The fundamental aims of the Pupil Discipline Policy and Procedures for Staff are to:
• reward good pupil conduct
• give pupils responsibility and accountability for their own behaviour
• encourage pupils to make wise decisions regarding behaviour
• give pupils opportunities to learn from their mistakes
• empower teachers to have control of the learning environment
• have minimum disruption to learning when misconduct takes place
Pupils are expected to behave well in school and there is a hierarchy of sanctions to deal with escalating misconduct. There are three levels of ‘power’, namely, Class Teacher, Principal Teacher and Senior Manager. At each level, the teacher uses a prescribed list of actions before referring to the next level. At the lowest level, pupils who misbehave get a:
• reprimand to remind them to behave properly
• warning of a consequence if you continue
• consequence such as an Improving Behaviour Exercise for parent/carer’s signature
If pupils do not respond as required to the consequence, referral is made to the next level. Further sanctions include:
• being sent to another teacher’s room, called a virtual supervision room
• being sent to the ‘real’ supervision room
• getting a double Exercise from the Principal Teacher
• the Principal Teacher contacting parents
• being referred to a Senior Manager
• lunchtime detention
• the Senior Manager contacting parents
• exclusion
The discipline system has evolved after extensive consultation with staff and modification in the light of experience. The authors of the policy are the staff of Garnock Academy. The system works well when all stakeholders play their part. Every teacher has a duty to understand and implement the procedures faithfully – and sometimes forsake personal preference - for the overall good of the school community.