Behaviour and Discipline
Tower College enjoys an excellent reputation for good behaviour. This has been built up with mutual respect between teachers, pupils and parents. We all share the same aims for our children; that they should enjoy their school life free from disruptive or aggressive behaviour, that they should learn right from wrong, that they should learn that each of their actions has a consequence and that they should appreciate honesty and trustworthiness are very laudable characteristics to have. As a Christian school, the school ethos is one of care and respect for others and for their belongings. Pupils are expected to obey the rules which are there for everyone’s safety, education and well-being, at school, at the After-School Club or on the coach.
Pupils who choose to disregard the manners and rules of Tower College will be disciplined, in a manner appropriate to their age, the seriousness of their misdemeanour and the number and frequency of their misdemeanours. It is impossible to list every misdemeanour as children can be quite inventive, but the following is a guide to disciplinary measures that may be taken, and of how parents are informed.
In the Nursery and Kindergarten, children who behave inappropriately will be reprimanded by their class teacher, classroom assistant or teacher on duty at playtime or in the Dining Hall. Minor instances of inappropriate behaviour may result in a child not being allowed to join in at playtime, or not being allowed to bring a toy on toy day(Friday). A record is kept of such punishments, and parents are informed in writing on the third occasion. If bad behaviour is repeated or serious, such as bad language or aggression, then the Head of Kindergarten will reprimand the culprit. Further repetition will result in the Principal being informed. She will then speak to the child about their behaviour and write a letter informing the parents. It is very rare for a Nursery or Kindergarten pupil to be suspended or expelled, but if a child is persistently aggressive to other children, then up to three suspensions (one to three days in duration) would be given.
Procedures for Junior children are very similar. Pupils may be put on detention, which takes place at break time, under supervision. Pupils usually complete a worksheet that is relevant to what they have done. A record of detentions is kept, and parents are informed after the third detention. Pupils breaking the coach rules (walking about, not wearing seat belts etc) will be noted in the Coach Book, and again, parents are informed on the third occasion of a child’s name being entered. As in Nursery & Kindergarten suspension is used for serious or repeated bad behaviour.
Senior pupils are subject to the same sanctions as Juniors and Kindergarten, and parents are informed every three detentions. Punishment essays may be given, by staff or by prefects. A record is kept of these and the prefects’ punishments are monitored by staff to ensure fairness. Senior pupils may also be given Order Marks, which are given for serious misdemeanours such as cheating, repeated lying, repeated flouting of the Uniform Regulations, bad language or disrespect towards a teacher or member of staff. Repeated flouting of the rules can lead to suspension. Pupils using foul language in front of staff or younger pupils can expect a suspension. We do not tolerate bullying, smoking, drinking alcohol or drugs. Pupils can expect expulsion for these offences.
If a child of any age persists in unacceptable behaviour after three suspensions, then he or she will be expelled.
Parents will be informed in writing (via the pupil and by post) of suspensions and expulsions. This is to avoid parents’ potential embarrassment and inconvenience at receiving telephone calls and summons to school about such issues while they are at work
Parents may appeal against a decision to expel by writing to the Chairman of the Board of Governors c/o Tower College.