoiletfacilitiesresponsiblyduringbreaks.Thetoiletsinthechangingroomareasare nottobeusedatbreakorlunchtimeunderanycircumstances.

TouchPolicy

Child protection sensibilities in the past have led to schools adopting what has been called a “no touch policy” However, there is no such thing as a no touch policy operating in schools Staff should always be judicious where physicalcontactoccursrecognisingitsappropriatenessinrespondingtoclassroomneeds.Thismightbe,forinstance, inPhysicalEducationlessons,aswellasintermsofcomfortingstudentsindistress.Itisrecognisedandunderstood that most adults and young people use touch in a thoughtful and appropriate manner and that physical touch is a formofnormalhumancommunication Whereparentshaveanissuerelatedtothis,theyareinvitedtofollowofficial channelsthroughthecomplaint’sprocedure

Trips

Students are to follow carefully all instructions concerning out-of-class activities; these include games fixtures and practices, official outings and trips, and other formal College activities Behaviour should be beyond reproach Electronicdevicesmayonlybeusedwithpermission Nounrulybehaviourisallowed Dressshallbeasdirectedbythe organiseroftheouting:Collegeuniformorsmartcasuals Thoseinappropriatelydressedmaybeturnedaway Special instructions,e.g.,concerningbounds,timingsorcurfews,onfieldtripsaretobeobservedscrupulously.

Rules and regulations stipulated in the Code of Conduct apply to all trips and excursions. Trip inclusion is not an automaticrightforstudentsbutwillbeassessedagainsttheirdisciplinaryprofileandhowcooperativetheyarelikely tobeinanoutofschoolcontext

Tutor–Roleof,Contactwith

The tutor is central to the relationship students and parents have with the College. Outside of individual subject concernswheretheissueistobedirectedtotheteacher,virtuallyallothermatterswillbecommunicatedtoandfrom thetutor TheHeadofHousemaytakeaparticularinterestinsomemattersandwillretainanoverallbriefregarding eachstudentintheirHouseashe/sheprogressesthroughtheCollege Parentsmustnotfeelthatanymatteristoo trivialoverwhichtomakecontact FormalmeetingswithtutorscanbearrangedatParentsEveningbutthemajority of contact is on a need basis and at mutually agreed times. Email is advised and this can then be followed by telephonecontact.

Tutor teams may vary from year to year depending on staff movement Staff may also prefer to tutor specific year groupsbecoming“specialist”inaparticularagegroup,forinstanceForm1asinductionworkissignificant,whereas others prefer to move through with a tutor group form year to year There is no set policy either whole school or withinHousesbutratheramoreflexibleapproachwhichservestousestaffexpertisetoitsbestadvantage.

Uniform

StudentsaretobedressedaccordingtoCollegerules:thiscomprisestheCollegeblazer,suppliedbyStevensonsofSt Albans,awhiteshirt,shortorfull-lengthsleeve,Housetieorbadge(orotherties/badgesawardedbytheCollegeor gainedasrepresentativehonours),darkgrey,fulllength,straightlegschooltrousersorpleatedknee-lengthregulation Collegeskirtandblackpolishableshoes.SixstripesaretobevisiblewhenwearingastandardHousetie.Allotherties mustconformtothelengththatthisestablishesasthenormforwearingties.

WhenajumperiswornthismustberegulationblackandV-necked Jumpersthatcoverthetie,includinghoodies,are notacceptable Overcoatsmustbeblackornavybluewithoutlogos ACollegescarfisalsoavailablefromStevensons outfitters.InsummermonthsspecialinstructionsregardinguniformwillbeannouncedbytheDeputyHead.

Shoes must be black, polishable, sturdy and low-heeled. Trainers style or canvas shoes are not permitted. Leather jacketsarenotconsideredsuitableasovercoats,norarefleecesorhoodystylegarments.Scarvesmaybeplainblack or navy blue Gloves and beanie style headgear of similar colour may be worn in the winter Baseball caps are not permitted Greyanklesockstobewornwithtrousers Nowhitesocks,canvasshoes,trainersorboots Tightstobe opaqueandplainblackordarkgrey.Nomake-up,falsenailsornailvarnishtobeworn.

PE and Games: Sportswear for Games is supplied by the retailer, Tylers. Trainers are to be worn for PE lessons and musthaveanon-markablesole,forgameslessonspupilswillneedfootball/rugbybootstoincludesafetystudsand shin pads Pupils will not be allowed on to the 4G pitch without boots We recommend astro turf trainers for the MUGA,however,trainerswillsuffice Gameskitiscompulsoryinwintermonthsandstudentswillbeadvisedofthe changetoPEkitforGamesasweatherbecomesappropriate.Ifastudentpersistsincontraventionoftheserules,they willbesubjecttodisciplinaryresponsesincludingbeingsenthome.

Weaponsanddangerousitems

Itisacriminaloffencetocarryanoffensiveweaponorknifeontoschoolpremises,includingplayingfieldsandother schoolrelatedeventsoractivities.Offensiveweaponsaredefinedas‘anyarticlemadeoradaptedwhichmaycause injury to a person by accident, or intent as a result of the person having it with him or it being used by or in the possession of some other person’. This includes replica items and laser pens. The weapon will be confiscated, and parentswillbeinvitedtocollectit,oritwillbedisposedoforhandedontothepolicedependingonthenatureofthe incident Thestudent willbesubject toCollegesanction:detention,fixedtermexclusionorpermanent exclusionas appropriate Thiswilldependonthedegreetowhichtheitemwasusedtocausealarmorharmtoothers Theextent ofthiswillbedeterminedbytheCollegeuponinvestigation.

Asageneralrule,thepolicewillbecalledtodealwithanyseriousincidentbelievedtoinvolveaweapon.

WestminsterLodgeCarPark

WestminsterLodgeCarParkservesasthedrop-offandpickuppointsforallSeniorparentstravellingtotheCollege usingtheirownvehicles Similarly,itisalsousedbytheseveralcoacheswhichservicetheCollege Studentsarrivingby coacharetomaketheirwayimmediatelytoCollegefromWestminsterLodgeCarPark Studentsarenottoloiterin thecarparkortouseanyofthelocalamenities,butimmediatelywalktotheplaygroundalongthetarmacpath.They aretoreturntocoachesbythesamerouteintheeveningandthesamerulesapply.ParentsshouldbeawarethatSt AlbansCouncilhavenowintroducedachargingsystemforuseofWestminsterLodgeCarPark.

WetLunch

In the event of inclement weather, as determined by the Deputy Head, the whole College will follow Wet Lunch Procedure, which involves everyone in the College community. Normal activities including lunchtime detentions are cancelledonsuchaday.

WithdrawalfromCollege

Whereastudent’sprofileandpatternofbehaviourorfailuretorespondtotheacademicexpectationsoftheCollege due to lack of compliance become unacceptable to the College, parents may decide, after consultation and review withtheHead,thatwithdrawalfromtheCollegeisthebestcourseofaction.Suchagreedwithdrawalisnotusually subjecttothecontractualnoticerequirements.

YELLIS

YELLIS(Year11InformationSystem)isafurtheraptitudetesttakenatthebeginningofForm

4. The skills measured are in Mathematics, Vocabulary and Non-verbal. The test produces standardized scores and bands,measuredalongthesameprinciplesasforMidYIS.ItalsoproducespredictedGCSEscores/gradeswhichstaff usetotrackprogress SubjectLeadersproducevalue-addeddatafromtheproductionofresidualsbycomparingactual GCSEoutcomewithpredictedGCSEgradesfromYELLIS